By John Kay WaDisho,
Windhoek| 13 Aug. — Addressing government officials, industry leaders, and investors, Ithete stressed that the Orange Basin’s vast potential will only translate into real national benefit if local citizens lead in skills, ownership, and decision-making.
He warned against an “imported oil industry” that sidelines local capacity, urging operators and contractors to commit tangible investments in training, supplier development, and technology transfer.
The minister called for infrastructure that serves multiple sectors beyond oil, from ports to fabrication yards, and insisted on transparent local-content frameworks to ensure Namibian companies and workers play a central role.
With production timelines tightening — and final investment decisions looming by 2026 — Ithete emphasised that the country must move quickly to align skills, regulatory readiness, and industry partnerships.
His central point was blunt: “Our oil must build our nation.” Without firm commitments to local participation, he cautioned, Namibia risks watching the benefits of its most significant economic opportunity flow abroad – Namibia Daily News
