Latest news with #NIEC2025

Zawya
24-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
African Energy Chamber (AEC) Champions Smart Policy, Strategic Partnerships to Advance Namibia's Oil & Gas Discoveries
As a strategic partner of the Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC), the African Energy Chamber (AEC) ( is calling for a deliberate and accelerated approach to moving Namibia's recent oil and gas discoveries into production – emphasizing the importance of speed, investor confidence and strategic collaboration. Speaking during a high-level panel at NIEC 2025, AEC Executive Chairman NJ Ayuk urged Namibia to seize the momentum of its frontier discoveries, while avoiding the pitfalls that have stalled progress in other hydrocarbon-rich African nations. He emphasized that Namibia's path to becoming a regional energy hub hinges on its ability to learn from international case studies and execute deals that ensure long-term national benefit. 'Namibia needs to move fast, produce quickly and negotiate the best deals with its partners to ensure the rapid development of its oil discoveries,' Ayuk stated. He pointed to Guyana as a prime example, noting how the South American country developed a robust strategy focused on national benefit and successfully attracted billions in investments to fast-track its energy projects. In contrast, Ayuk cautioned against the delays experienced by countries like Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda and South Africa, where production was significantly postponed, leading to rising project costs and lost opportunities. 'There is a growing movement trying to discourage Africa – and Namibia – from producing its oil and gas. We must resist that,' he added. Reinforcing the need for investor-friendly terms, Justin Cochrane, Africa Upstream Regional Research Director at S&P Global Commodity Insights, highlighted the necessity of contract stability, transparent data-sharing and a balanced approach to fiscal negotiations. 'It's natural that Namibia wants to maximize its benefits, but pushing too hard on IOCs can result in getting 100% of nothing… The first milestone must be achieving first oil,' said Cochrane. Representing Namibia's national oil company, Victoria Sibeya, Interim Managing Director of NAMCOR, stressed that the company is actively engaged in every phase of the industry, from data acquisition and exploration to shaping the downstream and midstream vision. 'We are not just bystanders,' said Sibeya. 'NAMCOR is deeply involved in data acquisition, exploration and the exchange of knowledge and technology with our partners. We are also preparing to invest in downstream and midstream sectors to ensure that we can add value once production begins.' Echoing the call for local development, Adriano Bastos, Head of Upstream at Galp, underscored the need for early and continuous skills development – proposing that Namibians be trained abroad in specialized areas like FPSO operations to ensure they are prepared to lead once production begins at home. 'Namibia has capabilities that are rare in the region, but more collaboration with international partners is essential to build the local skills base,' he said. Bastos noted that Namibians make up 25% of Galp's workforce in the country, including its first female offshore base manager. 'We are proud of the strides we have made. Our nationalization plans are aggressive, and we work closely with [the Namibian Ports Authority] and other local entities to implement meaningful capacity-building projects.' As Namibia stands on the cusp of transforming exploration success into production, the message from industry leaders is clear: time, trust and talent will determine the country's trajectory. Through cross-border collaboration, pragmatic deal-making and a strong national vision, Namibia can emerge not just as an oil producer – but as a continental model for inclusive, forward-thinking energy development. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Zawya
15-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Namibian President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to Open Namibia International Energy Conference 2025
The Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) is proud to announce that the President of the Republic of Namibia, Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, will officially open the 2025 edition of the conference. 'We are deeply honoured that Her Excellency, the President of the Republic of Namibia, will officially open this year's conference. Her participation marks a historic milestone for NIEC and reaffirms the government's commitment to harnessing Namibia's energy potential for shared prosperity. It also reflects the kind of forward-looking leadership that is essential to positioning Namibia as an emerging leader in the global energy landscape.' said Ndapwilapo Selma Shimutwikeni, Founder&CEO of RichAfrica Consultancy and Convenor of NIEC. President Nandi-Ndaitwah is a committed advocate for ensuring that Namibia derives maximum value from its natural resources through value addition and sustainable development, with a focus on uplifting the Namibian people and strengthening local capacity. As Namibia lays the foundations to become an energy hub, NIEC 2025 will explore the key building blocks needed to realize this vision. These include enabling investment, strengthening institutions, advancing infrastructure and environmental stewardship, promoting local content and reinforcing good governance. Energy is