Preparations are well under way for the third edition of the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference, which is expected to draw energy professionals, delegates and international stakeholders to Windhoek for four days of discussion and networking.
The event, themed “From Exploration to Action: Positioning Namibia as the Next Energy Frontier”, comes as the country continues to attract global attention following major offshore oil discoveries. Organisers say the conference will offer valuable insights, promote meaningful dialogue and strengthen Namibia’s position in the global energy conversation.
Economic Association of Namibia (EAN) Chairperson, Jason Kasuto, highlighted the importance of the event in supporting Namibia’s broader socio-economic development.
“As the conference has grown in stature and reach, it has sparked the emergence of several influential partnerships and initiatives,” said Kasuto.
“We are happy to have seen the signing of various MOUs at our conferences, but what was interesting is that these MOUs also had a pan-African approach. So, we are happy to have seen MOUs with Nigeria [and] Angola being signed.”
He added that this year’s edition will feature a new partnership with the Namibia Youth in Energy Forum, aimed at ensuring that younger voices are included in energy sector discussions.
“We think that they add quite a lot of value in ensuring that the youth voice in the energy sector is heard. And we believe as we grow, potential deals can be signalled via this platform, but we are happy with what we have achieved so far across the pan-African space,” he said.
Kasuto also noted that the conference continues to help position Namibia as an attractive player in the global energy market, supported by its natural endowments and political stability.
“Namibia makes it on one end. I think we need to give credit to our stable democracy, our beautiful country, beautiful environment, great weather – especially in August,” he said. “But mostly because we ensure that we are bringing top decision-makers in the oil and gas industry internationally… those voices carry a certain global influence, which in turn positions Namibia within the sphere of the market.”
According to Kasuto, the event aims to strike a balance between local relevance and international calibre.
“We really aim for our dialogue to reach the masses in the country, but at the same time maintain our international significance and put together an event at a world-class level,” he said.
He also encouraged greater public engagement in the energy discourse, saying Namibians should see the value of participation.
“I think that it’s important for us to learn, grow and to participate. Let’s not shy away from dialogues and platforms as a country. Let us participate so that each one teaches the other,” said Kasuto.
“It’s not going to employ everyone… but it’s definitely going to make a difference, so be part of that difference.”
With interest from global energy players and growing momentum domestically, the conference is seen as a key platform for fostering collaboration, empowering local stakeholders, especially youth, and helping shape policy as Namibia emerges as a significant energy frontier.
