The Namibia Youth Energy Forum (NYEF) has appointed Ndapewoshali Shapwanale, Lydia Mutindi Jacobs and Olavi Hangula as members of its Advisory Board to empower and engage the youth in Namibia’s energy sector.

Shapwanale told Youth Corner yesterday that the energy sector has always shown the intentional inclusion of the youth in the industry. 

She said this is evident from different platforms such as conferences, providing opportunities for the youth to be part of the conversation.

“The Namibia Youth in Energy Forum can be applauded for their bold step in organising themselves, focusing on preparation and capacitation, to ensure meaningful participation in the industry,” she indicated.

Shapwanale added, “I am humbled and honoured that the NYEF deemed me fit to serve the youth in the sector as a member of the advisory board. I am a result of the industry allowing a youth member to participate meaningfully in the industry.”

She is looking forward to contributing to the forum from an ESG, stakeholder relations, compliance, strategic communication, and corporate affairs point of view.Shapwanale is the spokesperson of ReconAfrica.

Meanwhile, Hangula, with a strong foundation in international relations and business from the University of Rochester, and his involvement in the Namibian Green Hydrogen Association, brings a dynamic perspective to the advisory board.

The forum said his insights will be instrumental in empowering young Namibians to lead in the energy sector.

“Namibia is at an intersection where we are headed towards an energy revolution like we have never seen before. We are truly privileged in the sense that we are playing on both sides of the aisle, and transitioning at a fast pace. The number of solar projects we are rolling out, even more ambitiously the green hydrogen projects that are being anticipated,” he told Youth Corner yesterday.

Hangula is a mining and energy coverage manager at Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) Namibia. He strongly feels Namibia can fully transition to a greener world, and the trajectory onto which the country is headed is very opportune.

“I think for every single person, both directly and indirectly, my role being part of this board is to help shape that future. I know it may seem like a little role in contributing to creating the future we want to see from scratch, but it is worth it,” he noted.

He added that there is a need to ensure that resources ultimately benefit every single Namibian. “I think as the youth, what this board is doing is taking charge of our destiny.  What we are trying to say with the message we are sending across is that we are going to be at the forefront of directing where we want to go as a nation, using our newly-found resources,” he added.

Seasoned lawyer Jacobs has been roped in to enhance the Forum’s mission to empower young Namibians in the evolving energy landscape.

She has over 12 years of experience in law reform, policy development, and a strong focus on the energy sector.

She currently works with the Directorate of Law Reform at the Ministry of Justice. 

Jacobs emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts to propose initiatives that can be implemented at local, regional, or national levels, ensuring that the voices of the youth are heard in the formulation of energy policies.

The NYEF serves as the premier platform for youth engagement in Namibia’s energy sector, encompassing oil and gas, hydrogen and renewable energy. 

-psiririka@nepc.com.na