Namibia’s burgeoning oil and gas industry has unveiled a critical skills gap in offshore catering services, a recent survey has revealed. The Industrial Baseline Survey, conducted by Deloitte Namibia, highlights a pressing need for the country to enhance its capacity in this specialised field to maximise benefits from the sector.
While Namibia gears up for its inaugural oil production in 2029, local catering companies currently lack the expertise and infrastructure required to meet the stringent standards of offshore operations. Melanie Harrison, country director of risk advisory at Deloitte Namibia, disclosed the findings during the survey’s launch last week, pointing out that supply chain readiness is a significant concern.
“Offshore catering services are among the skill areas identified as lacking,” Harrison remarked, noting that although certain local suppliers possess the foundational capacity, they require extensive upskilling to align with industry standards.
The survey, which evaluated workforce and industrial preparedness, identified 13 supply chains with minimal gaps, presenting immediate opportunities for local entities. However, Harrison emphasised that existing gaps, particularly in areas such as Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) compliance, remain a barrier to full participation.
“While 82% of respondents have elements of HSSE protocols in place, only 14% conduct annual reporting, 29% monitor HSSE compliance, and 57% provide training or undergo inspections,” she noted.
Moreover, the significant capital requirements of the upstream oil and gas industry present additional challenges for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). According to Harrison, the rigorous compliance demands of the sector often exclude local businesses, especially those owned by younger entrepreneurs.
“These requirements hinder local participation, necessitating additional support for businesses striving to meet the necessary standards,” she added.
The Namibian government has taken steps to address these challenges, with the Cabinet recently approving the National Upstream Local Content Policy. This framework seeks to prioritise local businesses and the workforce, ensuring Namibians are better positioned to benefit from the sector’s expansion. Mines and Energy Minister Tom Alweendo described the survey as a valuable tool in guiding future investments in skills development and infrastructure.
“This survey provides a clear picture of our current capabilities and the areas requiring improvement. It offers a roadmap for ensuring readiness,” Alweendo stated. He further stressed the importance of competitiveness, remarking, “Namibia is not the only oil-producing country. We must ensure we have the necessary human capability and infrastructure.”
The oil and gas industry’s rapid growth in Namibia has raised questions about inclusivity and readiness. While the local content policy is a positive step, industry stakeholders agree that collaborative efforts are needed to overcome existing challenges and build a thriving, competitive sector.
As Namibia eyes its oil production debut, fostering a skilled workforce and compliant supply chain remains critical to realising the industry’s full potential. The government, private sector, and international partners will need to coordinate efforts to bridge these gaps and ensure that the benefits of this transformative industry reach all Namibians.
