The Head of the Upstream Petroleum Unit, Kornelia Shilunga, said that the Namibian government will enforce a strict upstream petroleum local content policy to ensure the country's discovered oil translates into real benefits to all Namibians.

Shilunga made these remarks during the regional local content policy consultation with the Omusati regional leadership, traditional authority leaders, industry stakeholders, development partners and the public to garner their inputs on the policy.

The local content policy obligates oil companies to source goods and services from Namibian businesses, transfer knowledge and technology to local people, and employ Namibians to ensure that the country's oil wealth flows into communities.

Shilunga lauded President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's resolve to place the upstream unit under the Presidency as a safeguarding tool to fight poverty, build skills and create businesses to ensure that every Namibian has a fair chance to benefit.

"Namibia is determined to follow a different path, and that is why the President felt this oil and gas sector or unit should be placed under the Presidency, and that is only coming from commitment, to ensure transparency, and that is also to ensure accountability. The President really wants to have a clear and good look at what is happening within the sector, and that is why she put it under herself in the Presidency."

Omusati Governor, Immanuel Shikongo, affirmed his region's support in building a sizeable and equitable oil and gas industry.

"In the Omusati Region, we recognise the importance of building local capacity. We are home to a vibrant youth population, skilled artisans and emerging entrepreneurs who are ready to contribute meaningfully to Namibia's energy future. This policy offers a chance to unlock that potential and ensure that our community benefits directly from the country's natural wealth."

Shikongo further urged the youth and entrepreneurs of the region to make use of the provided upskilling and partnerships to maximise sizeable opportunities within the oil and gas industry.