NOGC26 gets underway
The fourth edition of the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition (NOGC) kicked off at the Mercure Hotel in Windhoek this morning and continues until 20 August 2026.
Since its launch in 2023, the conference has grown into one of Namibia’s leading platforms for dialogue, collaboration and investment in the country’s rapidly evolving oil and gas industry.
The 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 (HSF), with strategic partners the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR), SNC Incorporated and Rhino Resources.
The conference is officially endorsed by the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy.
Under the theme “From Decision to Dividend: Making Namibia’s Oil Work for Namibians”, this year’s conference focuses on ensuring that growth in Namibia’s oil and gas industry creates meaningful opportunities for local businesses, entrepreneurs, workers and communities, according to the organisers.
Speaking at the start of the local content masterclasses, which precede the official opening ceremony tomorrow, EAN chairperson Jason Kasuto said: “Do not grow alone”, echoing the government’s approach of encouraging greater participation by Namibians.
Previously, EAN chief executive officer Cons Karamata said: “The success of this sector cannot be measured solely by discoveries, investment announcements or production figures. Rather, its success will ultimately be measured by its impact on people’s lives. It will be measured by the opportunities created for young Namibians entering the workforce, the growth of local businesses and entrepreneurs, and stronger institutions and communities in our country.”
This year, the programme has been expanded to offer greater opportunities for learning, networking and collaboration. A larger exhibition, industry masterclasses, local content discussions, supplier engagement sessions, speed networking and youth-focused activities precede two days of strategic and technical conference sessions exploring project development, investment, local participation, infrastructure and long-term energy sustainability.
One of the speakers on the first day was Solomon Ewanehi, group managing director and CEO of Nigeria’s Solewant Group. Ewanehi is leading his delegation to Namibia to explore opportunities for partnerships, investment, local participation and technology collaboration.
This follows shortly after the successful commissioning of the group’s Solewant Speciality Protective Coatings and Paints (SSPC) manufacturing facility in Nigeria and the unveiling of its new 11-product range of industrial coatings and paints.
According to Ewanehi, Namibia is at a critical point between major discoveries and large-scale development. This presents a valuable window of opportunity “because once major projects move into execution, things happen very quickly”, he said.
“If Namibia wants its companies and its people to participate meaningfully, preparation cannot begin when the contracts arrive,” Ewanehi stressed.
The conference is expected to welcome close to 2 000 delegates from Namibia and around the world, including representatives from government, operators, investors, service providers, SMEs, entrepreneurs, academics, students and civil society organisations.
Tomorrow, Kornelia Shilunga, head of the Upstream Petroleum Unit in the Office of the President of Namibia, and Modeste Amutse, Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, are both scheduled to speak during the morning leadership dialogue on national vision, policy and strategic partnerships.
