Presidency briefed on oil summit

Organisers of the fourth Namibia Oil & Gas Conference have met officials from the presidency's Upstream Petroleum Unit in Windhoek to detail preparations for next month's energy summit.

A delegation led by Jason Kasuto, chairperson of the Economic Association of Namibia, alongside strategic partners from SNC Incorporated, briefed Kornelia Shilunga, special advisor and head of the upstream petroleum unit, on the event's evolving agenda and international turnout.

The conference, taking place from 18 to 20 August under the theme "From Decision to Dividend: Making Namibia's Oil Work for Namibians", comes as the nation transitions from initial discoveries toward value creation and first oil. Organisers expect more than 1,400 delegates from over 35 countries, alongside 29 sponsors and 42 exhibitors.

Shilunga confirmed her attendance and highlighted the need for local business integration as the sector matures.

"The conference presents an important platform to bridge the information gap between industry and local businesses by facilitating practical discussions on supplier readiness, certification requirements and opportunities for greater local participation," Shilunga said.

She added that Namibian entrepreneurs are eager to enter the market but often lack precise guidance on how to access supply chains, navigate compliance standards, or service offshore operations.

"It is important to empower Namibian enterprises to become competitive, investment-ready and capable of participating meaningfully across the petroleum value chain," she noted.

Kasuto said receiving direct strategic guidance from the Office of the President ensures the event stays aligned with broader national economic priorities.

"The scale of the conference reflects the growing interest in Namibia's energy industry. We have placed significant emphasis on local participation, making it important to engage with the Office of the President to receive strategic guidance and ensure that the conference aligns with the national vision for the sector," Kasuto said.