The 4th edition of the Oil and Gas conference and exhibition prioritises the beneficiation of ordinary Namibians.
The conference, which will take place from the 18th to the 20th of August, aims to address the economic and social impact of the industry.
The Oil and Gas conference further aims to address national questions about the impact of the oil and gas industry on Namibia and its people.
Look at ways to address how the industry can create opportunities for local businesses, equip young people with necessary skills, and contribute to the long-term economic transformation.
Ensuring that the industry does not develop as an isolated enclave but contributes to inclusive economic growth.
The conference will focus on local business readiness, skills development, and inclusive economic growth.
Chairperson of the Economic Association of Namibia (EAN) Jason Kasuto reiterates, 'What will this moment ultimately mean for Namibia and for the ordinary Namibians?' That's the question our conference is always embarked on addressing. We've got technical conferences; we've got it, and those are all important. But we came up with an idea of saying, 'Let's address the man on the street.' What does it mean for Namibians? How do we ensure the opportunities emerging from the sector translate into meaningful benefits for our people?.
Furthermore, the conference aims to move from words to measurable commitments, with the commissioning of the Namibia Business Readiness Index.
The index will be an annual measure with results expected to be available at this year's conference.
Ensuring that the industry opportunities translate into jobs, skills development, and long-term prosperity for Namibians.
"The NBRI, which will be an annual index, is a different instrument where a baseline count registers our supplier; the index measures their readiness and prices the national dividend to closing the gap."
A target is set to place 2,000 young Namibians in energy schools, technical institutes and operations around the world.
Including a funded pitch competition to support young Namibian founders and ensure they win a stake in the industry.
"As the country advances towards production and commercialisation, the outcomes of the conference are expected to play an important role in shaping policy and investment decisions, as well as industry development in the years to come," adds NAMCOR spokesperson Utaara Hoveka.
Themed: From Decision to Dividend, Making Namibia's Oil Work for Namibians, the conference will provide a platform for strategic discussions with more than two thousand meetings scheduled and over 1,400 international delegates expected.