Namibia is set to take another major step towards becoming one of Africa’s leading energy producers as it hosts the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition (NOGC 2026) from 18–20 August in Windhoek. The event is expected to attract more than 2,000 government leaders, international oil companies, investors, financiers and industry service providers, all seeking to unlock investment opportunities and strengthen regional cooperation.
Held under the theme, “From Decision to Dividend: Making Namibia’s Oil Work for Namibians,” this year’s conference comes at a defining moment for Southern Africa’s energy sector. With world-class offshore discoveries in the Orange Basin moving closer to commercial production, Namibia is positioning itself not only as a future oil producer but also as a regional energy hub capable of driving economic growth across neighbouring countries.
For Zambia, the conference presents an important opportunity to deepen bilateral cooperation and explore new avenues for participation in Namibia’s rapidly developing oil and gas industry. As a landlocked nation committed to improving energy security and diversifying fuel supply, Zambia stands to benefit from stronger regional partnerships in logistics, infrastructure development, engineering services and cross-border trade.
Organised by the Economic Association of Namibia (EAN) in partnership with the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) and the Hanns Seidel Foundation, the conference is supported by strategic partners NAMCOR, SNC Incorporated and Rhino Resources. This year’s event has been designed to move beyond policy discussions by creating practical business opportunities and fostering long-term commercial partnerships.
“We are creating a marketplace where meaningful partnerships can be formed,” said Jason Kasuto, Chairperson of NOGC 2026. “For investors, it provides access to a stable frontier market and credible local partners. For operators and suppliers, it strengthens the regional supply base, while local businesses have an opportunity to secure contracts, establish partnerships and benchmark themselves against global industry standards.”
A key feature of the conference will be the NIPDB Local Content Pitching Session, where selected regional enterprises will present their capabilities directly to international engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors, major operators and Tier 1 suppliers. The initiative is expected to create procurement opportunities for businesses across Southern Africa, including Zambian companies involved in mining support services, engineering, manufacturing, transport, logistics and equipment supply.
According to Chemell Plaatjies, who leads the Local Supplier Pitching programme at the NIPDB, the platform has been established to transform local content ambitions into practical business opportunities by connecting suppliers with key decision-makers across the petroleum value chain.
The executive programme will examine offshore project development, project financing, gas commercialisation, regional transport corridors, midstream infrastructure and the investments required to strengthen Southern Africa’s long-term energy security. These discussions are expected to be particularly significant for Zambia as governments across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) continue pursuing regional energy integration and improved fuel supply resilience.
NAMCOR Communications Director Paulo Coelho said successful regional partnerships should extend beyond individual projects and contribute to long-term economic development.
“Strong partnerships should build lasting local capacity, strengthen institutions and support enterprises that remain competitive well beyond a single petroleum development,” he said.
In addition to executive discussions, the conference will feature a dedicated technical programme covering exploration, reservoir development, environmental management and emerging technologies. A Future Generations Programme will also focus on skills development and workforce training to prepare young professionals for careers in Southern Africa’s expanding oil and gas industry.
As Namibia advances towards first oil production, NOGC 2026 is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the region’s future energy landscape. For Zambia and other neighbouring countries, the conference offers a strategic platform to forge new partnerships, attract investment and position local businesses to participate in one of Africa’s fastest-growing energy markets.
