Namibia is set to take centre stage in Africa’s upstream oil and gas conversation. The International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) Drilling Africa Conference & Exhibition will take place on 24 and 25 February 2026 at the Hilton Hotel in Windhoek.
The high-level conference is expected to attract more than 250 oil and gas professionals from over 20 countries, reflecting Namibia’s growing prominence as a key destination for offshore energy investment and drilling activity on the African continent.
According to a statement issued by the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC), the two-day conference will explore a wide range of issues shaping drilling operations across Africa, with strong relevance to Namibia’s emerging upstream sector.
“Topics include the African drilling market outlook, partnering opportunities in Namibia, bankable contracts for drilling contractors, artificial intelligence in drilling operations, carbon capture and storage, geothermal drilling, automation and digitalisation, well control, plug and abandonment, and strategies for attracting and developing Generation Z talent,” the statement said.
Additional presentations will address Africa’s drilling market outlook from the perspective of drilling contractors, partnering opportunities in Namibia, carbon capture and storage potential, and benchmarking approaches to well plug and abandonment projects.
Alongside the conference, an exhibition will showcase the latest products, services and technologies from local and international companies operating across the drilling value chain. Leading sponsors include Northern Ocean, Shelf Drilling, TotalEnergies, Noble Corporation, Sonadrill, Tenaris, Odfjell Drilling, Tomax, CS Oilfield and Derrick Solutions International.
Namibia Oil and Gas will serve as the official local media partner, supporting engagement and dialogue with key industry stakeholders.
The IADC Drilling Africa Conference & Exhibition is expected to provide a valuable platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration and engagement as Namibia continues to position itself within Africa’s evolving upstream energy landscape.