LION Namibia has completed the expansion of its Walvis Bay facility with the addition of a new office block and dedicated training centre, marking another significant milestone in the company's commitment to developing local capability for Namibia's rapidly growing energy sector.
Established through a strategic partnership between Infinity Oilfield Services (UK), Unyazi and Lesedi South Africa, LION (standing for Lesedi Infinity Oilservices Namibia) combines international oil and gas expertise with deep local knowledge and operational capability. The partnership was formed with a shared vision of creating sustainable in-country skills, employment opportunities and technical excellence to support Namibia's emergence as one of Africa's most exciting energy destinations.
The new training centre has been developed to provide both classroom and practical training across a range of critical industry disciplines, including valve maintenance, flange management and bolt tensioning, hydraulics, lifting and rigging, inspection and mechanical maintenance. The facility will serve as a focal point for workforce development as offshore activity continues to increase in Namibian waters.
Importantly, training is already well underway. Several Namibian trainees have successfully progressed through LION's workforce development programme, gaining exposure to internationally recognised oil and gas standards and operational practices. As part of this commitment, selected personnel have already been sent to Cape Town to undertake full BOSIET (Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training) certification, providing the foundation for future offshore careers and demonstrating LION's determination to invest in local people from the outset. We welcome our training partners including TiteForce and Trinity Offshore who provide the training expertise on the bolt tightening and Lifting/Slinging components respectively.
The expansion builds on a structured training and competence framework that combines classroom learning, practical workshops and supervised workplace experience. By developing technical skills locally, LION aims to create a pipeline of skilled Namibian technicians capable of supporting exploration, development and future production activities while helping operators meet their local content objectives.
The company's leadership believes that sustainable local content is achieved through genuine skills transfer, long-term career development and investment in facilities that remain in-country long after individual projects have been completed.
"The expansion of our Walvis Bay facility is a direct investment in Namibia's future workforce," said Andrew Mackay, LION’s CEO. "We are already seeing talented local personnel progress through our programmes and achieve internationally recognised certifications including OPITO (BOSIET) and City&Guilds. Through the combined strengths of Infinity, Unyazi and Lesedi and our training partners TiteForce and Trinity, we are creating opportunities for Namibians to develop rewarding technical careers while helping build a resilient local supply chain for the energy industry."
As Namibia's energy sector continues its rapid growth, LION remains committed to developing local talent, strengthening industry partnerships and delivering the skilled workforce required to support the country's long-term success.
LION also supports local Aberdeen based businesses looking for a toe-hold in this burgeoning market. Contact us if Namibia is of interest to you for future opportunities and growth.