… as annual NIEC 2026 comes to a resounding conclusion.
The Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) 2026 concluded on Thursday following high-level engagements centred on policy renewal and strategic realignment of Namibia’s energy sector to support national economic and developmental priorities.
In her closing remarks while reflecting on the success of the conference, NIEC Founder and Convener, Rich Africa Consultancy Chief Executive Officer, Ndapwilapo Selma Shimutwikeni, expressed appreciation for the continued growth and impact of the platform since its inception in 2012.
Namibia, she said, has a rare opportunity not just to become an energy producer, but to become a model for how a country can develop its resources responsibly, for inclusive growth, and for how Africa can lead in shaping its own energy future.
She emphasised NIEC’s role bringing this to fruition through shaping industry dialogue and promoting collaboration.
Adding, “But beyond the sessions, beyond the insights, beyond the awards, there is something else that this conference has once again reminded us of: The power of platforms. Platforms like this, when used right, do more than convene conversations. They create connections, open doors and change lives.”
In her keynote address as guest of honour, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah underscored government’s commitment to repositioning the country’s legal and regulatory frameworks to align the hydrocarbons sector with Vision 2030. She noted that efforts are underway to establish a modern, enabling policy environment capable of keeping pace with the rapid evolution of the local oil and gas industry, while ensuring broad-based national benefit.
“Vision and deliberate action have defined Namibia’s journey towards energy self-sufficiency. Since independence, Government has prioritised the establishment of strong institutions and sound policies to ensure the effective management of our natural resources.”
She said this mentioning the Petroleum Act and the PetroFund which were created before the advent of the country’s hydrocarbon journey.
“Today, realities we face require a modernised framework that reflects current technologies, industry practices and national ambitions. Modernisation is not merely a legal exercise, it is a strategic necessity to ensure competitiveness, institutional readiness and sustainable value creation.”
She added that the annual event will “continue to create meaningful connections, supports informed decision-making, and contribute to inclusive and sustainable growth within Namibia’s energy sector.”
Held under the theme ‘The road to first oil and beyond’, this year’s conference placed strong emphasis on partnerships, investment mobilisation, and long-term sectoral growth. These themes were explored extensively through a series of panel discussions and technical sessions featuring industry leaders and key stakeholders.
The three-day event attracted more than 2,500 delegates from 46 countries, with participation from over 1,500 companies. Key industry players included Chevron, Rhino Resources, RMB, Shell, Standard Bank, Azule Energy, NAMCOR, TotalEnergies, Galp, SLB, Sintana Energy, S&P Global Energy, Ekipa Resources, NAMPOA and PetroFund.
Highlighting the importance of NIEC, Shimutwikeni noted:
“The scale of opportunity before us cannot be realised in silos. It requires alignment between government and industry. It requires trust between investors and local businesses. And it requires Namibia to work not in isolation but as part of a broader African energy story.
“We must build intentional, inclusive partnerships focused on long-term value because when we collaborate effectively, we do more than develop resources – we build industries, we create opportunities.”
Against the backdrop of significant hydrocarbon discoveries in the Orange Basin, Namibia is increasingly positioning itself for production, with accelerated upstream activity signalling strong momentum within the sector.
Now in its eighth edition, NIEC, continues to solidify its standing as a key fixture on the global energy calendar – serving as a platform for thought leadership, strategic collaboration, and industry advancement.
History was once again made with the launch of the inaugural Energy Excellence Awards whose aim is to reward excellence and major achievements within the energy sector.
Conference discussions spanned a broad range of critical topics, including ‘Harnessing abundance, avoiding overreliance’, ‘Empowering Namibia’s Energy Future – Skills, Technology and Youth Talent’, ‘Digital transformation in reservoir engineering using AI’, and ‘Energy investment, partnerships and strategies for growth’.
Other notable speakers who addressed delegates included Kornelia Shilunga, Special Advisor and Head Upstream, Namibian Presidency; Carlo McLeod Presidential Advisor & Deputy Head: Upstream Petroleum Unit; NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman Africa Energy Chamber, Beatrice Bienvenu, Chevron Namibia Country Manager; Travis Smithard, CEO Rhino Resources; Mike Sangster, Senior VP Africa, Total Energies; and Joe Murphy; CEO Azule Energy.
As Namibia stands on the cusp of a transformative energy era, the outcomes of NIEC 2026 reinforce the urgency of cohesive policy reform, strategic partnerships, and sustained investment to unlock long-term value.
With a clear trajectory towards first oil and a firm commitment to inclusive growth, the conference has once again affirmed its role as a catalyst for shaping a resilient, competitive, and future-ready energy sector that delivers tangible benefits for all Namibians.
In conclusion, Shimutwikeni told NIEC 2026 delegate: “Let us leave here not just inspired but committed to building an energy future that is not only successful but meaningful”.
