Latest news with #NamibiaInternationalEnergyConference
Zawya
29-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Industry Leaders Call for Stronger Local Business Integration at the Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) 2025
As Namibia's energy sector gains momentum, attention is increasingly turning toward ensuring that the nation's resource wealth delivers long-term economic empowerment. At a panel session held at the Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) on April 25 – Building Local Business Capacity for Energy Sector Participation – industry stakeholders explored how strategic investments, public-private partnerships and enabling policy frameworks can open doors for Namibian businesses, especially in the oil and gas space. The session featured key voices from across the energy and finance landscape, including Melanie Harrison, Country Leader at Deloitte Namibia; Jorge de Morais, General Manager of Kaeso Energy Services; and Precious Ehihamen, Head of Research and Intelligence at Moneda Invest. Together, they shared insights on bridging capacity gaps, fostering enabling environments and expanding inclusive participation in Namibia's energy boom. 'We brought together a group of experts to examine the process, identify the gaps and frame the issue — with the goal of understanding how local businesses can begin to plug into and benefit from the oil and gas sector across the value chain,' said Oneyka-Cindy Ojogbo, Deputy Managing Partner at CLG, who moderated the panel. 'Namibia needs to build laws and policies that make sense and make entry into the market easier for foreign investors. But also, the country needs to give them the responsibility to deliver,' said de Morais, emphasizing the importance of balancing investment attraction with accountability and local benefit. Deloitte Namibia is playing an active role in local content development through foundational research and strategic advisory. Its Industrial Baseline Study maps the current capabilities of Namibian enterprises and identifies key areas for workforce and business development aligned with the energy sector's evolving needs. Moneda Invest is similarly contributing by championing financial empowerment and SME growth. In collaboration with First National Bank and Ino Capital Investments, the firm recently launched the Local Accelerator program – a targeted initiative aimed at scaling SMEs within Namibia's oil, gas and broader energy sectors. Kaeso Energy Services has positioned itself as a strong advocate for local content through consistent participation in capacity-building platforms such as NIEC and other industry forums. The company supports local businesses in accessing markets, technology and finance – critical components for competing in the energy space. It is also actively shaping policies and partnerships to ensure Namibian firms are well-prepared to win contracts and contribute meaningfully to the country's energy future. As Namibia positions itself as a rising energy hub, such initiatives are laying the foundation for long-term, inclusive growth – ensuring the benefits of the energy transition reach beyond extraction to uplift the wider economy. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Zawya
26-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
2.5 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) in Gas Output Feasible for Namibia, Says the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR)
The National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR) has revealed that the country could produce more than 2.5 million tons of natural gas per year, based on early-stage assessments of recent discoveries made since 2022. Speaking during a panel discussion on gas monetization strategies at the Namibia International Energy Conference on April 24, Mtundeni Ndafyaalako, Executive of Upstream Development&Production at national oil company NAMCOR, outlined a dual-pronged approach adopted by the corporation. The first pillar focuses on leveraging legislative frameworks to enable coordinated infrastructure development, fostering collaboration among operators. The second emphasizes expanding exploration activities to unlock further resources. 'We have launched a gas monetization strategy project to support both government and industry on how best to commercialize gas. From our appraisals, we now have a clearer picture of production potential and various applications,' said Ndafyaalako, noting that the strategy is designed to attract new players and investment by clarifying monetization pathways. Manfriedt Muundjua, Deputy General Manager at BW Kudu, reinforced the importance of integrating four pillars of local content – training, skills transfer, local procurement and local ownership – into the broader gas development framework. Muundjua shared that BW Kudu is placing Namibian interns in every technical role currently held by international staff, supporting long-term local capacity building. He also emphasized the urgent need for downstream investment and infrastructure development. 