Namibia to host IADC Drilling Africa Conference in February
Namibia is set to take centre stage in Africa’s upstream oil and gas sector, hosting the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) Drilling Africa Conference & Exhibition on 24 and 25 February at the Hilton Hotel in the capital.The high-level event is expected to draw more than 250 industry professionals from over 20 countries, highlighting Namibia’s growing role as a destination for offshore energy investment and drilling activity.
Over two days, delegates will explore key issues shaping drilling operations across the continent, with particular relevance to Namibia’s emerging upstream sector. Topics include the African drilling market outlook, partnering opportunities in Namibia, bankable contracts for drilling contractors, artificial intelligence in drilling, carbon capture and storage, geothermal drilling, automation and digitalisation, well control, plug and abandonment, and strategies for engaging Generation Z talent.
Keynote and opening addresses will be delivered by prominent industry figures, including Kornelia Shilunga, Presidential Advisor and Head of Namibia’s Upstream Petroleum Unit; Mariam Kane-Garcia, CEO of TotalEnergies Namibia; Travis Smithard, CEO of Rhino Resources; and Ben Pomford, Senior Director of Technical Marketing at Noble Corporation.
The conference programme features four interactive panels on bankable contracts, AI in drilling operations, nationalisation and workforce development in Namibia’s offshore sector, and fostering the next generation of energy leaders. Five technical sessions will cover geothermal drilling, automation and technology, well planning, well control and sustainability. Additional presentations will address Africa’s drilling market outlook, carbon capture potential, and approaches to well plug and abandonment projects.
An accompanying exhibition will showcase the latest products, services and technologies from local and international companies across the drilling value chain. Leading sponsors include Northern Ocean, Shelf Drilling, TotalEnergies, Noble Corporation, Sonadrill, Tenaris, Odfjell Drilling, Tomax, CS Oilfield, and Derrick Solutions International. Namibia Oil and Gas will serve as the official local media partner.
The IADC Drilling Africa Conference & Exhibition aims to provide a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and strategic engagement as Namibia strengthens its position in Africa’s evolving upstream energy landscape.