Forth Valley College made a big impression on VIPs in the African country of Namibia recently, as part of a trade mission organised through the Africa Scotland Business Network (ASBN).
Jamie Allan, FVC’s Global Partnership Manager, visited the South West African country on a five day trip between Monday 10th March and Friday 14 March, showcasing how the College could become an instrumental partner in the country’s priority sectors in the near future.
Namibia is a coastal and resource-rich country of about three million people. Recent oil and gas discoveries have positioned it as an emerging player in the energy sector which could rival Saudi Arabia, while its abundant sunshine and wind make it ideal for renewable energy production, including hydrogen.
Tourism and hospitality thrive on its unique landscapes, diverse wildlife and cultural heritage, driving demand for skilled professionals. The unemployment rate is 37% and the Government is focused on developing skilled labour to provide opportunities for its young people.
The fact finding mission allowed Jamie to present the College’s expertise in skills and training for partnership opportunities, and also attend seminars, tours and special events with organisations such as the Namibian Investment Promotion Board, who provided an overview of investment and partnership opportunities with corporate Namibia.
Amongst the packed schedule with various Namibian industry stakeholders, Jamie also: met with His Excellency Charles Moore, the British High Commissioner for Namibia; attended a special presentation by William Shilamba, Commercial Manager from the Global African Hydrogen Summit 2025; took in a tour of Port of Walvis Bay - hosted by Port Executive Mr Elzevir Geldenbloem, Head of Engineering ICT, where he was given an overview of port operations and economic impact; met the Deputy Mayor of Walvis Bay, the future hub of Namibia’s oil and gas industry; and was invited to an exclusive media group event and annual business leaders breakfast hosted by Namibia’s First National Bank, where was able to network with various national companies including those in the sectors aligned with FVC’s subject areas of strength.
Other delegates who attended along with Forth Valley College on the trip included:
- Offshore Africa Training Centre
- IDU Software
- Bolt Torque
- Vestrel
- Pentagon Freight
- DQP Consulting
- Bowman’s Law
- Shepherd’s Tree Investments
Claire Alexander, Founder of ASBN who is originally from the Forth Valley region, and has been living in Africa for almost 20 years, said: “Jamie represented the college, Scotland and himself with professionalism and passion, whilst calmly explaining to diplomats, mayoral committees, the business community and government agencies how Forth Valley College could positively impact through a partnership approach, on Namibia’s skills gap, particularly in the energy sectors.
“And to all companies across Scotland, and UK, ASBN is here for you. We’re on the ground here. We are constantly amongst African leaders, diplomats and governments and shifts in business. We have data in real time, intelligence from over 110 different companies in 15 countries and a network of companies that is now worth $100 billion in revenue. But mostly, we are an energising, proactive network brimming with the best business leaders behind the brands you could possibly wish to meet. That’s our success.”
Jamie, said: “It was my first time in Africa and ASBN provided a fantastic week of engagements which provided some key market knowledge and industry contacts to follow up with. It’s clear that FVC’s areas of strength align with many of Namibia’s economic priority sectors including energy, tourism, creative industries and digital. In particular, the high unemployment rate and focus on upskilling the population, in anticipation of the game-changing economic opportunities which their oil and gas reserves enable, provides FVC with an abundance of opportunities for partnerships. Namibia could well be a launchpad into wider sub-Saharan Africa and I’m excited to see what’s next!”
