Namibia’s newly established Upstream Petroleum Unit is spearheading a comprehensive review of the nation’s oil and gas regulatory framework, aiming to redefine the governance of its burgeoning petroleum sector.
As oil and gas exploration accelerates across the country’s offshore and onshore basins, the government is placing youth empowerment at the heart of this legislative transformation.
Speaking at the second edition of the Youth in Oil and Gas Summit in Walvis Bay, Kornelia Shilunga, Special Advisor and Head of the Upstream Petroleum Unit in the Office of the Presidency, underscored the significance of reshaping the regulatory landscape to reflect both the sector’s rapid evolution and the demographic reality of a youthful nation.
Addressing a diverse audience of students, policymakers, and energy professionals, Shilunga made clear that the government’s intention is not only to ensure operational efficiency and investor attractiveness but also to guarantee inclusive development.
“By 2024, a total of 28 offshore oil and gas exploration wells and 15 appraisal wells had been drilled, alongside 10 exploratory wells onshore.
“The country boasts an estimated 11 billion barrels of oil and approximately 2.2 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, making Namibia a key emerging player in the global energy sector.”
Kornelia Shilunga, Special Advisor and Head of the Upstream Petroleum Unit in the Office of the Presidency
Namibia Prioritizes Youth Inclusion
The creation of the Upstream Petroleum Unit is one of several strategic steps taken by the Namibian government under its eighth administration to leverage the country’s natural resources as a cornerstone for economic transformation.
“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that these discoveries benefit our people, especially our youth.”
Kornelia Shilunga, Special Advisor and Head of the Upstream Petroleum Unit in the Office of the Presidency
This move coincides with Namibia’s ambition to commence oil production from its Orange Basin discoveries by 2029, an objective supported by substantial offshore discoveries by international energy giants including Shell, TotalEnergies, Galp, and Eni.
Shilunga emphasized that youth empowerment is not an afterthought but a central pillar of Namibia’s upstream energy strategy.
She explained that beyond merely attracting investment, the upcoming policy reforms aim to harness the full economic potential of the petroleum sector in ways that are locally beneficial and socially inclusive.
“Under Namibia’s 8th administration, youth empowerment is a national imperative, not a secondary concern.”
Kornelia Shilunga, Special Advisor and Head of the Upstream Petroleum Unit in the Office of the Presidency
The urgency of this strategy is amplified by the demographic profile of the country. With approximately 71% of Namibia’s population under the age of 35 and projections showing that the population could double by 2050, ensuring young people are equipped and included in the energy sector is both an economic necessity and a moral obligation.
“I call for shared responsibility in this endeavor and challenge us all. I challenge industry players to invest in capacity building.”
Kornelia Shilunga, Special Advisor and Head of the Upstream Petroleum Unit in the Office of the Presidency
Shilunga challenged stakeholders from government, industry, and academia to embrace this responsibility.
Namibia’s upstream energy potential is vast, but unlocking its long-term value depends on strategic collaboration, well-structured policies, and investment in human capital.
AEC Endorses Youth-Centric Strategy
Her remarks were echoed by NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber (AEC), who praised Namibia’s youth-centric approach.
“By restructuring its regulations and implementing policies that support youth empowerment, Namibia is setting a strong standard for domestic oil and gas development in Africa.”
NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber (AEC)
Ayuk added that the Chamber fully supports the Namibian government’s efforts and views them as a model for other African nations seeking to localize energy sector growth.
The AEC has long advocated for youth engagement as a driver of innovation and resilience in Africa’s energy ecosystem.
It also commended the founder of the Youth in Oil and Gas Summit, Justina Erastus, for her leadership and vision in creating platforms that amplify youth voices in the industry.
With first oil production on the horizon and multi-billion-dollar investments pouring into offshore development projects, Namibia’s challenge now lies in shaping a petroleum industry that reflects both global standards and national development goals.
The Upstream Petroleum Unit’s regulatory review is poised to become a foundational element of that effort, ensuring that Namibia’s resources do not just generate revenue, but also opportunities for generations to come.
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