By Sostenus Wilhern
Industries, mines and energy minister Modestus Amutse, has urged Namibian businesses to position themselves for opportunities in the country’s emerging oil and gas sector and stressed that local participation will be key to unlocking inclusive economic growth.
Speaking at the inaugural National Upstream Oil and Gas local suppliers’ workshop hosted by Petrofund on Tuesday, Amutse said the initiative is important in advancing local content development.
“This platform marks an important step in… strengthening Namibian participation across the petroleum value chain and enhancing the technical, operational and compliance capabilities of our micro, small and medium enterprises,” said Amutse. He noted that the workshop aligns with government’s broader development agenda under the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), which aims to increase the contribution of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to the national economy. “NDP6 prioritises the development of the upstream petroleum industry as a key driver of socio-economic growth, while underscoring the vital role of MSMEs in advancing inclusive growth, job creation and industrialisation,” he added.
He cautioned that these ambitions will only be realised if local businesses are adequately prepared to participate in the sector.
Namibia’s recent offshore discoveries have positioned the country as one of the most promising oil and gas frontiers globally, with the minister describing the sector as a transformative economic opportunity. Amutse explained that: “For this reason, I commend Petrofund and its partners for their foresight. Namibia is demonstrating that it is possible to provide structured capacity development interventions before the first production of oil.”
He further stressed the importance of understanding industry requirements, including procurement processes, compliance standards and operational expectations.
“A strong understanding of tendering procedures, qualification criteria, health and safety expectations and standards compliance will enable MSMEs to position themselves competitively.” He also called on international oil companies and service providers to actively support local capacity development by sharing knowledge and creating opportunities for Namibian businesses.
“I call upon operators and service companies to share their procurement processes, mentor local entrepreneurs and create pathways for them to participate in the full value chain.
Earlier, Nillian Mulemi, chief executive officer of Petrofund, described the event as a milestone in Namibia’s efforts to build a competitive and inclusive petroleum industry. “Local upliftment is not incidental, it must be deliberate, structured and measurable,” said Mulemi. She added that the workshop would equip participants with critical insights into the petroleum value chain, supplier requirements, access to finance and business readiness, while also serving as a platform for partnerships.
Meanwhile, deputy head of the Upstream Petroleum Unit in the Presidency, Carlo McLeod, described the event as a defining moment for Namibia’s economic future.
“This workshop is a declaration that Namibia is open for business, and that Namibians must be at the very centre of the wealth that lies beneath our waters,” McLeod said.
He highlighted the significance of recent discoveries in the orange basin, including those by TotalEnergies, which have elevated Namibia’s global standing in the oil and gas industry.
“The question we must answer is whether our local businesses are ready to participate,” he said.
Furthermore, he stressed that while policy frameworks are in place to promote local content, success will depend on the readiness and competitiveness of Namibian businesses.
“We cannot simply legislate our way into the value chain. We must build our way there through skills, standards and understanding what the industry requires.”
