The Namibian International Energy Conference (NIEC) 2024 opened in Windhoek with calls to prioritize ‘Namibian content’ – local content centered around empowering Namibian participation. Speakers underscored the role of capacity building and local content policies in the development of recent oil and gas discoveries, citing collaboration as a catalyst for energy security and economic prosperity.
“Namibia has a unique opportunity to learn from the mistakes of the past and adopt the best practices of other successful petroleum economies as we proactively plan for a framework of local content regulation. More specifically, let’s call it “Namibian Content” – because that’s really our focus: creating in-country value across the entire Namibian economy and ensuring sustainable economic impact from the resources under Namibian soil,” stated Namibia’s Minister of Mines and Energy Tom Alweendo.
Set to start oil production by 2030, Namibia stands to gain a great deal from the development of offshore oil and gas. Maggy Shino, Petroleum Commissioner at the country’s Ministry of Mines and Energy, stated that “We are looking at capitalizing the oil and gas finds as we make them. We are aiming to create a positive impact to the economy.”
Central to this is Namibian content development. The African Energy Chamber (AEC) – a strategic partner of NIEC 2024 – launched a program at the conference to facilitate market entry for local Namibians in oil and gas. In partnership with energy companies, the program will bolster youth participation across the industry.
“At the Chamber, we are happy to announce – in partnership with energy companies – that we will be ensuring 30-50 Namibians join the job market today. The idea of empowering citizens should be at the core of this industry,” stated NJ Ayuk – Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.
To further promote local participation in the oil and gas industry, Ndapwilapo Selma Shimutwikeni, CEO, RichAfrica Consultancy, announced the launch of the Future Legacy Leaders program, aimed at empowering Namibians in hydrocarbon activities. She said, “Investing in human capital through education and knowledge-sharing will lead to development and prosperity.”
Across the economy, Namibian institutions stand ready to support the development of the industry. Phillip Chapman, CEO, Rand Merchant Bank (RMB), stated that, “As RMB, we have a vision to build an enabling and long-term, sustainable Namibia that will serve all her people now and for generations to come. The announcement of significant hydrocarbon finds point to a new economy that is rapidly developing.”
Going forward, Namibia is prioritizing an accelerated development program. Ebson Uanguta, Interim Managing Director at NAMCOR, announced that “Starting from November, we are expecting drilling to start taking place, with partners such as Chevron, Rhino Resources and BW Energy.”
Representing Chevron International Exploration & Production, the company’s Namibia Country Manager, Channa Kurukulasuriya, shared that the corporation is “excited to participate in Namibia’s offshore activities with our 80% participatory interest. The world continues to demand affordable, reliable and clean energy that fuels economic prosperity and reduces inequality. Chevron is committed to delivering on this, demonstrated by our significant investments in both the traditional oil and gas business and the new energy space.”
Additionally, Shell – which recently announced a discovery at the Enigma-1X well – is taking the time “to examine the vast amount of data and plan the next steps ahead. We are ensuring that all development options are being considered. Namibia is a frontier location and we are all learning, about the unique geology and the recovery potential,” stated the company’s Country Chair for Namibia, Eduardo Rodriguez.
Energy Capital & Power is a media partner of NIEC – taking place in Windhoek on April 23-25, 2024. The 6th annual conference unites industry leaders, business executives and policymakers to engage in dialogue, exchange ideas, create new partnerships and identify strategies to foster a prosperous energy industry in Namibia and beyond. For more information, please visit https://www.nieconference.com/.