Posted on October 13, 2025
HOUSTON and WINDHOEK, Namibia — McDermott and Namibia’s Petroleum Training and Education Fund (PETROFUND) jointly announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on academic and industrial training initiatives in Namibia’s upstream oil and gas sector.
The collaboration will align with international standards to provide Namibian students, job seekers and service providers access to training, mentorship and employment opportunities. The upskilling and knowledge transfer aspect of the agreement is designed to equip the local workforce with the skills needed for technical roles such as engineering, fabrication, operations and project management to unlock the country’s offshore energy potential.
“This MOU furthers our commitment to developing local content and building a sustainable oil and gas workforce in Namibia,” said Mahesh Swaminathan, McDermott’s Senior Vice President, Subsea and Floating Facilities. “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.”
“Our partnership with McDermott supports PETROFUND’s mandate to build the capacity of Namibia’s workforce and service providers to participate in the emerging opportunities within the country’s upstream oil and gas industry,” said Nillian Mulemi, PETROFUND Chief Executive Officer. “Capacity-building collaborations with international service companies promote the exchange of global best practices and technical expertise with local talent, thereby positioning Namibia’s workforce and service providers to play active roles across the full value chain of the upstream industry, while driving and sustaining economic growth in the country.”
This initiative supports both the growth of Namibia’s oil and gas industry and its broader economic development goals, ensuring Namibians are well-positioned to participate in and benefit from progress across the energy value chain.
About McDermott
McDermott is a premier, fully integrated provider of engineering and construction solutions to the energy industry. Our customers trust our technology-driven approach engineered to responsibly harness and transform global energy resources into the products the world needs. From concept to commissioning, McDermott’s innovative expertise and capabilities advance the next generation of global energy infrastructure, empowering a brighter, more sustainable future for us all. Operating in over 30 countries, McDermott’s locally focused and globally-integrated resources include more than 30,000 employees, a diversified fleet of speciality marine construction vessels and fabrication facilities around the world. To learn more, visit www.mcdermott.com.
About PETROFUND
The Petroleum Training and Education Fund (PETROFUND) is a statutory body of the Government of the Republic of Namibia, established in 1992 to enhance capacity within the country’s upstream petroleum sector. PETROFUND builds capacity through training, institutional development, scholarships and the promotion of science, engineering and technology. The establishment of PETROFUND aligns with the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act of 1991. Additionally, PETROFUND is funded by oil exploration companies granted exploration rights in Namibia through agreements with the Namibian Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy. To learn more, visit www.petrofund.org
Contacts:
McDermott International
Global Media Relations
Reba Reid
+1 281 588 5636
RReid@McDermott.com
PETROFUND
Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Division
Shoki Kandjimi
+264 817524536
skandjimi@namcor.com.na
