Namibia’s energy leadership will gather in Windhoek from 14 to 16 April 2026 for the 8th Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC), at a defining moment as the country advances toward first oil production.
Held under the theme “The Road to First Oil & Beyond: Partnership, Investment, Growth,” NIEC 2026 is expected to convene more than 1,000 delegates, including policymakers, regulators, investors and leading energy companies, at a time when Namibia’s energy sector is moving from exploration towards development and production.
Following major offshore discoveries in the Orange Basin, Namibia has become one of the world’s most promising new hydrocarbon frontiers. The conference will act as a strategic platform to bring stakeholders together as the sector progresses beyond exploration — recognising that translating early resource success into long-term economic value is a process that requires preparation, alignment and coordinated effort.
Ndapwilapo Selma Shimutwikeni, Convenor of NIEC, says: “Namibia’s energy story has always been one of long-term planning. Today, as discoveries progress towards development and production, the focus on collaboration, investment and ensuring that the sector delivers lasting economic value has never been more important.”
This is a nationally significant sector, shaped not only by energy stakeholders but also by a broader ecosystem that includes environmental oversight, access to financing, infrastructure readiness, human capital development, and meaningful local participation. As the industry evolves within a globally connected landscape, Namibia is well positioned to leverage international expertise while continuing to strengthen local capacity.
NIEC has established itself as a leading thought-leadership platform in Namibia’s energy sector, convening decision-makers from both the public and private sectors to foster dialogue, unlock investment, and strengthen collaboration.
The 2026 conference takes place against the backdrop of more than three decades of sustained sector development. From early geological work to the establishment of a stable, predictable regulatory framework in the 1990s, Namibia has positioned itself as a credible energy investment destination.
The 2026 conference takes place against the backdrop of more than 30 years of intentional, sustained sector growth. From early geological work to the establishment of a stable regulatory framework in the 1990s, Namibia has positioned itself as a credible and competitive energy investment destination.
Today’s momentum in the Orange Basin highlights not only resource potential but also the strength of this long-term policy foundation.
Importantly, Namibia’s energy vision goes beyond hydrocarbons. The country is developing a diverse energy mix that includes natural gas, renewable energy, potential nuclear options and regional electricity trade — aligning with global trends towards more integrated and resilient energy systems. “As Namibia moves closer to first oil, NIEC 2026 will play a key role in bringing key stakeholders together to shape the partnerships, policy direction and investment required to deliver sustainable, inclusive growth”, concludes Shimutwikeni.
