Efforts to position Namibian businesses within the country’s fast-growing oil and gas industry received a boost with the hosting of the Upstream Oil and Gas Suppliers’ Workshop in Windhoek.
The two-day event, which attracted more than 200 delegates, was hosted by FNB Namibia, RMB Namibia, the Petroleum Training and Education Fund, and the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board. The workshop brought together stakeholders from the financial sector, public institutions, local enterprises, and leading oil and gas operators to strengthen collaboration and improve access for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking to enter the upstream value chain.
Hosted free of charge and streamed across local platforms, the initiative ensured broader accessibility while creating a practical platform for SMEs to engage directly with industry players and decision-makers. The workshop builds on a 2025 Memorandum of Understanding between PETROFUND and FirstRand Namibia, which includes FNB Namibia and RMB Namibia, aimed at advancing skills development, supplier readiness, and local participation in the energy sector. Delivering the opening address, Conrad Dempsey highlighted the importance of collaboration in unlocking the sector’s full potential. “Namibia’s oil and gas opportunity is significant, but its true value will only be realised if we build it together,” he said, stressing the need for alignment between industry, government, and financial institutions.
The programme featured presentations and panel discussions from key industry stakeholders, including operators such as TotalEnergies, Shell, Rhino Resources, and Reconnaissance Energy Africa. Discussions focused on emerging opportunities within the upstream sector, as well as the technical and commercial requirements for SMEs aiming to participate. Otiniel Ndivayele addressed financing pathways, emphasising the importance of business readiness and structured growth for companies entering the industry. A panel discussion moderated by Olavi Hangula further unpacked procurement expectations and partnership models, offering practical insights into how SMEs can position themselves within the value chain. On the final day, Naftal Akweenda led a question-and-answer session with Tier 1 service providers, focusing on onboarding processes, invoicing requirements, and operational expectations. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to ensure that Namibia’s oil and gas developments translate into inclusive economic growth by strengthening local capacity and participation. Organisers confirmed that a guideline booklet capturing key insights and practical guidance from the workshop will be released in the coming weeks to support SMEs on their journey into the sector.
By Eileen van der Schyff
