Namibia’s upstream local content policy will not be enough on its own to secure meaningful participation by local businesses in the oil and gas sector, government has warned.
Special Advisor to the President and Deputy Head of the Upstream Petroleum Unit, Carlo McLeod, said capability, not policy, will ultimately determine whether Namibian firms benefit from developments in the Orange Basin.
He said that while the policy is designed to prioritise local suppliers and workers, it cannot compensate for gaps in skills, standards and operational readiness.
“We cannot legislate our way into the value chain. We must build our way there through skills, standards and a clear understanding of industry requirements,” McLeod said.
He noted that opportunities will extend across a wide range of sectors, including logistics, catering, engineering, ICT, environmental services, infrastructure and professional services.
However, he warned that access to these opportunities will depend on companies meeting strict international standards required by global oil and gas operators.
These include obtaining ISO certification across relevant operations, adhering to rigorous health, safety and environmental protocols, implementing anti-bribery and governance frameworks, and demonstrating sufficient financial capacity to deliver large-scale contracts.
He said these requirements are central to how international operators manage risk, ensure operational integrity and maintain compliance across global supply chains.
“These are not bureaucratic requirements; they are the language of the industry. Companies that cannot meet them will not be able to compete,” McLeod said.
Speaking at an upstream oil and gas local suppliers workshop, he said Namibia is entering a critical phase ahead of a final investment decision (FID), which will determine whether billions of dollars in capital are committed to the sector.
The workshop brought together international oilfield service companies and local firms to outline procurement standards, technical requirements and expectations for participation in the industry.
He added that the next three to five years will be decisive in shaping the long-term impact of the oil and gas sector, as Namibia seeks to ensure that development translates into broad-based economic gains rather than limited participation.
“Namibia stands at a defining crossroads. The choices we make now will determine whether this becomes a transformative opportunity for our people,” he said.
