The African Energy Chamber (AEC), the voice of Africa’s energy sector, has announced that Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, will speak at the Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris on 1 June. The reception aims to provide investors and companies from Europe an opportunity to connect with African executives and foster potential collaborations across both the exploration and production (E&P) and local content sectors.
With two major oil and gas discoveries made in February 2022 in the Venus-1 and Graff wells as well as a third major find made in early 2023 at the Jonker-1x prospect, Namibia offers newfound opportunities for investors and project developers across the emerging E&P landscape. With much of the country’s offshore and onshore basins underexplored, French companies to the likes of TotalEnergies, Perenco and many more have the chance to participate in one of Africa’s most promising oil and gas plays.
As Namibia emerges as the region’s new exploration hotspot, Alweendo is expected to spearhead discussions at the upcoming Invest in African Energy Forum Paris reception on the current progress of the discoveries and any new opportunities that emerge.
However, opportunities for French companies transcend E&P activities, with France having already played a key role in promoting local content and capacity building in Africa. Companies such as Technip Energies have been instrumental in driving skills and technology transfer, and going forward, as the country witnesses unprecedented growth across its oil and gas sector, the exchange of ideas and solutions from French companies will be key for ensuring successful project developments. As such, Alweendo is expected to engage with a suite of companies, fostering partnerships and bilateral collaboration in a bid to push for heightened local content development.
Meanwhile, the mines and energy ministry, in addition to its noteworthy discoveries in the hydrocarbons sector, has embarked on ambitious green hydrogen projects aimed at harnessing the country’s resources. Alweendo and his ministry are collaborating to establish a green hydrogen hub that will enable new businesses and stakeholders to launch large-scale projects in the region. This innovative space is expected to unlock vast opportunities across the energy market. Despite these remarkable strides, it is crucial to note that substantial investments are still necessary to ensure the growth and success of these projects, and as the industry represents a relatively new market in Namibia, knowledge-sharing and bilateral cooperation will also be key.
“With Hon. Alweendo’s attendance at the Invest in African Energy Forum Paris, we anticipate the gathering of industry stakeholders and the establishment of new collaborative partnerships, paving the way for future potential exploration and production in the country. We firmly believe that such alliances will contribute significantly to the development of Namibia’s green hydrogen agenda, driving the country’s progress towards a more sustainable and diversified energy sector,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.
Alweendo’s presentation at the forthcoming Invest in African Energy Forum Paris reception, is expected to shine a bright light on Namibia’s dynamic energy sector. With a focus on ongoing projects, potential future initiatives, and emerging investment opportunities, Alweendo is expected to guide the audience through the possibilities for collaboration and partnership between African energy stakeholders and European investors keen on investing in Namibia’s local projects.
Taking place on 1 June 2023 and in partnership with global market research firm, Rystad Energy and the African Export-Import Bank, the Invest in African Energy Paris Event is open to all guests and RSVP is essential.
Alweendo was appointed Minister of Mines and Energy in February 2018 and according to the AEC has made much progress since then in expanding Namibia’s energy sector.
“With a significant amount of experience in planning and with a leadership background, Alweendo continues to make a considerable contribution to the planning and implementation of energy projects in Namibia,” the ARC stated.