President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has warned that Namibia risks missing out on the full value of its oil and gas resources unless government and industry align on policy, execution and long-term strategy.
Speaking at the Namibia International Energy Conference 2026, she said the shift from exploration to production will depend on regulatory certainty, coordination and trust between stakeholders, as the country moves closer to first oil.
“We need to change and work together in the spirit of trust and transparency for mutual benefit to reach first oil as per our strategic national plans. Further, amendments will address operational and technical aspects to support the transition from exploration to production in a transparent manner,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
The President said ongoing amendments to Namibia’s petroleum framework are aimed at removing bottlenecks and creating a clear, predictable environment for investment and project execution.
She stressed that Namibia must take control of its development trajectory, ensuring that oil and gas resources are managed with discipline and translated into long-term economic gains.
“This conference provides an opportunity to deepen our understanding of a sector that is often viewed with both optimism and caution. Namibia must define its own trajectory with clarity and discipline, ensuring that our resources become a foundation for national development and long-term prosperity,” she said.
Her remarks come as Namibia’s upstream sector gains global attention following a series of discoveries in the Orange Basin, positioning the country as one of the most promising emerging petroleum provinces.
However, Nandi-Ndaitwah cautioned that global geopolitical instability, particularly in key oil-producing regions, is reshaping energy markets and requires Namibia to adopt a pragmatic and forward-looking policy approach.
She said the next phase of development must focus on building local capacity, including skills and institutional readiness, to ensure Namibians participate meaningfully when production begins.
“We want the oil industry to support our agriculture, infrastructure development, health sector, and education. This is how value addition will be realised across the economy and ensure benefits are shared broadly,” she said.
The President emphasised that the oil and gas sector must be integrated into the wider economy, supporting industrialisation, job creation and sustainable growth in line with Vision 2030 and National Development Plan 6.
She warned that without coordinated execution, resource development risks failing to deliver broad-based benefits.
“The objective is not only to produce oil, but to leverage this opportunity to advance national development, strengthen economic resilience, and improve the livelihoods of all Namibians,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
