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The highly popular Namibia Oil & Gas Conference (NOGC) kicked off with a busy start in Windhoek. This marks the second edition of the conference, scheduled to run from 20 to 22 August.

The Namibia Oil & Gas Conference is hosted by the Economic Association of Namibia (EAN), in partnership with the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) and the Hanns Seidel Foundation, in strategic partnership with the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR) and SNC Incorporated and with the endorsement of the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Namibia.

You won't want to miss this innovative, thought-provoking conference that provides two days of strategic discussions, insightful conversations and features more than 60 national and international expert speakers. Embracing the theme "The Next Step Towards A Prosperous Oil And Gas Industry To Power Namibia's Sustainable Future," this event is the perfect platform for local and global investors to forge connections, establish partnerships, and secure lucrative deals.

We spoke to conference host Jason Kasuto,  the Chairman of the Economic Association of Namibia, a leading think tank in the country. 

1. Why should you attend the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference 2024?

EAN has fuelled knowledge and innovation by laying solid foundations for a strategic roadmap for guiding the public and private sectors on how the country can best benefit from investments in the industry. With an emphasis placed on interaction between all event participants, the NOGC  ensures you have the best access to everyone who matters to your business. We've gathered the key role players in Namibia and the international oil and gas value chain all under one roof, creating a significant opportunity for organisations and individuals to have effective meetings throughout the event.

2. Can you tell us more about EAN’s role at the NOGC?

EAN is a Namibian think tank that serves as a catalyst for socioeconomic development by providing public policy analysis and advisory services. We bridge the gap between the private and public sector players by creating platforms for improved dialogue. This conference aligns with exactly that. We are building on the resounding success of the first NOGC,  which saw international and local delegates embrace the growing demand, by hosting this second edition which further unpacks the potential of the emerging oil and gas industry for economic transformation. EAN will once more host key role-players in Namibia's oil and gas ecosystem, civil society and the general public for NOGC 2024 in order to exchange views on the potential, opportunities, and risks of establishing an oil and gas industry in the country.

3. What are the key investment opportunities in Namibia’s oil and gas sector for local and international investors?

The investment opportunities are wide-ranging, given the number of direct and indirect industries associated with the O&G industry. Over the next six years of exploration and thereafter production for +\- 25 years. This presents opportunities to invest in much-needed infrastructure in-country to support the industry which may require deeper pockets internationally.  As for local investors, supporting the capacity building and participation of SMEs in the value chain is an investment that our local financiers should be positioning themselves for immediately. We need financiers with different risk appetites locally this will require traditional banks, development banks, private equity firms, etc.
 
4. How can Namibia attract more foreign direct investment (FDI) while ensuring local businesses benefit from the sector's growth?

Expediting the finalisation of the local content policy and its associated regulations, if any, provides a clear playing field required for all parties, both local and foreign, to meaningfully understand roles and expectations and thereby stimulate activity. Maintaining a stable governance environment, which the country has achieved over the years, is crucial and complements our level of attractiveness for FDI.
 
5. How can local businesses be better integrated into the oil and gas supply chain?

I have been advocating for the establishment of a local supplier database by the Ministry of Mines and Energy, taking into account the required supplier standards of international oil companies. This creates a transparent and seamless approach to market access for our local businesses. 
 
Book your spot at this informative event or get more information at www.namibiaoilandgasconf.com