Last week, the sixth edition of the Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) convened more than 750 attendees from 46 nations at a venue in Windhoek. The number of participants included 22 nations more than in previous years at the pivotal platform, where delegates deliberated on exciting developments in Namibia’s energy landscape that enabled participants to reimagine the possibilities for the domestic economy and its people. Amidst a captivating discourse and insightful presentations by local and global experts, attendees seized an opportunity to forge alliances, aimed at propelling Namibia’s energy sector forward.
Significantly, last week’s event garnered sponsorship from key industry giants like RMB, Shell, Chevron, TotalEnergies, Woodside Energies, ExxonMobil, SLB, Halliburton, Namcor, Sonils and African Energy Chamber – to name a few – who played a pivotal role in supporting the theme of ‘Reimagine Resource-Rich Namibia: Turning Possibilities into Prosperity’.
A striking aspect of the conference was the breadth of representation, with 92 speakers present.
Notably, 59% of the attendees hailed from the oil and gas sector, while 14% represented a combined legal and financial services' interest.
Government officials, numbering no fewer than 51, underscored the event’s significance in shaping national energy policies. “Beyond formal sessions, the conference provided a fertile ground for informal discussions, fostering mutually-beneficial partnerships and laying the groundwork for future partnerships. The palpable enthusiasm and engagement among delegates, speakers and sponsors emphasised the event’s growing significance as a nexus for advancing collective interests and fostering innovation,” conference organisers stated. Central to the discussions at the conference was the promotion of Namibian local content, which was a recurring theme, highlighting the country’s potential as a significant player in the energy sector.
This included a concerted effort to foster local supplier capability, and culminated in efforts for a competitive market environment, reflecting a collective commitment to sustainable growth and development.
During the conference, participants explored innovative strategies to position Namibia as a leading energy hub, navigating key challenges such as the journey to the first oil expected in 2030, comprehensive energy master planning, and the promising geological prospects in areas such as the Walvis and Lüderitz basins.Additionally, conference discussions delved into the crucial role of natural gas in driving global economic growth, alongside examining Namibia’s energy landscape, and the integration of renewable energy sources. Transforming Namibia into a premier infrastructure hub and addressing development financing challenges were also focal points, with attention given to the unique dynamics of developing an oil industry within a mining economy.
Upon reflection of the conference, Ndapwilapo Selma Shimutwikeni, CEO of RichAfrica Consultancy and convener of NIEC, said: “This conference has evolved over the years into a credible platform that fosters partnerships. Witnessing two significant signings during the conference by Namcor and Chevron’s farm-out deal and Rhino Resources’ agreement with Halliburton underscored the role of this platform as a catalyst for impactful industry collaborations”.
Participation of mines and energy minister Tom Alweendo and OPEC secretary general Haitham Al-Ghais, alongside leaders of global oil and gas companies, added prestige to the conference, reaffirming its status as a must-attend event for public-private partnerships in the energy and investment sectors.
Shimutwikeni also expressed pride in the role of women who participated in discussions, specifically mines and energy deputy minister Kornelia Shilunga, as well as petroleum commissioner Maggy Shino.In her closing remarks, Shimutwikeni expressed a desire for delegates to take the discussions and turn them into actionable strategies to drive positive change, and impact the Namibian economy.
The seventh Namibia International Energy Conference is scheduled for 22 to 24 April 2025.