By Ali Elias
“History will ask not how much oil we produced but what we did with it. Did we make this oil work for our people?”
The fourth edition of the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition (NOGC) will take place in Windhoek from August 18 to 20, 2026, with organisers placing renewed emphasis on local participation, workforce development and ensuring the country’s emerging petroleum industry delivers tangible benefits to citizens.
Held under the theme, “From Decision to Dividend: Making Namibia’s Oil Work for Namibians,” the conference comes as Namibia continues to attract global attention following a series of major offshore oil discoveries that have positioned the southern African nation among the world’s most promising new energy frontiers.
The event is 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), with support from the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR), SNC Incorporated and Rhino Resources. It is officially endorsed by Namibia’s Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy.
Organisers said the 2026 edition will feature an expanded exhibition, supplier workshops, networking events, local content discussions and entrepreneurship-focused programmes designed to connect Namibian businesses with opportunities across the oil and gas value chain. A dedicated Future Generations session will also focus on youth skills development and industry engagement.
Speaking at the launch, EAN Chairperson, Jason Kasuto, said Namibia’s energy future would depend on collaboration among government, industry, communities and international partners.
“The conference will once again provide a platform for discussion. Namibia’s energy future will be shaped through collaboration between local and international stakeholders, established operators, emerging enterprises, policymakers and communities,” he said.
Kasuto stressed that the country’s success should not be measured solely by oil production volumes but by the opportunities created for citizens.
“History will ask not how much oil we produced but what we did with it. Did we make this oil work for our people?” he stated.
The conference’s strategic programme will focus on investment, project development, financing, infrastructure and local business participation, while a parallel technical conference will examine emerging industry trends, innovation and policy developments.
According to organisers, the 2025 conference attracted nearly 2,000 delegates and more than 70 exhibitors, reflecting growing international interest in Namibia’s energy sector. This year’s edition is expected to draw a similar mix of government officials, investors, operators, academics and civil society representatives.
EAN Chief Executive Officer, Cons Karamata, said the ultimate measure of the sector’s success would be its impact on people’s lives.
“Its success will be measured by opportunities for young Namibians, the growth of local businesses and entrepreneurs, and stronger skills, institutions and communities,” he said.
As Namibia advances towards commercial oil production, NOGC 2026 is expected to serve as a key forum for shaping policies and partnerships aimed at translating resource wealth into long-term economic development and inclusive growth.