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Namibia is gearing up to solidify its position as Africa’s next energy frontier, with the third annual Namibia Oil and Gas Conference set to kick off from August 12 to 15 at the Mercure Hotel in Windhoek. The high-stakes event, endorsed by the Ministry of Mines and Energy, aims to translate the nation’s vast hydrocarbon discoveries into tangible economic prosperity for all Namibians.
Under the ambitious theme “From Exploration to Action: Positioning Namibia As The Next Energy Frontier,” the conference, hosted by the Economic Association of Namibia (EAN) in collaboration with heavyweights like the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) and NAMCOR, is expected to draw a formidable contingent of over 1,000 delegates. This year’s gathering will feature 71 speakers from 35 countries, alongside 29 sponsors and partners and 42 exhibitors, a testament to the surging international interest in Namibia’s burgeoning oil and gas sector.
“This third edition is therefore not just a continuation of past dialogues. It is a deliberate effort to align industry growth with national development,” emphasised Jesaya Hano Oshike, Vice-Chairperson of the EAN, during the official launch. His words underscore a clear shift from mere exploration excitement to a concrete strategy for broad-based economic benefit.
The four-day programme is designed to be a comprehensive platform for both seasoned industry players and aspiring local talent. It includes a pre-conference local content supplier masterclass, providing invaluable insights for Namibian businesses eager to participate in the lucrative supply chain. The core of the event will be a two-day technical conference, promising cutting-edge discussions from industry leaders and policymakers on emerging trends and technological innovations.
Crucially, the conference aims to integrate new technologies and solutions within the oil, gas, and broader energy sectors. A standout feature will be a “matchmaking mentor and mentee platform,” specifically designed to empower the youth in the industry by connecting them with established experts and providing vital exposure.
The NIPDB will also spearhead its business matchmaking initiative, a tailored service connecting investors with local companies to foster strategic partnerships and boost investment and collaboration within Namibia’s energy landscape.
Reflecting on the impact of previous conferences, Margareth Gustavo, NIPDB Executive Director for Strategy and Branding, highlighted the deep resonance of discussions around infrastructure readiness, financing, mega-projects, and local content with her agency’s mandate. “At NIPDB we are tasked not just with bringing capital into the country, but ensuring that it stays, it grows and it benefits all Namibians,” Gustavo asserted.
She stressed that investment opportunities must translate into tangible employment and contribute significantly to the Namibian economy. Looking ahead, the NIPDB’s strategic focus for this year’s conference and beyond rests on three core pillars: unlocking investment-ready supply chain opportunities, deepening local content and industrial participation, and fostering youth employment through robust skills development.
Gustavo’s vision extends beyond mere GDP figures, affirming the NIPDB’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that the energy sector delivers genuine improvements in livelihoods, strengthens institutions, and diversifies the nation’s industrial base.
“The future of Namibia’s oil and gas industry is not offshore. It is here onshore, in our people, in our businesses and in our bold ambitions as a country,” she declared, setting a clear trajectory for a future where Namibia’s oil and gas riches truly belong to its people.