increasingly recognized as a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable development – unlocking industrialization, economic diversification, job creation and long-term prosperity. Now in its 7th edition, NIEC 2025 will be held under the theme, 'Leading the Way: Becoming an Energy Hub with In-Country Value,' and is scheduled to take place from 23-25 April 2025 at the Windhoek Country Club Resort, Windhoek, Namibia. Since its inception in 2012 under the theme, 'A Road to Discovery and Beyond,' the conference has evolved into a premier platform for high-level dialogue, thought leadership and strategic engagement. It has played a crucial role in shaping discourse around Namibia's emerging oil and gas industry and its broader energy sector. The event draws a global audience, including OPEC representatives, senior executives from international oil companies, prominent service providers, investors and industry experts. It has also welcomed numerous government leaders from across Africa, including ministers of energy, as well as Namibia's own public and private sector leaders. NIEC 2025 will feature a strategic program of panels, dialogues and expert-led sessions designed to unpack the conference theme and spotlight key issues and opportunities that will define the future of the energy industry. The 2025 edition is expected to welcome over 1,000 delegates from across the globe, reinforcing its position as the country's premier energy platform. The conference is held under the patronage of the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy of the Republic of Namibia and is curated and convened by RichAfrica Consultancy, with the African Energy Chamber as a strategic partner. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Zawya
05-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Namibia International Energy Conference 2025: Leading the Way to Becoming an Energy Hub with In-Country Value
With less than three months to go, momentum is building for the Namibia International Energy Conference 2025 (NIEC), set to take place from 23 – 25 April 2025 at the Windhoek Country Club Resort, under the theme 'Leading the Way: Becoming an Energy Hub with In-Country Value'. Now in its 7th edition, NIEC is Namibia's most established and influential energy platform, bringing together key stakeholders to drive industry growth, investment, and strategic discussions. NIEC2025 will convene government officials, industry leaders, investors, and the broader business community to discuss and shape Namibia's growing role as an energy hub. The conference serves as a strategic platform for investment facilitation, technical insights, and high-level policy discussions, ensuring that Namibia remains at the forefront of Africa's energy transformation. A Proven Platform for Energy Investment&Industry Partnerships Founded by RichAfrica Consultancy, NIEC has grown into the premier platform where leading companies announce partnerships, provide exploration updates, and drive new investments in Namibia's energy sector. Having welcomed over 2,200 attendees from 46 countries in previous editions, the conference remains Namibia's premier platform for industry engagement. Endorsed by the Ministry of Mines and Energy and supported by the African Energy Chamber, NIEC continues to contribute to Namibia's energy transformation, attracting major industry players. Chevron has joined as an exclusive Diamond Sponsor, while Shell and RMB Namibia have reaffirmed their commitment as Sapphire Sponsors. Other confirmed sponsors include Total Energies, Woodside Energy, SONILS and SBM Offshore, reinforcing Namibia's growing role in the global energy landscape. Strategic Industry Intelligence&Technical Sessions NIEC 2025 will focus on advancing Namibia's energy ambitions through investment, sustainability and local content. With Namibia's Upstream Local Content Policy now in effect, discussions will explore its potential impact on industry growth, workforce development, and supply chain integration. The conference will feature strategic industry intelligence sessions and technical presentations covering natural gas monetization, the role of critical metals in the energy transition, renewable energy expansion, energy infrastructure&logistics as well as financing Namibia's energy future. A High-Level Platform for Business&International Collaboration With growing interest from international investors, local industry leaders and service companies, NIEC 2025 will welcome energy leaders from across the globe. Beyond discussions, the event will feature an exhibition showcasing innovations in energy technology and infrastructure, B2B networking sessions, and investment roundtables designed to facilitate deal-making and business growth. In addition to high-level discussions, NIEC 2025 will host initiatives aimed at industry engagement, including the Future Energy Leaders Initiative, which provides mentorship and networking for young professionals in the energy sector. Secure Your Spot at Namibia's Leading Energy Conference With demand for participation growing each year, early registration is highly recommended to secure a seat at this high-impact event. Energy professionals, investors, and policymakers looking to be part of Namibia's energy transformation should not miss this exclusive opportunity. For more information on the conference, visit Stay updated by following #NIEC2025 on social media. Join the leaders shaping the future of Namibia's energy sector. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.