Allexer Namundjebo
The Namibia Oil and Gas Conference (NOGC) will double in size this year and add a new exhibition hall to give more access to entrepreneurs and small businesses.
On Monday, the Economic Association of Namibia (EAN), the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), and the Hanns Seidel Foundation launched the third edition of the conference in Windhoek.
The conference will take place from 12 to 15 August in Windhoek.
It is endorsed by the Ministry of Mines and Energy and supported by the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor) and SNC Incorporated.
This year’s theme is “From Exploration to Action: Positioning Namibia as the Next Energy Frontier”.
“We are also introducing a mentorship platform and will identify a public beneficiary from exhibitor entrance fees,” said Jesaya Hano-Oshike, the deputy chairman of EAN.
Hano-Oshike added that the industry is evolving fast and Namibia must take steps to manage its energy future.
The four-day event starts with a Local Content and Supplier Masterclass on 12 August.
It will focus on building up Namibian suppliers who can join regional and global energy chains.
On 13 and 14 August, a technical conference will present new research, emerging policies, and technologies supporting Namibia’s energy ambitions.
It will also explore natural gas as part of the country’s energy transition.
Sessions will include updates on the Kudu Gas Field and other offshore finds.
The final day, August 15, will feature a business matchmaking program hosted by NIPDB.
It will link investors with Namibian companies to encourage new partnerships.
Between its first and second year, exhibition participation grew by 52%, and attendance rose by 40%.
The 2024 edition brought in 1,012 delegates, up from 841 in 2023.
It featured 71 speakers from 35 countries and 42 exhibitors.
Namcor spokesperson Paulo Coelho said the conference fits with the company’s mission.
“We are now focused on taking real steps to grow the industry and place Namibia at the centre of the global energy stage,” he said.
Margreth Gustavo, executive director of strategy and branding at NIPDB, said the industry’s future lies in Namibia’s people and businesses.
“It is here, onshore, in our people, our businesses, and our bold ambitions. Our focus for this year and beyond revolves around three core pillars: unlocking investment-ready supply chains, deepening local content, and fostering youth employment,” she said.
The conference will also support young people through training and mentorship.
Since its inception in 2023, the event has grown annually.
The first edition had over 800 participants and sparked conversations on energy investment.
The second brought masterclasses and more international attention.
