Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources and Member of Parliament Tobie Aupindi has cautioned against celebrating Namibia’s reported oil discoveries too early, warning that major regulatory, technical and environmental hurdles must still be cleared before any move towards commercial production in the country.
Aupindi told a recent event that oil exploration carries serious internal and external risks that must be carefully managed.
He said experiences from other emerging oil-producing regions show the dangers of moving too quickly without strong governance, citing risks such as resource-driven conflict, petro-aggression, insurgency financing, disputes over transit routes and oil-related grievances.
“These risks are real and must be anticipated and managed responsibly,” Aupindi said, adding that Namibia must approach oil development with caution, responsibility and strong oversight.
Aupindi also pointed to the difficult socio-economic conditions facing many Namibians, saying poverty and economic hardship continue to deepen. He said these challenges are driven not only by global pressures but also by failures to act decisively at home.
He highlighted persistent inequalities in access and benefit-sharing from natural resources, arguing that most Namibians do not meaningfully participate in the market economy.
“The structure of our economy must be confronted. Regulation alone is not enough, and redistributing wealth after inequality has already taken root is insufficient,” he said.
Aupindi called for institutional reforms and alternative economic instruments to create opportunities for ordinary Namibians, particularly those in informal settlements and rural areas. He warned that economic exclusion, if left unaddressed, could undermine national stability.
“We will demand people-centred leadership that prioritises national interest over short-term profit,” he said.
