Building Namibia’s renewable energy future through skills development
Namibia’s ambition to become a global leader in green hydrogen is gathering momentum, with large projects planned for the //Kharas Region and beyond. The country’s abundant sunshine, strong coastal winds and export potential have attracted international investors, especially around Lüderitz. Yet true success will not be measured in megawatts or tonnes exported, but in whether Namibians themselves are equipped to build and manage this new industry.Green hydrogen is more than an energy source. It represents a chance to diversify the economy, reduce electricity imports, and stimulate growth across logistics, manufacturing and services. Large projects could create lasting, high-value jobs, particularly in the //Kharas Region, where port access and strong wind and solar conditions make Lüderitz a focal point for development.
Building these projects requires workers across the value chain, from managers, artisans and engineers during construction, to technicians, logistics specialists and maintenance staff once operational. Namibia already has many of these skills, but most workers lack the internationally recognised certifications demanded by global projects. Tradespeople such as welders and riggers may be experienced, but without qualifications like the Red Seal, they cannot fully participate.
Urgent challenge
This makes certification and upskilling the country’s most urgent challenge. Government, training providers and industry are now collaborating through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centres, apprenticeships and bridge training programmes tailored to project needs, including hydrogen safety. International training exchanges are also giving Namibians opportunities to gain global expertise before bringing it back home.
The Namibia Training Authority is supporting this drive with incentives for companies that invest in local training. Recruitment initiatives are prioritising youth from host communities, ensuring that benefits remain rooted locally.
Ultimately, aligning workforce readiness with investment is essential. Without it, projects risk being staffed by foreign labour, limiting economic impact and slowing knowledge transfer. But with coordinated action, Namibia can secure not only energy independence, but also broad-based economic growth.
A people-centred approach—focused on skills, certification and community participation—will ensure green hydrogen powers not just the grid, but Namibia’s long-term prosperity.
*Julien Karambua is the Country Manager at Workforce Staffing Namibia.