The Namibia Youth Energy Forum (NYEF) made significant progress on Saturday with the inauguration of its Lüderitz Chapter, which is designed to empower young Namibians to engage actively in the rapidly-developing energy sector, encompassing oil & gas, hydrogen and renewable energy.
During the launch, Andreas Paulus, the head of strategy and operations, emphasised that this marks the commencement of remarkable developments. He urged young people to prepare for the burgeoning energy industry.
“Today, as we stand united in Lüderitz, we celebrate not just the launch of our branch, but the collective dream of empowering our fellow youth to illuminate the path toward a sustainable future. This achievement is a testament to the unwavering spirit and potential of our young leaders, proving that together, we can harness the power of energy to ignite change and inspire hope in our communities,” he said.
He added, “Looking back at when I started this organisation alone, I never knew I would be here in Lüderitz for the first time with 200 people in front of me. What that has taught me is to be committed in life, to be selfless, resilient, and have the courage to dream big, to be the voice of the voiceless, and commit to a cause in life. We have indeed made history in Lüderitz.”
In the days preceding the launch, it was noted that the NYEF arranged informative site visits to the TotalEnergies EP Namibia Base and the KAESO Energy Services Base located in Lüderitz.
These excursions, he said, offered participants a thorough understanding of the oil and gas operations within Namibia.
Laurent Roche, the managing director of TotalEnergies EP Namibia, presented a detailed overview of the lifecycle of oil and gas operations, emphasising the substantial impact of TotalEnergies EP Namibia on the industry. Additionally, he remarked that the NYEF plays a crucial role in empowering young Namibians in the energy sector by providing education, mentorship and networking opportunities, thereby motivating the upcoming generation to actively participate in shaping the energy landscape of Namibia. “The launch event featured engaging panel discussions with young professionals who have worked offshore in oil and gas activities. The general manager of KAESO Energy Services inspired the youth to explore opportunities within the industry, and presented on maximising local content in Namibia’s oil and gas sector,” Roche noted.
The event was highlighted as a significant success, attracting more than 200 attendees, which included young individuals from Lüderitz and surrounding areas, members of the local business community, and school-aged children.