'We already have a downstream investment partner lined up to join us once production at Kudu begins,' he added that drilling of additional wells is scheduled to begin in October, supporting NAMCOR's emphasis on continued exploration to identify new reserves. Paul Eardley-Taylor, Head of Oil&Gas Coverage for Southern Africa at Standard Bank, highlighted the need for a "shadow infrastructure" – potentially led by public-private partnerships – in southern Namibia to address energy shortages through gas utilization. He suggested that oil revenues should be strategically directed toward financing gas infrastructure and fostering local energy markets. Eardley-Taylor also pointed to the broader regional opportunity, suggesting that Namibia could assume a role once held by South Africa as the region's primary energy supplier, particularly as critical mineral projects are willing to pay a premium for stable power supply. Meanwhile, Ian Thom, Research Director for Upstream at Wood Mackenzie, expressed confidence that Namibia could implement a comprehensive Gas Master Plan within the next nine months. With only 59% of the population currently connected to the electricity grid, Thom underscored the potential of gas to dramatically increase energy access across residential, commercial and industrial sectors. 'Namibia could generate more value by exporting electricity rather than raw gas, given the limited infrastructure for gas exports and the high costs associated with building it,' Thom said. Looking ahead, the upcoming African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference – set to take place from September 29 to October 3, 2025, in Cape Town – will spotlight Namibia's gas developments and broader African opportunities The event will feature panel discussions, project showcases, deal signings and high-level networking sessions that connect African energy projects with global investors. AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit for more information about this exciting event. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Zawya
26-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Strategic Mergers and Acquisitions (M&As) Fuel Investment, Expansion in Namibia's Upstream Sector
Merger and acquisition (M&A) activity continues to emerge as a critical engine for growth in Namibia's upstream oil and gas sector, as emphasized during a high-level panel discussion at the Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) on Thursday. Industry leaders outlined how strategic M&A deals are not only reshaping the country's energy landscape, but also playing a key role in unlocking capital and accelerating exploration. Gil Holzman, CEO of Eco Atlantic Oil&Gas, highlighted how acquisitions have underpinned his company's expansion in Namibia since its entry into the market in 2009, stating: 'Most of our best blocks are the result of M&As. Our most recent acquisition was in 2021 when we bought Azinam, which gave us promising blocks in the Orange Basin.' According to Holzman, these acquisitions have fortified Eco Atlantic's asset portfolio while positioning Namibia as an increasingly attractive frontier for global exploration. He pointed to M&A transactions involving supermajors such as ExxonMobil, QatarEnergy, Chevron and TotalEnergies as instrumental in bringing in not just capital, but also the technical capabilities needed to advance exploration in Namibia's offshore and onshore basins. Discussing the company's operational strategy, Holzman emphasized a phased approach anchored in collaboration: 'We aim to secure promising prospects, de-risk them internally and then attract partners with the technical know-how and capital required to unlock new frontiers.' Echoing this sentiment, Adam Rubin, General Counsel at ReconAfrica, emphasized that M&As remain a strategic avenue to catalyze value creation, drive innovation and meet the substantial capital demands of upstream development. 'We have not yet produced onshore, but the oil is there. Be patient – we will find it and produce,' he said, reaffirming the company's commitment to moving from exploration toward full-scale production in the Kavango Basin. Robert Bose, CEO of Sintana Energy, added that M&A activity has played a central role in enabling Sintana to broaden its asset base and build relationships with complementary partners. 'M&As have helped us connect with the right partners and diversify our portfolio,' he said. 'Cost-effective investment remains a key motivator, and we are focused on disciplined growth.' From a financial perspective, Liz Williamson, Head of Energy at Rand Merchant Bank, outlined the opportunities that arise when IOCs divest from mature or late-life assets. She noted that such moves often create openings for mid-cap firms with fresh capital and a focused approach to step in. 'This trend is beneficial for African governments, as middle-tier companies are often better suited to fully commit to and invest in these projects,' she explained. Williamson also underscored the importance of establishing clear, investor-friendly deal frameworks and local content policies that build investor confidence. 'Not many African countries are currently securing significant foreign direct investment, and Namibia must maintain its appeal by offering clarity on local content laws,' she said. As Namibia emerges as a key exploration hotspot on the continent, discussions around capital flows, deal-making and upstream expansion are set to continue at African Energy Week 2025: Invest in African Energies, taking place from September 29-October 3, 2025 in Cape Town. The event will unite industry leaders, investors and government representatives to advance dialogue, showcase project opportunities and drive strategic partnerships across Africa's energy landscape. Namibia's rising profile and recent exploration success will be a focal point, drawing increased attention from global stakeholders seeking entry into one of the continent's most dynamic markets. AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit for more information about this exciting event. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
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.
