The significant gap in youth involvement in shaping the Namibian and African energy landscape has inspired the founder of the Namibia Youth Energy Forum (NYEF) to pursue a career in renewable energy.
“Growing up, I was fortunate to travel extensively, not just across Namibia, but also throughout Africa.
“These experiences have exposed me to the stark reality that many regions lack access to reliable and sustainable energy,” says Fanuel Shinedima, who is also the head of energy at Impact Tank, a Namibian-Swiss social impact venture builder.
He says energy is not just a resource, but a cornerstone of socio-economic development in Africa.
“There was a noticeable lack of engagement and opportunities for young people in the energy sector,” Shinedima says.
He says he founded the NYEF as a platform to empower, educate and support young people in the energy field.
Shinedima says the NYEF aims to bridge the gap by providing the necessary resources and opportunities for young people to actively participate in and contribute to the energy sector.
One of the challenges the youth face is a lack of resources to fully implement various projects.
This includes financial constraints, limited access to technology and inadequate infrastructure.
He says accessible and reliable industry data is critical for effective decision-making and strategic planning, but little comprehensive data on energy consumption, production and trends is available in Namibia.
According to Shinedima, this gap in data access makes it difficult to accurately identify needs, measure impacts and tailor programmes to address specific challenges.
“There is a noticeable skills and knowledge gap among young people in the energy sector, and while there is enthusiasm and potential, many lack the specialised training and experience needed to excel,” he says.
Despite this, the renewable energy and green hydrogen sectors are ripe with opportunities for young people, he believes.
“Green hydrogen in particular holds immense promise as it has the potential to revolutionise energy storage and decarbonise various industries.
“For young professionals, there are burgeoning opportunities in research and development project management, and policy advocacy,” he says.
Shinedima says the green hydrogen industry currently faces several challenges, primarily related to cost and infrastructure.
“Green hydrogen production remains expensive compared to conventional fuels, and the necessary infrastructure for distribution and utilisation is still underdeveloped,” he says.
To address these concerns, he calls for increased public and private sector investment in research and technology to lower production costs and scale up infrastructure development.
Strong policy support and clear regulatory frameworks are essential to facilitate industry growth and integration into the broader energy market, while enhancing public-private partnerships can also accelerate progress in these areas, Shinedima says.
“My advice to young individuals aspiring to enter the renewable energy sector is to first get a solid educational foundation in relevant fields such as environmental science, engineering, or energy management,” he says.
“Seek internships and hands-on experience to gain practical knowledge and skills and stay informed of the latest developments in the industry, and be proactive by networking with professionals.”
The NYEF expanded its operations to Lüderitz two months ago as part of the company’s drive to reach out to the youth.
Lüderitz presents a unique opportunity to engage local young people, Shinedima says.
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