Saipem and the Petroleum Training and Education Fund (Petrofund) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop local skills and expand training opportunities for Namibians in the country’s emerging upstream oil and gas sector.
The agreement, signed on 22 September 2026, establishes a framework for the two organisations to collaborate on workforce development, knowledge transfer and initiatives aimed at preparing Namibian professionals for opportunities in the petroleum industry.
Under the MoU, Saipem and Petrofund will cooperate on on-the-job training, internships, scholarships, technical training, career fairs, supplier development and support for educational institutions.
The partnership will particularly target young Namibian professionals, university graduates and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates, providing opportunities to gain practical industry experience.
“A central element of the collaboration is the creation of opportunities for young Namibian professionals, university graduates and TVET graduates to gain practical industry experience,” the parties said in a joint statement.
Participants are expected to gain exposure to technologies, processes, equipment, safety standards and professional competencies used in the international oil and gas industry.
The agreement also covers mentoring and coaching programmes, technical knowledge sharing, curriculum development, research and innovation, as well as engagement with education and training institutions.
“By combining Petrofund’s mandate for skills development with Saipem’s international expertise, the parties aim to contribute to building a sustainable pipeline of talent capable of supporting Namibia’s rapidly expanding upstream oil and gas industry,” the statement said.
Saipem, a global engineering and construction company, said Namibia’s developing energy sector provides an opportunity to invest in local skills and workforce development.
“For Saipem, the growth of Namibia’s energy sector represents a significant opportunity to invest in local talent and skills development. Through the collaboration with Petrofund, the company intends to support workforce development, knowledge transfer and professional training initiatives,” the statement said.
The MoU comes as Namibia seeks to develop local technical capacity and increase Namibian participation in the upstream petroleum industry following a series of offshore oil discoveries.
The parties said the agreement builds on ongoing collaboration between Saipem and Namibian stakeholders and is intended to strengthen professional capabilities and support efforts to maximise the long-term benefits of the country’s developing oil and gas sector.
