Walvis Bay Mayor urges youth to prepare for oil, gas and green hydrogen opportunities
Walvis Bay Mayor Johannes Shimbilinga has called on young people to equip themselves with the skills needed to benefit from employment opportunities expected to emerge from Namibia’s growing oil, gas and green hydrogen industries.
Speaking at the opening of the Erongo Regional Career Fair, Shimbilinga said the region is entering a period of economic transformation, with emerging industries set to reshape the labour market and create new career opportunities for those with the right qualifications and skills.
He said oil and gas exploration and energy projects are expected to create technical, managerial, skilled and support-service jobs, but stressed that local people must be adequately trained to ensure they benefit from these developments while promoting safety and environmental responsibility.
Shimbilinga described green hydrogen as another promising sector that could generate long-term, sustainable employment as the world transitions to cleaner sources of energy.
“If we invest in the appropriate skills, infrastructure and partnerships, we must start now,” he said, adding that these industries require a workforce with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) knowledge, technical expertise, critical thinking and adaptability.
He said the Erongo Region has the potential to position itself as a hub for both conventional and emerging energy industries if government, educational institutions and the private sector work together to prepare young people for future employment.
Addressing learners attending the Career Fair, Shimbilinga encouraged them to use the opportunity to engage with employers and training institutions, ask questions about qualifications, internships and apprenticeships, and gain a better understanding of different career paths.
He noted that employers increasingly value communication skills, teamwork, problem-solving abilities and a positive attitude alongside academic qualifications.
Describing the Career Fair as more than an exhibition of schools and training institutions, the Mayor said it serves as a platform that connects learners with employers, educators and industry, helping young people make informed decisions about their education and future careers.
Shimbilinga also paid tribute to teachers, saying they play a vital role in shaping the country’s future by equipping learners with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in different professions.
He called on employers and industry leaders to expand internship, apprenticeship and mentorship opportunities for local youth, while urging educational institutions to strengthen partnerships with industry and align their curricula with workplace demands.
The Mayor further appealed to government and regional authorities to support local hiring initiatives, invest in targeted skills development programmes and create policies that enable both existing and emerging industries to thrive.
He also encouraged parents and communities to support young people in exploring different career options and embracing lifelong learning.
In his closing remarks, Shimbilinga encouraged participants to take part in the Maritime Art Competition during Maritime Week, scheduled for 28 September to 5 October 2026, saying the initiative aims to raise awareness of Namibia’s maritime industry and the blue economy.
He expressed hope that the Erongo Regional Career Fair would inspire meaningful conversations that lead to scholarships, apprenticeships, employment opportunities and lasting partnerships, contributing to the country’s long-term economic development.
