Staff Writer
More than 200 delegates gathered in Windhoek this week for the upstream oil and gas suppliers’ workshop, a two-day event aimed at helping Namibian small and medium-sized enterprises take part in the country’s growing upstream petroleum sector.
The workshop was hosted by FNB Namibia, RMB Namibia, Petrofund and the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board. It brought together stakeholders from the financial sector, government, local businesses and international oil and gas operators and service providers.
The event focused on helping SMEs understand Namibia’s upstream oil and gas industry while creating space for networking, supplier development and engagement across the petroleum value chain.
The workshop follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2025 between Petrofund and FirstRand Namibia, which includes FNB Namibia and RMB Namibia. The agreement focuses on skills development, capacity building and support for local suppliers in the energy sector.
Speaking at the opening, FirstRand Namibia chief executive officer Conrad Dempsey said Namibia’s oil and gas opportunity will only create long-term value if local businesses are included and prepared to compete.
He said cooperation between industry players, government and financial institutions is needed to ensure Namibian businesses have access to opportunities and support through training, funding and partnerships.
The programme included presentations and panel discussions with industry players, including sessions on financing options for SMEs entering the oil and gas value chain.
FNB Namibia SME business development manager Otiniel Ndivayele took part in discussions on business readiness, funding needs and partnership structures for local enterprises.
Another panel, led by RMB Namibia oil, gas and energy sector coverage manager Olavi Hangula, included major upstream operators such as TotalEnergies.
