The Presidency has started nationwide consultations on a draft policy that could shape how ordinary citizens benefit from the country’s new oil and gas industry. On Monday, the Presidency’s Upstream Petroleum Unit held its first community meeting in Lüderitz, where residents, local businesses, and leaders gathered to discuss the draft National Upstream Local Content Policy.
According to a press release shared by the Presidency on Tuesday afternoon, the consultations, which began on 1 September, will run until 17 September 2025 across all 14 regions of the country.
The draft policy is designed to ensure that Namibians, not just foreign companies, get real opportunities from the booming petroleum sector.
It focuses on job creation, training, supplier development, and promoting local ownership in oil and gas projects.
//Kharas governor David Gertze told the gathering the new policy is about “inclusivity and shared prosperity.”
He said it is critical that Namibians at every level have a fair chance to take part in this growing industry.
Deputy head of the Upstream Petroleum Unit, Carlo McLeod, said the government is committed to collaborating with communities, skills development, and creating an environment where local businesses can grow.
“This policy is not just about oil. It is about building skills, creating jobs, and empowering Namibian companies to supply goods and services,” he said.
New oil-gas department
The consultations come shortly after President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah established the country’s first dedicated oil and gas department earlier this year.
Known as the Upstream Petroleum Unit, the department was created to guide exploration, production, and regulation of the sector. Its main role is to ensure Namibia’s natural resources are managed responsibly and benefits reach the people.
Namibia’s recent oil discoveries have drawn international attention and raised expectations the country could soon become a key player in Africa’s energy market.
Residents of Lüderitz welcomed the chance to give input but also raised concerns. Many said the town and wider region lack enough skilled workers to take up jobs in the oil sector.
Others pointed to the limited capacity of small local businesses to compete with big foreign suppliers.
McLeod acknowledged these challenges, saying they are exactly why consultations are important. “We need to hear the people’s voices so that this policy addresses real barriers and brings real opportunities,” he said.
The consultation meetings were set to continue in Keetmanshoop yesterday (Wednesday) and in Mariental tomorrow September before moving to other regions.
At the end of the process, the government will refine the policy based on input and feedback from communities, businesses, and experts before final adoption.