By Oke Peter
Windhoek, Namibia – The Namibia Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition (NOGC) will return to Windhoek from 18–20 August 2026 with an expanded programme focused on the partnerships, investment and capabilities needed to advance Namibia’s petroleum sector responsibly.
Bringing together government, operators, investors, service providers and local businesses, NOGC 2026 will examine Namibia’s transition from discovery to development, with a focus on supplier readiness, skills, infrastructure and long-term economic value. Local suppliers will feature prominently, with 15 five-minute pitches from Namibian businesses and entrepreneurs seeking opportunities in the oil and gas value chain.
Hosted by the Economic Association of Namibia (EAN), in partnership with the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) and the Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF), and with strategic partners the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR), SNC Incorporated and Rhino Resources, the conference is officially endorsed by Namibia’s Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy.
Under the theme “From Decision to Dividend: Making Namibia’s Oil Work for Namibians,” the programme will explore how petroleum development can translate into jobs, contracts, stronger businesses and lasting national capacity.
Jason Kasuto, Chairperson of NOGC 2026, said the conference is intended to produce practical outcomes for participants.
“Expect a marketplace, not a talk shop,” he said. “For investors, it is access to a stable frontier and credible local partners. For operators and service providers, a stronger, better-understood supply base. For local businesses, the chance to leave with a contract, a partner or a benchmark.”
The programme begins on 18 August with a Local Content and Suppliers Masterclass that examines supplier development, workforce localisation, skills transfer, procurement and partnerships between international companies and local firms.
The second NIPDB Local Content Pitching will take place across two rounds, followed by structured networking with operators, engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors, Tier 1 suppliers and other industry stakeholders.
Chemell Plaatjies, who leads the Local Supplier Pitching and Supplier Information Sessions for the NIPDB, said the initiative was created to move local-content ambitions towards practical business outcomes.
“The Local Content Pitching Session was established to translate Namibia’s local-content aspirations into practical business opportunities. It gives capable Namibian businesses a platform to showcase their services directly to industry stakeholders, increasing supplier visibility and supporting the development of a competitive and sustainable local supply chain.”
Plaatjies explained that the pitching session would also help businesses strengthen their understanding of industry expectations.
“Participating businesses will gain exposure to procurement decision-makers, industry requirements and market insights that can strengthen their readiness and competitiveness. By connecting suppliers with operators, EPC contractors, Tier 1 suppliers and other stakeholders, the session creates pathways to partnerships and future procurement opportunities across the upstream value chain.”
A dedicated Future Generations programme will examine the skills, training, mentorship and entrepreneurship needed to prepare young Namibians for opportunities in the energy sector.
On 19 August, the executive programme will turn to “Industry in Action: Operators, Independents and Finance.” Sessions will address the commercial and technical realities of moving offshore discoveries towards development, including project economics, field development options, supply-chain readiness and the partnerships required to reach first oil.
The final day will focus on “SMEs, Finance, Servicing and Critical Infrastructure to Develop a Sustainable Energy Mix,” covering access to capital, infrastructure, logistics, gas development and energy security.
Paulo Coelho, Director of Communications at NAMCOR, said partnerships must create value beyond individual projects.
“Successful partnerships must go beyond transactions. They should build lasting local capacity, strengthen institutions and create Namibian enterprises that remain competitive beyond a single petroleum project.”
Running alongside the executive programme, the Namibia Oil and Gas Technical Conference will address exploration, field development, infrastructure, technology and environmental management.
NOGC 2026 is expected to attract close to 2,000 delegates from government, industry, finance, academia, civil society and the international energy community.
By connecting policy discussions with supplier development, technical expertise and commercial engagement, NOGC 2026 aims to help more Namibian businesses and professionals prepare for future contracts, partnerships and investment opportunities.
For programme information and delegate registration, visit www.namibiaoilandgasconf.com
