Businesses seeking to enter Namibia’s oil and gas sector must address gaps in certification, infrastructure and governance, as operators tighten procurement standards ahead of large-scale project execution.
This emerged during the Upstream Oil and Gas Local Suppliers Workshop hosted by Petrofund, where global service companies outlined what will determine access to contracts in the fast-evolving industry.
Halliburton Procurement Specialist Jaumbuaije Zauana said many local suppliers are failing to pass basic qualification stages despite strong interest in the sector.
“There are still challenges in the local market, mainly around technical capability, certification and infrastructure. For example, API certification and specialised equipment. We do receive interest from vendors who say they can provide services, but when we evaluate them, we often find they lack the necessary certification and their facilities are not ready to support such services,” she said.
Zauana said suppliers aiming to provide critical services face stricter scrutiny due to the operational risks involved.
“In critical services, the assessment is rigorous. We visit facilities and assess certifications, as well as the training employees have undergone,” she said.
She warned that failure to meet standards could lead to costly downtime.
“If anything goes wrong, it results in unproductive time, which is expensive in this industry. Suppliers must ensure all requirements are in place to protect themselves, the operator and the industry as a whole,” she said.
Zauana added that procurement decisions go beyond pricing, with a strong focus on performance and reliability.
“We ensure fairness by evaluating multiple suppliers. We do not only look at price, but also service delivery, technical capability, reliability and reputation. The process is designed to ensure transparency, fair opportunity, high standards and long-term partnerships,” she said.
Baker Hughes Country Director Victor Joseph said compliance, safety and ethics are central to supplier selection.
“HSE, quality and safety come first. We want everyone to work and return home safely. If you are to be a supplier or partner, safety and quality must be your top priority,” he said.
Joseph said suppliers must also understand industry processes and adhere to strict ethical standards, particularly on anti-corruption.
“Do you understand the process, what is required, and the code of conduct? Participation in this industry demands full compliance. We do not tolerate bribery or corruption. If you see something, say something. Accountability applies to every participant,” he said.
He added that supplier performance is continuously monitored through ongoing reviews as part of long-term partnerships.
RMB Namibia Sector Head for Oil and Gas, Energy and Resources, Angelique Peake, said Namibia is entering a new phase of industry development that requires coordinated action.
“We are moving from exploration to execution, and now towards ecosystem building. This is what an industry looks like when it begins to organise itself, and everyone has a role to play,” she said.
Peake stressed that local companies must take responsibility for their readiness if they are to benefit.
“This is a global industry with global standards. Local companies can participate, but they must meet those standards. It requires research, preparation and the right certifications. The opportunity is there, but it will not be handed to us,” she said.
She also urged early engagement with financial institutions to support growth.
While Namibia’s oil and gas sector presents significant economic potential, industry players said meaningful local participation will depend on whether businesses can meet global standards, strengthen compliance and invest in long-term capability development.
