Last week, the 6th edition of the Namibia International Energy Conference convened more than 750 attendees from 46 nations, 22 nations more than previous years, at the serene Droombos, Windhoek. This gathering served as a pivotal platform for deliberating on exciting developments in its Namibia’s energy landscape allowing delegates to reimagine the possibilities for our nation and its people.
Amidst the captivating discourse and insightful presentations by esteemed local and global experts, attendees seized the opportunity to forge alliances aimed at propelling the energy sector forward. Significantly, the event garnered sponsorship from key industry giants like RMB, Shell, and Chevron, TotalEnergies, Woodside Energies, ExxonMobil, SLB, Halliburton, NAMCOR, Sonils, African Energy Chamber to name a few who played a pivotal role in supporting the theme to Reimagine Resource-Rich Namibia: Turning Possibilities into Prosperity.
A striking aspect of the conference was the breadth of representation, with 92 distinguished speakers among those present. Notably, 59% of the attendees hailed from the oil and gas sector, while 14% represented a combined legal and financial services. Government officials, numbering no fewer than 51, underscored the event’s significance in shaping national energy policies.
Beyond the formal sessions, the conference provided a fertile ground for informal discussions, fostering mutually beneficial partnerships and laying the groundwork for future partnerships. The palpable enthusiasm and engagement among delegates, speakers, and sponsors emphasised the event’s growing significance as a nexus for advancing collective interests and fostering innovation.
Central to the discussions was the promotion of Namibian local content, a recurring theme highlighting the country’s potential as a significant player in the energy sector this including a concerted effort to foster local supplier capability and cultivate a competitive market environment, reflecting a collective commitment to sustainable growth and development.
Participants explored innovative strategies to position Namibia as a leading energy hub, navigating key challenges such as the journey to first oil expected in 2030, comprehensive energy master planning, and the promising geological prospects in areas like the Walvis and Lüderitz basins.
Additionally, discussions delved into the pivotal role of natural gas in driving global economic growth, alongside examining Namibia’s energy landscape and the integration of renewable energy sources. Transforming Namibia into a premier infrastructure hub and addressing development financing challenges were also focal points, with attention given to the unique dynamics of developing an oil industry within a mining economy.
Upon reflection of the conference, Ndapwilapo Selma Shimutwikeni, CEO of RichAfrica Consultancy and convener of NIEC said “This conference has evolved over the years into a credible platform that fosters partnerships. Witnessing two significant signings during the conference, by NAMCOR and Chevron’s farm-out deal and Rhino Resources’ agreement with Halliburton, underscored the role of this platform as a catalyst for impactful industry collaborations.”
The participation of Minister of Mines and Energy, Mr. Tom Alweendo and OPEC secretary General, Honourable Haitham Al-Ghais, along leaders of global oil and gas companies, added prestige to the conference, reaffirming its status as a must-attend event for Public-Private-Partnerships in the energy and investment sectors. Furthermore, Shimutwikeni expressed pride in the role of women who were also part of the discussions, specifically the Deputy Minister of Mines and Energy, Ms Kornelia Shilunga and Ms Maggy Shino the Petroleum Commissioner.
In her closing remarks, Shimutwikeni expressed her desire for the delegates to take the discussions and turn them into actionable strategies that will drive positive change and impact in the Namibian economy. She invited the eight participants of the Future Energy Leaders Programme to take the learnings from the conference and make a difference in their journey as energy experts.
The 7th Namibia International Energy Conference is set to take place from 22 to 24 April 2025. Mark your calendars for this pivotal event in the energy sector!