As Namibia moves closer to becoming an oil-producing nation, Swapo Party MP Dr. Tobie Aupindi has raised concern about the country’s ability to meet the skills demands of the growing petroleum sector.

Tabling a notice of motion in the National Assembly, Dr. Aupindi proposed that the House discuss Namibia’s preparedness to supply the human capital needed across the upstream, middle and downstream activities within the oil and gas industry.

He highlighted that the discovery of commercially viable petroleum resources presents opportunities for economic growth, career development and technical advancement. 

However, he also warned that some oil-rich countries have fallen into the so-called "oil curse" due to poor planning for the production phase, often resulting in instability.

Dr. Aupindi noted that Namibia’s current workforce lacks the skills required in the upstream, middle, and downstream oil and gas sector, describing the situation as a non-starter. He called for a comprehensive skills gap assessment, a review of existing training programmes, and an evaluation of whether current policies are effectively promoting local employment in the industry.