Youth Summit Calls for Bold Action to Empower Namibia’s Oil & Gas Future

Namibia’s burgeoning oil and gas sector took center stage this July as young professionals, policymakers, and industry stakeholders convened for the second edition of the Youth in Oil and Gas Summit. At the forefront of the dialogue was Justina Erastus, Founder of the Summit, whose passionate opening address called for urgent, inclusive action to integrate young Namibians into the heart of the country’s energy future.

Held against the backdrop of Namibia’s approaching first oil production—expected by 2029—the summit served as both a symbolic and strategic gathering, aimed at equipping the next generation of Namibian leaders with the tools, connections, and mindset necessary to take part in—and lead—the nation’s energy transformation.

A Movement Fueled by Youth, Policy, and Purpose

Erastus emphasized that the summit is not a one-time event, but rather a national movement built on collaboration, innovation, and hope. “This summit is situated at the crossroads of policy, investment and talent development, giving Namibians the tools to leverage their networks, sharpen their skills and launch their various careers,” she said.

From the outset, Erastus made a direct appeal to Namibia’s political and industry leaders: offer young people meaningful access to training, mentorship, and job opportunities. “It is not about experience,” she said. “If you don’t have the experience, how will you gain it if the leaders do not give us a chance?”

Turning Talk into Tangible Action

Her speech cut through conventional rhetoric by urging stakeholders to move beyond symbolic gestures and social media ‘clickbait’, and to create tangible career paths for youth. “We need to start hiring and training our youth,” Erastus said. “Investing in young Namibians is investing in the promise of a brighter tomorrow.”

In many emerging markets like Namibia, youth unemployment remains stubbornly high, despite promising developments in sectors such as energy. With the discovery of significant offshore reserves by oil giants including TotalEnergies, Shell, Chevron, Galp, Rhino Resources, and ReconAfrica, Namibia is poised to become a leading oil producer in the region. But the question remains—who will drive this transformation?

Erastus believes the answer lies with the country’s youth: “I see a future where Namibia is 100% electrified thanks to our oil and gas resources. A Namibia where we are a leading oil-producing country, fueling industrial growth and driving regional integration.”

Building the Value Chain—Room for Every Dream

Erastus challenged the common perception that oil and gas is a narrow field reserved for engineers and petrochemical experts. “This industry is not only for the geophysicist or engineer. It is a long, interconnected value chain that calls for logistics experts, catering companies, waste managers, communicators, asset custodians, and even creatives,” she stated.

The oil and gas sector encompasses upstream, midstream, and downstream operations—each offering unique employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. As Namibia prepares to develop infrastructure for domestic fuel refining and distribution, such as the Kudu gas field and Kavango basin, the need for a diverse workforce across technical and non-technical domains becomes increasingly urgent.

A Critical Window for Youth Inclusion

With commercial oil production still years away, Erastus stressed that Namibia has a rare opportunity to implement youth-centric policies before the industry reaches maturity. “We must empower the youth now, before the industry fully develops, ensuring they are not just spectators but architects of its foundation.”

She urged decision-makers to design inclusive frameworks that integrate skills development, internships, local content policies, and youth entrepreneurship support across every stage of the oil and gas lifecycle.

Such early inclusion will allow the country to build local capacity, retain revenue, and ensure that oil and gas becomes a nationally beneficial resource rather than a missed opportunity, as seen in many resource-rich developing countries.

Reimagining Leadership and Legacy

In her closing remarks, Erastus offered a vision not only of economic empowerment but of transformational leadership. “Let us think of ourselves not only as participants, but as the visionary leaders of tomorrow. Leaders who uplift our communities, who choose integrity over convenience, and who rewrite the narrative of possibility.”

She urged her peers to imagine a future where Namibia’s oil wealth leads to inclusive prosperity, environmental stewardship, and social equity. “Let us create a future that is prosperous, safe and enabling, not just for ourselves but for generations yet to come.”

Looking Forward: Namibia’s Youth and the Energy Transition

As Namibia accelerates exploration and prepares for first oil, the need for a homegrown, empowered workforce becomes more pressing. Summits like this—especially those designed and driven by young people themselves—serve as both platforms and catalysts for change.

Justina Erastus and her Youth in Oil and Gas Summit team are making the case that youth are not the future of the energy sector—they are its present. Their call is clear: it’s time for Namibia’s leaders to listen, to act, and to invest in the generation that will define the country's energy story.