Namibia has been urged to fast-track the development of its oil and gas discoveries to avoid the delays that have hampered other African nations. Speaking at the Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) 2025, industry stakeholders emphasized that Namibia must move swiftly to secure investments and deliver long-term national benefits.
Citing Guyana’s success story, energy experts highlighted the importance of smart negotiations and quick execution to avoid project stagnation seen in countries like Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda, and South Africa. They also warned against growing global pressures discouraging African nations from fully exploiting their oil and gas resources.
Industry leaders, including S&P Global’s Justin Cochrane and NAMCOR’s Interim Managing Director Victoria Sibeya, echoed the need for investor confidence, transparent operations, and robust skills development. Adriano Bastos of Galp Energy stressed the importance of training Namibians abroad to build local capacity and ensure readiness for managing advanced offshore operations.
Namibia, standing at the threshold of a major energy transformation, faces a pivotal moment. Through cross-border collaboration, pragmatic deal-making, and a strong national vision, the country can emerge as a model for Africa’s energy future — proving that with time, trust, and talent, new oil frontiers can deliver prosperity.
Source: worldoil.com
