Petroleum Training and Education Fund (Petrofund) and FirstRand Namibia, through its subsidiary Rand Merchant Bank (RMB), have entered a N$1 million, two-year partnership aimed at training and upskilling Namibians in the petroleum industry.

The signing ceremony took place at the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference in Windhoek on Wednesday.

It was officiated by PetroDund CEO Nillian Mulemi and FirstRand Namibia CEO Conrad Dempsey.

This marks the first contribution by a local business toward supporting the trust fund’s mission to build domestic upstream oil and gas capacity.

Mulemi said the collaboration is more than a financial contribution, as it is a statement of shared vision. 

“It is proof that when local public and private sectors join hands with purpose and resolve, they can build an industry that is not only prosperous but also inclusive, sustainable and deeply rooted in national ownership,” she said.  

Mulemi added that through interventions like this, PetroFund ensures people have the skills, knowledge and opportunities to lead Namibia’s energy future, rather than merely observe it.

“The petroleum industry in Namibia is experiencing rapid growth, attracting both local and international stakeholders eager to explore, appraise and ultimately develop hydrocarbons.  

Considering this, the Petroleum Training and Education Fund (Petrofund) remains committed to fulfilling its mandate by building capacity through training, institutional development and scholarships,” she said. 

Dempsey noted that, at FirstRand Namibia, they recognise that the real value of Namibia’s oil and gas opportunity lies not only in resources but in the people. 

“This partnership with PetroFund reflects our commitment to developing local capacity by supporting skills development, strengthening local suppliers and helping to retain in-country value. We are proud to contribute to building a future where Namibians are equipped to lead in our own energy story,” said Dempsey. -pmukokobi@nepc.com.na