President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has outlined Namibia's bold vision and commitment to a resilient and globally competitive energy sector, driven by strong institutions, strategic reforms, and inclusive growth.
Dr. Nandi-Ndaitwah says this progress reflects deliberate efforts to prioritise sound policies and effective natural resource management.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted that early frameworks such as the Petroleum Act and Petrofund were established before Namibia's hydrocarbon potential was fully known.
She stressed that changing global and technological realities now demand modernisation, and she described it as a strategic necessity to ensure competitiveness, institutional readiness, and sustainable value creation.
The head of state pointed to the Petroleum Exploration and Production Amendment Bill, currently in Parliament, as a key milestone in strengthening governance, improving transparency, and providing regulatory clarity.
It also safeguards national interests through the country's beneficiation agenda.
"A key reform is the placement of the Upstream Petroleum Unit under the Presidency. This reflects the strategic importance of the sector and ensures policy coherence, faster decision-making, improved coordination, and strengthened accountability and shared prosperity."
Dr. Nandi-Ndaitwah said Namibia's path to first oil depends on strong partnerships, sustained investment, and reforms to boost confidence among investors and citizens.
She also stressed the need for a resilient and forward-looking approach amid global geopolitical developments but noted that major offshore discoveries in the Orange Basin have positioned Namibia as an emerging energy player.
"The implications of these discoveries are significant. They present a pathway to economic transformation through increased revenues, infrastructure development, industrial growth, and employment creation. They also position Namibia within the global energy system during a period of transition. The government's focus is to convert these resources into long-term national value through prudent management, local capacity development, and economic diversification."
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasised skills development as essential for Namibians to lead the petroleum sector, ensuring local participation.
The founder of the conference, Selma Shimutwikeni, emphasised that while Namibia stands on the brink of the first oil, production itself should not be seen as the ultimate goal.
Instead, she said the focus must be on building industries, developing skills, strengthening infrastructure, and ensuring long-term economic resilience.