Energy ministry fast-tracks ‘Namibian Content’ policy
The Ministry of Mines and Energy is prioritising local content development through the draft National Upstream Petroleum Local Content Policy to drive socio-economic growth, resource monetisation, and sustainable development.This policy, crafted by an inter-governmental committee, focuses on increasing Namibian participation in the oil and gas industry while maintaining international investment. The policy aims to ensure equity and inclusion, emphasizing the role of local industry players in all sector operations.
Minister Tom Alweendo highlighted the draft policy’s goal to enhance Namibian involvement in the oil and gas industry across its value chain, from exploration to production. The ministry seeks to create a competitive petroleum sector that balances local participation with attracting foreign investment.
Key aspects include sustainable resource development, energy independence, and economic diversification, along with promoting social inclusion, job creation, and equity participation for previously disadvantaged Namibians.
The policy also emphasises the importance of in-country resource processing, infrastructure development, and public enterprise investments. It aims to establish a transparent regulatory framework, making Namibian Content a criterion for permits, licenses, and contracts, with strong institutions for enforcement. Leveraging recent successes in oil and gas exploration, the policy seeks to promote technology transfer, skill development, and local value retention.
The draft Namibian Content Policy envisions creating a competitive supply chain in Namibia, maximizing resource benefits, and positioning the country as a hub for oil and gas services. Minister Alweendo underscored the urgency of implementing these policies to protect both investors and Namibia’s interests amid significant discoveries in the Orange Basin, which could yield the largest oil find in sub-Saharan Africa.