By Oke Peter
The 4th Namibia Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition (NOGC 2026) has officially opened in Windhoek, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs and energy professionals from Namibia and across the global oil and gas sector.
The conference, which began with a networking golf tournament hosted by Cotemar at the Windhoek Country Club, is set to provide a platform for high-level discussions on Namibia’s emerging oil and gas industry, local content development, investment and the future of the country’s energy sector.
The opening activities are expected to set the stage for a week of business networking, knowledge sharing and engagement among key stakeholders seeking to translate Namibia’s growing energy potential into sustainable economic opportunities.
Focus on local content and future workforce
The first full day of activities on Tuesday, August 18, will focus heavily on strengthening local participation in Namibia’s oil and gas value chain and creating opportunities for businesses and young professionals.
A major feature will be the Local Content Masterclasses, hosted by Rhino Resources, which will provide practical strategies for Namibian businesses and policymakers to increase local participation across the energy value chain.
The Local Supplier Pitching Sessions, hosted by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) and sponsored by Shell, will also give Namibian entrepreneurs an opportunity to present their capabilities and explore potential partnerships with major industry players and investors.
The programme will further feature speed networking sessions designed to connect delegates with potential business partners and investors.
Another key programme, Future Generations, sponsored by Shell, will bring together young people, industry leaders, educators and policymakers to examine skills development, innovation, entrepreneurship and career opportunities in Namibia’s energy industry.
Executive and Technical Conferences begin August 19
The Executive and Technical Conferences are scheduled for August 19–20, with two days of high-level policy dialogue, technical presentations and discussions involving government representatives, national institutions and international energy stakeholders.
Among the government figures expected to deliver opening addresses and keynote remarks are Hon. Modeste Amutse, Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy, Namibia; Hon. Kornelia Shilunga, Special Advisor and Head of the Upstream Petroleum Unit, Office of the President of Namibia; and Hon. Aune Amutenya, Acting Petroleum Commissioner, Office of the President of Namibia.
The discussions are expected to examine key issues shaping Namibia’s oil and gas industry, including investment, upstream development, local content, technical capacity, partnerships and the country’s broader energy ambitions.
60+ Companies to Showcase at NOGC Exhibition
The NOGC 2026 exhibition will officially open on August 19, featuring more than 60 exhibitors drawn from Namibia and the international energy value chain.
The exhibition will provide trade visitors with opportunities to explore emerging technologies, meet service providers, establish commercial relationships and learn more about companies positioning themselves within Namibia’s expanding energy market.
The exhibition will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on August 19 and 20, with free admission for pre-registered trade visitors.
As Namibia continues to attract attention from international oil and gas companies following major discoveries and exploration activities, NOGC 2026 is expected to serve as an important platform for stakeholders to discuss how the country can maximise the economic benefits of its emerging hydrocarbon industry.
The conference organisers said the event would focus on moving the conversation “from decision to delivery”, with emphasis on creating lasting value for Namibia through investment, local participation, skills development and partnerships across the energy sector.
