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As Namibia looks beyond offshore discoveries towards building a petroleum industry around them, a more demanding question is coming into focus: how much of the expertise, enterprise and long-term value created by the sector can be developed locally?

That question will be central to NOGC 2026 when the conference returns to Windhoek from 18–20 August. Now in its fourth edition, NOGC will bring together government representatives, operators, investors, financiers, service providers, academics and Namibian businesses to examine the partnerships and capabilities needed to turn offshore discoveries into responsible development, commercial opportunity and lasting economic value.

Hosted by the Economic Association of Namibia (EAN), in partnership with the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) and the Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF), the conference is supported by strategic partners the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR), SNC Incorporated and Rhino Resources. It is officially endorsed by Namibia’s Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy.

For Ukemezi Oil and Gas Limited, a Gold Sponsor of NOGC 2026, part of the answer lies in strengthening domestic capacity alongside the infrastructure and expertise needed to support the industry.

“Sustainable local content cannot be achieved through legislation alone,” says Selma Lukileni Matheus, Country Manager of Ukemezi Oil and Gas. “It is built through deliberate investment in industrial capacity, human capital, technology, quality systems and indigenous enterprises.”

Part of Solewant Group, Ukemezi serves as its regional energy business hub for Southern Africa. Its focus spans upstream support, midstream infrastructure, industrial manufacturing, pipeline technologies, local content and skills development.

For Matheus, however, these capabilities cannot be developed through individual projects working in isolation.

“Success will depend on building an integrated ecosystem rather than isolated projects,” she says. “This requires strong partnerships across the upstream, midstream and industrial value chains.”

This thinking also shapes Ukemezi’s view of what meaningful participation requires. Beyond policy, Matheus points to practical barriers facing Namibian suppliers, including access to finance, international certification, quality assurance systems and mentorship. Just as important is creating opportunities for businesses to progress from relatively straightforward subcontracting into more sophisticated work.

Skills development is equally important. Through the Solewant Energy Training Institute, the wider Group provides technical training, professional certification and workforce development, while Ukemezi focuses on commercial opportunities, strategic partnerships and project execution across Namibia and Southern Africa.

At NOGC 2026, Ukemezi hopes to advance conversations with government, operators, investors, development finance institutions, indigenous companies and technical partners. Areas of interest include pipeline infrastructure, asset integrity, engineering services, industrial manufacturing and supplier participation.

The conference also offers an opportunity to explore stronger links between Namibian businesses and expertise elsewhere on the continent. Ukemezi sees potential for technology transfer, joint ventures and commercial partnerships that connect Namibian businesses with investors, engineering firms, equipment manufacturers and specialised service providers.

Ukemezi’s ambitions extend beyond securing a place in Namibia’s developing energy sector.

“Our vision is not simply to participate in Namibia’s energy sector but to become one of the trusted African partners helping to build a resilient, technology-driven and globally competitive petroleum industry.”

As Namibia considers how to turn offshore discoveries into broader economic opportunity, the challenge will be to build not only projects, but the businesses, skills and industrial capacity around them. For Ukemezi, the opportunity lies in contributing African experience and technical expertise to that wider effort.