The Namibian government kicked off its stakeholder consultations on the draft National Upstream Petroleum Policy in Luderitz, marking the start of a host of such engagements nationwide, aimed at shaping the future of the oil and gas sector.

The Upstream Petroleum Unit, under the Office of the President and led by Deputy Head Carlo McLeod, facilitated the stakeholder consultations in the southern coastal town.

The engagements are set to run until the third week of this month and are aimed at gathering stakeholder input to ensure the policy delivers benefits to all Namibians.

The policy aims to strengthen national control over natural resources and boost Namibia's involvement in the oil and gas industry through employment, skills, and ownership.

"The policy set clear rules and targets; oil companies will be monitored. They will be required to report on progress, and they will be held accountable. Therefore, the government will ensure strict enforcement so that promises translate into real benefits. We are well aware from other countries that poorly managed oil can turn into a curse, where a select few reap the benefits, corruption flourishes, and communities are left behind. Namibia is very determined to follow a different path."

||Kharas Governor Dawid Gertze also addressed the stakeholders during the consultation. 

"This policy underscores Namibia's strategic vision to leverage its natural resources for broad-based national development, ensuring that the wealth generated from petroleum exploration and production contributes directly to the empowerment of its people and to the sustainable growth of its economy."