The Namibian government has stressed that offshore oil discoveries alone will not guarantee jobs, reduce poverty, or deliver prosperity without sound planning and effective local content measures.
Speaking in Lüderitz, Carlo McLeod, Deputy Head of the Upstream Petroleum Unit in the Presidency, said petroleum resources can only become a national blessing if managed responsibly.
“But let us be very clear: oil itself does not automatically create jobs, reduce poverty, or deliver prosperity. It is only through careful planning, sound policies, and prioritising our people that these discoveries can become a true blessing for our nation. That is why we are here today—to engage with you on the local content policy,” he said.
McLeod was addressing a regional consultation on the newly approved local content policy, which seeks to ensure Namibians and local businesses directly benefit from oil and gas developments.
The policy requires companies to employ Namibians, provide specialised training, source goods and services locally, and transfer knowledge and technology.
He said the framework places particular focus on youth, women, and historically disadvantaged groups.
“The government will enforce strict compliance to ensure that promises translate into real benefits. We know too well from other experiences that if resources are not managed properly, they can become a curse—benefits captured by a few, corruption thriving, and communities left behind. Namibia is determined to follow a different path,” McLeod warned.
On the legislative process, he explained that once gazetted, the policy would be converted into law through an enabling act and detailed regulations.
“Drawing on examples from other jurisdictions, some subsectors may be expected to meet targets ranging from 40% to 60%, depending on the context. Further studies are being conducted to assess the current landscape, including the number of businesses operating in the sector, to ensure the measures are practical and achievable,” he said.
McLeod emphasised that proper implementation is critical to avoiding the resource curse and that Namibia must prioritise its citizens to secure lasting benefits from its oil discoveries.
