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McDermott and PETROFUND Collaborate to Strengthen Namibia's Energy Workforce

In a groundbreaking move for Namibia's upstream oil and gas sector, McDermott International and the Petroleum Training and Education Fund (PETROFUND) have formalized a partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This collaboration is set to elevate academic and practical training initiatives aimed at empowering Namibian students and job seekers in an industry poised for significant growth.

The partnership aligns with global standards for training and mentorship, ensuring that local talent gains essential skills in technical domains such as engineering, fabrication, operations, and project management. By nurturing these capabilities, McDermott and PETROFUND aim to unlock the full potential of Namibia's offshore energy resources.

Mahesh Swaminathan, Senior Vice President of Subsea and Floating Facilities at McDermott, highlighted the commitment to enhancing local content within Namibia’s workforce. He stated, "This MOU furthers our commitment to developing local content and building a sustainable oil and gas workforce in Namibia. By investing in the next generation of Namibian talent, we help prepare them to lead future projects as Namibia emerges as a key player in Africa’s energy landscape."

Nillian Mulemi, CEO of PETROFUND, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the significance of this partnership in fulfilling PETROFUND's mission to enhance workforce capacity. "Our collaboration not only supports the development of Namibia's human resources but also provides service providers with the necessary tools to thrive in the emerging oil and gas market. By tapping into international expertise, we can ensure a robust exchange of best practices that positions Namibia actively within the energy value chain."

This initiative stands to benefit not just the fledgling oil and gas industry but also the wider Namibian economy, facilitating a framework where locals can actively engage and gain from advancements throughout the energy sector. As Namibia seeks to bolster its role within Africa's energy dynamics, this partnership represents a strategic step in achieving these overarching economic development goals.

McDermott, recognized as a premier provider of engineering and construction solutions in the energy industry, brings a wealth of experience and innovative technology tailored for sustainable energy practices. With operations across more than 30 countries and a workforce exceeding 30,000, McDermott is equipped to support significant energy infrastructure advancements globally.

Established in 1992, PETROFUND is a statutory body under the Namibian government, designed to enhance capacity in the country's upstream petroleum sector. Funded through agreements with oil exploration companies, PETROFUND focuses on training, scholarships, and promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) to develop a qualified workforce ready to meet the challenges of the evolving energy landscape.

The proactive steps taken by McDermott and PETROFUND signal a new era for Namibia, one that prioritizes local talent, builds resilience in the energy sector, and connects Namibia to global best practices.