Latest News

As Namibia's oil and gas sector moves closer to major Final Investment Decisions (FIDs), ensuring that local businesses are ready to participate has become a national priority. At the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference (NOGC) 2026, the 2nd Local Supplier Pitching Sessions and Supplier Information Sessions will once again provide a practical platform for Namibian companies to connect directly with operators, EPC contractors, Tier 1 service providers and other key decision-makers shaping the country's energy future.

Led by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) and the event’s strategic partners, the initiative is designed to move beyond conversations about local content and create tangible commercial opportunities for Namibian enterprises.

Turning Local Content into Contractual  Opportunities

Chemell Plaatjies, who is implementing the Supplier Development strategy under the Local Content objective, from the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) explains the Local Supplier Pitching Session was created to ensure Namibia's local content ambitions translate into meaningful and impactful economic participation.

"The Local Content Pitching Session was established to translate Namibia's Local Content aspirations into practical business opportunities. It provides a platform for capable Namibian businesses to showcase their services and capabilities directly to industry stakeholders, increasing supplier visibility, encouraging local participation, and supporting the development of a competitive and sustainable local supply chain."

The initiative forms part of NIPDB's broader supplier development programme, which is focused on preparing Namibian businesses to participate in the country's rapidly evolving oil and gas sector. Alongside supplier information sessions delivered in partnership with industry leaders including Baker Hughes, Moneda Invest, TotalEnergies and SBM Offshore, the programme equips local companies with the knowledge, networks and market understanding needed to compete effectively.

Supporting Long-Term Economic Development

For NIPDB, the opportunity extends far beyond attracting investment into upstream exploration and production. The Board's focus is on ensuring that oil and gas investment drives broader industrial development across Namibia's economy.

By connecting investors with opportunities across mining, manufacturing, agriculture, energy and many more sectors, NIPDB aims to convert international interest into sustainable investment that creates jobs, strengthens local industries, develops infrastructure, transfers skills and technology and supports long-term economic diversification from the energy investment.

Jackson Nangolo, Senior Investment Analyst (Energy), explains, the objective is to ensure that Namibia's natural resource wealth becomes a catalyst for lasting economic transformation, with benefits extending well beyond the production of oil and gas.

Preparing Local Businesses for Procurement Opportunities

With development projects progressing, preparing local suppliers to meet industry requirements has become increasingly important.

The Local Supplier Pitching Sessions provide participating businesses with direct access to procurement decision-makers while offering valuable insight into industry expectations.

"Participating businesses will gain valuable exposure to procurement decision-makers, industry requirements and market insights that can strengthen their readiness and competitiveness. The Pitching Session enables suppliers to better understand the expectations of operators and major service providers, receive industry feedback and build relationships that support their growth and participation in Namibia's evolving energy sector."

NIPDB is seeking to attract Namibian-owned businesses from across the energy value chain, including engineering, construction, logistics, manufacturing, ICT, professional services, health, safety and environment (HSE), catering and other sectors capable of supporting upstream operations.

Creating Commercial Pathways Through Direct Engagement

While networking remains an important part of any industry conference, NOGC's supplier development programme is designed to deliver practical outcomes.

Supplier pitches, business matching sessions and local-content masterclasses provide structured opportunities for businesses to engage directly with operators, EPC contractors and Tier 1 suppliers, understand procurement processes, identify upcoming opportunities and explore strategic partnerships.

As Plaatjies explains:

"The Local Supplier Pitch creates pathways for commercial opportunities by connecting Namibian businesses with operators, EPC contractors, Tier 1 suppliers and other key industry stakeholders. Through targeted engagements, suppliers can identify potential opportunities within the upstream value chain, explore partnerships and position themselves for future procurement opportunities. The initiative supports the development of a capable local supplier base that can contribute meaningfully to Namibia's oil and gas sector while ensuring that the benefits of investment are realised locally."

These efforts are further strengthened through international business development initiatives, including recent supplier missions to Port Harcourt and Onne in Nigeria, where Namibian businesses gained exposure to established oil and gas markets, knowledge-sharing opportunities and potential international partnerships. Similar engagements are being explored in other markets to further strengthen the competitiveness of Namibia's supplier base.

Building a Competitive Local Supply Chain

Ultimately, NOGC 2026's Local Supplier Pitching Sessions form part of a wider effort to develop an investment-ready ecosystem of Namibian businesses capable of supporting one of Africa's most exciting emerging energy markets.

By strengthening local supplier capabilities, facilitating meaningful business connections and improving access to procurement opportunities, the initiative aims to ensure that the economic benefits of Namibia's oil and gas industry are retained locally through enterprise development, job creation, skills transfer and sustainable economic growth.
 

The deadline for registration for the Local Supplier Pitching session has been extended to 25th July 2026. For full details, criteria and to apply, please visit: https://www.namibiaoilandgasconf.com/pitching

Alternatively reach out to Chemell Plaatjies for any queries. chemell.plaatjies@nipdb.com