Namibia charts path to first oil
The Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) 2026 closed last week Thursday with delegates agreeing on policy reforms and strategic changes to align the energy sector with national economic priorities.
NIEC founder and convener Ndapwilapo Shimutwikeni, chief executive of Rich Africa Consultancy, hailed the event's growth since 2012 in her closing speech. "Namibia has a rare chance not only to produce energy but to model responsible resource development for inclusive growth and Africa's energy future," she said.
Shimutwikeni stressed NIEC's role in fostering industry dialogue and collaboration. "Beyond sessions and awards, platforms like this create connections, open doors and change lives," Ms Shimutwikeni added.
President pledges regulatory overhaul
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the guest of honour, reaffirmed the government's push to update legal and regulatory frameworks for hydrocarbons, aligning them with Vision 2030. Efforts are under way to build a modern policy environment that matches the fast-evolving oil and gas industry and delivers broad national benefits.
"Vision and action have shaped Namibia's path to energy self-sufficiency since independence," she said, citing the pre-discovery Petroleum Act and PetroFund. "Today's challenges demand a framework reflecting new technologies, practices and ambitions. Modernisation ensures competitiveness, readiness and sustainable value."
Nandi-Ndaitwah said the annual NIEC would keep building connections, aiding decisions and promoting inclusive growth.
Record attendance and key themes
Held under the theme "The road to first oil and beyond", the three-day event drew over 2,500 delegates from 46 countries and 1,500 companies. Participants included Chevron, Rhino Resources, Shell, TotalEnergies, NAMCOR, Galp, SLB and PetroFund.
Discussions covered partnerships, investment and long-term growth through panels on topics such as harnessing resources without overreliance, skills and youth talent, AI in reservoir engineering, and investment strategies.
Call for collaborative partnerships
Shimutwikeni underlined the need for alignment. "Opportunities demand government-industry trust and Namibia's place in Africa's energy story. Intentional partnerships build industries and opportunities," she said.
Set against major Orange Basin discoveries, Namibia is gearing up for production amid rising upstream activity. Now in its eighth year, NIEC cements its place as a global hub for energy thought leadership.
The conference launched the inaugural Energy Excellence Awards to recognise sector achievements.
Other speakers included Kornelia Shilunga, special adviser and head of upstream at the Namibian presidency; NJ Ayuk, executive chairman of the Africa Energy Chamber; and executives from Chevron, Rhino Resources, TotalEnergies and Azule Energy.
