The Erongo Governor, Dr Natalia Goagoses, has called on the central government to strengthen the Namibian Maritime and Fisheries Institute (NAMFI) through the appointment of a substantive director and board of directors, warning that prolonged reliance on acting management could undermine the institution’s growth and development.
Speaking at NAMFI’s 2026 graduation ceremony, where graduates celebrated the completion of various maritime qualifications, Goagoses stressed that Namibia must invest in its own skilled workforce rather than continue relying on foreign professionals to fill positions in the maritime sector. She said Namibia, after 36 years of independence and 30 years of NAMFI’s existence, has developed the capacity to produce qualified professionals who can take responsibility for the country’s maritime industries. “After 36 years of independence, after 30 years of NAMFI’s existence, producing every year hundreds of skilled Namibians, I refuse to import skilled people from elsewhere,” she said.
Goagoses highlighted the importance of the fisheries, shipping, port operations, logistics and emerging offshore industries, saying these sectors offer significant opportunities for economic growth, job creation and national development.
She congratulated the 2026 graduates, including those who completed diplomas in marine navigation, fishing vessel operations, marine engineering, Deck Officer Class 5 and Officer in Charge of Navigational Watch, as well as specialised engine training.
She urged the graduates to take up their place in the workplace, apply their knowledge and avoid remaining in internship positions for extended periods. “Knowledge you have, skills you have, confidence you have. The only thing I call from you is discipline,” she told the graduates.
The Governor also warned young professionals against laziness, entitlement, shortcuts, excessive alcohol consumption and drug abuse, describing these as enemies of development that could destroy the skills and opportunities they had worked hard to acquire.
She further encouraged graduates to uphold professionalism, integrity and accountability, particularly in the maritime industry, where decisions can affect human lives, the environment and the livelihoods of communities.
Turning to NAMFI’s institutional challenges, Goagoses called on the responsible ministries and central government to prioritise the institute’s governance and management structures.
She questioned how the institution could be expected to grow and deliver on national skills development objectives without confirmed leadership.
“Anyone acting cannot be held accountable,” she said, urging government to establish the board of directors and appoint a substantive director.
Goagoses linked the development of maritime skills to Namibia’s Vision 2030 ambition of becoming an industrialised economy, emphasising that qualifications must translate into practical skills and productivity.
She also called for stronger collaboration between government, training institutions and industry, and invited employers and industry partners in the Erongo Region to engage with government to ensure graduates benefit from emerging economic opportunities.
She reminded graduates that graduation was not the end of their education, encouraging them to continue upgrading their skills, embracing new technologies and remaining lifelong learners.
By Rudi Bowe
