The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources says Namibia must urgently strengthen governance and industrial capacity to fully benefit from emerging oil and gas developments.

Its Chairperson, Tobie Aupindi, made the remarks following a benchmarking visit to Ghana earlier this month.

The committee met Ghana's ministries, regulators and state entities responsible for energy and minerals.

Dr. Aupindi says Ghana has built strong local capacity across its natural resource value chain from extraction to downstream processing.

"Namibia is a new kid on the block. We have only just made petroleum discoveries, and, from my own experience, I don't think we will see any barrels before 2030 because a lot still needs to be done. If we do not shift the ground beneath our feet, we will be left by market opportunity."

He said Namibia should urgently establish a national gas company to prepare for future production and prevent resource waste during oil extraction. 

Aupindi also highlighted the need for institutional clarity and stronger accountability to ensure that local people benefit.

"If the market is not working for our people, then we must change the market in its entire institutional context. We cannot be beggars in a country so rich in resources. We must create economic opportunities for Namibians, particularly those who were excluded in the past."

Dr. Aupindi said the committee will present its findings for debate once Parliament resumes, and if adopted, they will be integrated into national planning.