Norway is open to offering its experience in petroleum governance and resource management to Namibia.

This is as Namibia develops its oil and gas industry to the benefit of all its citizens.

Norway's visiting Minister of International Development, Åsmund Grøver Aukrust, met with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at State House.

The two leaders discussed ways in which Namibia and Norway can expand cooperation in the oil and gas sector.

President Nandi-Ndaitwah recognised and commended Norway's role in shaping Namibia's Petroleum Act.

“At independence, we looked to our strategic partners, and Norway came forward to support us on matters relating to oil, even though we had not yet discovered oil at the time. Norway also assisted us in formulating our Petroleum Act, which remains in force today. However, given the changing circumstances, we are now looking to amend the Act. We therefore look forward to continuing our cooperation.”

Norway's approach to ensuring that petroleum wealth benefits the entire population also featured in the discussions.

Minister Aukrust said his country is willing to share lessons on how these strategic resources can serve national interests.

“The most important thing about our oil and gas sector is that, from the time these resources were discovered, it was a political decision that they should benefit the people.”

The two countries are also expanding technical cooperation in environmental matters.

President Nandi-Ndaitwah said the technical discussions held so far were productive, with another round of engagement expected.

“We held a very productive technical meeting from 28 October to 6 November. As we move forward, we will go into more detail, but I must emphasise that the engagement between our technical teams was very helpful.”

Norway is also intending to attract more of its businesses in Namibia across several sectors.

Minister Aukrust urged Norwegian companies to explore investment opportunities locally.

“I would like to see more Norwegian businesses also invest in Namibia. Of course, that's a decision that they will make for themself. But I will really encourage Norwegian companies to be more active in Africa and also here in Namibia.”