Standard Bank Namibia this week entered into a three-year partnership with Rich-Africa Consultancy to support Namibia’s Energy Sector development.
Beyond 2025, the bank intends to pursue opportunities to lead Africa’s energy and infrastructure development, using its deep sector expertise in the infrastructure and energy sectors and large balance-sheet to support clients amongst other advantages.
Namibia has seven sedimentary basins, including four offshore and three onshore. The recent offshore discoveries in Namibia’s Orange Basin hold substantial economic potential for the country, particularly from 2030 onward, and the bank is committed to leveraging this opportunity and positioning itself as Namibia’s leading oil and gas bank.
“Standard Bank Namibia is privileged to be afforded the opportunity to establish a partnership with the Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) as collective champions of the energy industry,” said Nelson Lucas, Head: Corporate and Investment Banking at Standard Bank Namibia.
“We hold this platform in high regard for bringing together industry leaders and experts from across the globe with the intention of having industry-defining conversations and cross-border networking with the goal of securing Namibia’s spot as one of the energy leaders in Africa and internationally.
Standard Bank Namibia is proud to be one of the biggest energy banks in Namibia with a footprint across Africa, and years of experience and expertise. As an industry leader, our objective is to support the local industry players across the value chain, and usher them into this sector to lay the foundation for the growth of the Namibian economy and Africa at large. We look forward in anticipation for this year’s conference, and the valuable insights that will emerge,” he added.
The three-year partnership marks a shared commitment to advancing Namibia’s energy sector through finance, innovation and inclusive growth. As a Sapphire Sponsor, Standard Bank will leverage its energy financing expertise to support high-impact dialogue, knowledge-sharing and investment mobilisation at NIEC 2025 and beyond.
The 2025 Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) will be held from 23-25 April at the Windhoek Country Club Resort under the theme “Leading the Way: Becoming an Energy Hub with In-Country Value.”
“Standard Bank’s partnership is a testament to Namibia’s growing role in Africa’s energy future,” said Ndapwilapo Selma Shimutwikeni, founder & CEO of Rich-Africa Consultancy.
“Their sponsorship elevates our platform’s ability to connect capital with opportunity, ensuring tangible outcomes for the sector and contributing meaningfully to advancing Namibia’s energy sector.”
The partnership will further strengthen NIEC’s role as a trusted platform for thought leadership, policy dialogue and strategic collaboration. Through panel discussions, executive conversations and curated networking engagements, Standard Bank will play a key role in shaping strategic dialogue on energy developments, sustainable finance and unlocking opportunities across the energy value chain.
The 2025 edition will spotlight Namibia’s upstream oil and gas developments, renewable energy potential, infrastructure investments, and the evolving policy landscape shaping energy and extractives’ investment.