The Namibian Ports Authority’s (Namport) decision to reject a N$4-billion proposal to build an oil and gas supply base at the Port of Lüderitz has sent shockwaves through sections of Namibia’s youth. While the decision signals a firm commitment to good governance, it also delays potential job creation and regional economic growth.
The proposal, submitted by Alpha Nautical Services Limited (Anol), a company linked to Ghanaian businessman Jory Adu-Boahene, together with local partners Jason Kasuto and lawyer Andrew Naunyango, was rejected following an internal review. Namport chief executive officer Andrew Kanime said the company had failed to demonstrate the technical expertise, financial capacity and operational experience required to undertake the proposed 25-year concession.
Despite allegations of political pressure on Namport to approve the deal, the state-owned enterprise maintained its position and instead opted to pursue a transparent and competitive tender process. For Namibia’s young people, who continue to face high levels of unemployment, the decision presents a double-edged sword: the immediate loss of potential employment opportunities weighed against the need to uphold integrity and transparency.
'Painful but necessary' - Gracious Tendekule described the decision as a painful but necessary setback.
“It’s hard to watch a N$4-billion investment stall when so many young graduates in the south are desperate for jobs,” Tendekule said. “However, if a company lacks the technical capacity, we risk environmental disaster and project failure. We cannot afford half-baked developments in our oil and gas sector.”
Student Julia Amukoto said long-term prosperity depends on fair and transparent competition. “When politicians push for unvetted bids, it robs genuine young entrepreneurs of a level playing field,” she said. “Namport’s decision to set a precedent for strict compliance protects our nation’s resources, even if it means waiting a little longer for meaningful development to begin.”
Meanwhile, student Anna Nangombe urged state entities to expedite the forthcoming tender process to prevent momentum from being lost. “We desperately need infrastructure to support offshore oil discoveries, but we also need local ownership that isn’t driven by political backroom dealing,” Nangombe said. “The youth want a transparent process where qualified Namibians, backed by genuine capacity, drive the energy revolution.”
While the delay is likely to postpone job creation, Namport’s decision has reassured many young Namibians that the country’s energy future should be built on accountability, transparency and sound governance rather than shortcuts.
