Global business leaders, investors energy experts and government officials will gather at the Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) to explore opportunities in the country’s diverse energy industry later this month.
The conference, themed Reimagine Resource-Rich Namibia: Turning Possibilities into Prosperity, will highlight business opportunities presented by Namibia’s recent oil discoveries and the growing developments in the renewable energy sector. The conference takes place at Droombos Estate in Windhoek from April 23-25.
Speakers will share strategies on how to transform the country into a regional energy and investment hub, with project showcases, presentations and in-depth industry insights connecting future players to emerging Namibian opportunities.
International energy companies and their joint venture partners have discovered valuable oil reserves in the country in recent years, setting the stage for a transformative period in Namibia’s economy.
Industry giants Shell, TotalEnergies and Qatar Energy – in partnership with state-owned NAMCOR – opened the Orange Basin with their 2022 discoveries, and just two years later, an additional four discoveries were made.
Galp Energia announced two finds in PEL 83 this year. On the back of this success, new players have entered the market, with companies such as Chevron preparing to drill up to 10 exploration and appraisal wells.
Pancontinental and Woodside are continuing to probe Namibia’s deep waters, while ExxonMobil has increased its exploration acreage with an additional seven million acres.
Namibia’s upstream opportunities transcend offshore acreage with companies including ReconAfrica driving onshore exploration in the Kavango Basin. The company’s exploration licence in northeast Namibia covers an area of approximately 6.3 million acres and, based on commercial success, entitles ReconAfrica to obtain a 25-year production licence.
Production is expected to commence in the country by 2030, making it crucial to create a conducive environment that unlocks the full potential of these resources with a framework that ensures inclusive development.
Spearheaded by the government under the guidance of the late President Hage Geingob, Namibia has become a highly attractive and strategic market to do business.
Selma Shimutwikeni, CEO of RichAfrica Consultancy, and convenor of NIEC 2024 said Namibia stood at a “pivotal moment” in its history.
“Our newfound energy resources present immense potential, but they also come with profound responsibilities. We must strategically prepare ourselves to harness the full value chain of these resources. Our theme, Reimagine Resource-Rich Namibia, encapsulates our vision to create a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future for all Namibians and to position the country as a leading energy hub,” Shimutwikeni said.
In addition to upstream success, recent developments in Namibia’s energy sector include groundbreaking green hydrogen projects, innovative technologies, gas-to-power infrastructure and collaborative initiatives.
The country’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the growth of the renewable energy sector and long-term power generation plans has also gained international recognition.
Hyphen Hydrogen Energy is working closely with the government to construct a $10 billion green hydrogen project which will produce up to two million tonnes of green ammonia a year. The implementation plan has been signed.
The NIEC 2024 will serve as a platform to discuss strategies, share knowledge, and explore opportunities for further collaboration. Some of the key topics covered will include exploration updates, local content and skills development, logistics and infrastructure, technological advancements, liquefied natural gas, power generation, green hydrogen and financing the energy sector.
“We are excited to welcome delegates from around the world to this thought leadership platform. Our conference aims to set the agenda for the energy sector in Namibia and beyond. We invite all stakeholders, from investors to policymakers and industry experts, to join us in shaping the future of our nation’s energy industry,” said Shimutwikeni.
