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More than 1,000 delegates from 35 countries are expected to attend the third Namibia Oil and Gas Conference (NOGC 2025), which will take place in Windhoek from 12 to 15 August, organisers have confirmed.

The conference, hosted by the Economic Association of Namibia (EAN) in partnership with the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) and the Hanns Seidel Foundation, and endorsed by the Ministry of Mines and Energy, continues to grow rapidly, with attendance rising by 40% between 2023 and 2024.

Jesaya Hano-Oshike, Deputy Chairman of the EAN, said the 2025 edition will see participation from 29 sponsors and partners, 42 exhibitors and 71 speakers.

“The NOGC exhibition saw a 52% growth from the inaugural event in 2023 to 2024, and a 40% increase in attendees over the same period. NOGC 2025 will be doubling in size with the introduction of a new hall to give access to more entrepreneurs, SMEs and new entrants to the market,” he said on Monday.

Hano-Oshike added that the growth reflects the conference’s relevance, with both local and international stakeholders eager to engage.

“The oil and gas industry is rapidly evolving, and Namibia must keep up by taking clear steps to build and manage its energy future,” he said.

To accommodate rising interest, this year will feature an expanded four-day programme, which will include a technical conference, pre-summit masterclasses, a business matchmaking service, and new mentorship and corporate social responsibility initiatives. Organisers will also double the size of the exhibition.

“We will allow a matchmaking mentor–mentee platform for youth in the industry to connect with experts. We will also identify a beneficiary from the public to receive proceeds from the exhibitors’ entrance fees. We have a responsibility to be practical in our third year and go beyond talking, by implementing tangible benefits this industry has to offer,” Hano-Oshike said.

More than 500 people attended skills development sessions at last year’s event alone.

This year’s theme, From Exploration to Action: Positioning Namibia as the Next Energy Frontier, reflects the country’s ambitions to move beyond discovery and focus on implementation, according to organisers.

Paulo Coelho, NAMCOR’s Manager of Marketing, Communication and PR, said the theme signals a shift in approach.

“Our continued involvement shows our dedication to turning opportunities into action and helping Namibia take its rightful place as a leader in the energy sector. That being said, we urge young Namibians—students, entrepreneurs, early-career professionals—to engage, learn and get involved,” he said.

Natural gas will feature prominently in this year’s discussions, with sessions on the Kudu Gas Field and other offshore developments, according to the organisers.

Key topics will include infrastructure development, investment opportunities, and the sector’s role in Namibia’s energy transition.

According to Margreth Gustavo, Executive Director of Strategy and Branding at the NIPDB, the 2025 conference will focus on three key areas: unlocking investment-ready supply chain opportunities, deepening local content and industrial participation, and fostering youth employment through skills development.

“The future of Namibia’s oil and gas industry is not offshore. It is here onshore, in our people, our businesses and our bold ambitions. NIPDB remains committed to working with all our partners to ensure that this sector delivers on its promise—not just in GDP terms, but in the tangible improvement of livelihoods, the strengthening of our institutions and the diversification of our industrial base,” she said.