The Namibia Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition (NOGC) 2026 will return to Windhoek from 18 to 20 August with an expanded programme aimed at preparing local businesses, investors and policymakers for the country’s transition from offshore oil discoveries to project development.
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), the conference will focus on the partnerships, investment and capabilities required to grow Namibia’s petroleum industry while maximising local participation.
Held under the theme “From Decision to Dividend: Making Namibia’s Oil Work for Namibians,” the conference will bring together government, operators, investors, service providers and local businesses to examine supplier readiness, workforce development, infrastructure and long-term economic value creation.
A key feature of this year’s programme will be the second NIPDB Local Content Pitching Session, where 15 Namibian businesses and entrepreneurs will each deliver five-minute presentations to operators, engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors, Tier 1 suppliers and other industry stakeholders in pursuit of commercial opportunities across the upstream oil and gas value chain.
NOGC 2026 is supported by strategic partners the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR), SNC Incorporated and Rhino Resources, and is officially endorsed by the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy.
Conference Chairperson Jason Kasuto said the event was designed to generate tangible business outcomes rather than simply facilitate discussion.
“Expect a marketplace, not a talk shop. For investors, it is access to a stable frontier and credible local partners. For operators and service providers, a stronger, better-understood supply base. For local businesses, the chance to leave with a contract, a partner or a benchmark.”
The conference opens on 18 August with a Local Content and Suppliers Masterclass focusing on supplier development, workforce localisation, procurement, skills transfer and partnerships between international operators and Namibian companies.
Chemell Plaatjies, who leads the NIPDB’s Local Supplier Pitching and Supplier Information Sessions, said the initiative was established to convert Namibia’s local-content ambitions into commercial opportunities.
“The Local Content Pitching Session was established to translate Namibia’s local-content aspirations into practical business opportunities. It gives capable Namibian businesses a platform to showcase their services directly to industry stakeholders, increasing supplier visibility and supporting the development of a competitive and sustainable local supply chain.”
She said participating businesses would gain direct exposure to procurement decision-makers while strengthening their understanding of industry requirements.
“Participating businesses will gain exposure to procurement decision-makers, industry requirements and market insights that can strengthen their readiness and competitiveness. By connecting suppliers with operators, EPC contractors, Tier 1 suppliers and other stakeholders, the session creates pathways to partnerships and future procurement opportunities across the upstream value chain.”
The programme will also include a dedicated Future Generations stream focusing on skills development, training, mentorship and entrepreneurship to prepare young Namibians for careers in the energy sector.
On 19 August, delegates will examine the commercial and technical challenges of advancing offshore discoveries to production during executive sessions themed “Industry in Action: Operators, Independents and Finance.” Discussions will cover project economics, field development, supply chain readiness and the partnerships needed to achieve first oil.
The conference concludes with sessions on SMEs, finance, servicing and critical infrastructure, examining access to capital, logistics, gas development and energy security.
Running alongside the executive programme, the Namibia Oil and Gas Technical Conference will explore exploration, field development, infrastructure, technology and environmental management.
NAMCOR Director of Communications Paulo Coelho said successful partnerships should deliver benefits beyond individual projects.
