Renthia Kaimbi
The Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) has secured sponsorship from Rhino Resources for its 2026 event.
Rhino Resources has signed on as an emerald sponsor for the conference.
The eighth edition of the conference will take place from 14 to 16 April 2026 in Windhoek.
It will bring together government officials, international energy companies, investors and service providers to discuss the future of the country’s energy sector.
Rhino Resources holds Petroleum Exploration Licence 85 (PEL85) in the Orange Basin. The company has recorded a series of exploration successes that have helped position the basin as an emerging offshore province.
The company has also expressed its focus on enhancing the value of the country by developing skills and building capacity.
Chief executive officer Travis Smithard of Rhino Resources expressed the company’s pride in supporting NIEC during a pivotal period in Namibia’s energy development.
He said the company’s work is guided by responsibility, integrity, partnership and data, and that cooperation is key to managing major resource discoveries.
“We believe that generational legacy is built when done in collaboration with others. We look forward to our continued engagement with the Namibian government, industry, and community stakeholders at NIEC 2026 as Namibia advances on the road to first oil and beyond,” Smithard said.
NIEC founder and convenor Ndapwilapo Selma Shimutwikeni said Rhino Resources’ involvement reflects the growing range of operators contributing to Namibia’s offshore activity.
She said the company’s participation highlights the value of dialogue as Namibia moves from discovery toward production.
“Rhino’s engagement supports the collaborative spirit that NIEC was established to foster and will be essential to unlocking sustainable value for Namibia,” Shimutwikeni said.
The theme for the 2026 conference is “The Road to First Oil & Beyond: Partnership, Investment, Growth.”
The conference expects to host more than 1 000 delegates from over 46 countries.
The conference will focus on oil and gas development, power generation, renewable energy, local content and sustainable growth.
