President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has outlined a comprehensive vision for Namibia’s energy future, emphasising strong institutions, policy reforms, and sustainable development during her address at the Namibia International Energy Conference.

She pointed out the importance of effective governance in managing natural resources. 

She pointed out that Namibia established key frameworks like the Petroleum Act and Petrofund long before fully understanding its hydrocarbon potential. 

However, she stressed that these must now be modernised to reflect current technological advancements, industrial realities, and national ambitions.

'Modernisation', she says, 'is a strategic necessity', highlighting that updated frameworks are essential to ensure competitiveness, institutional readiness and the development of a sustainable energy value chain. 

President Nandi-Ndaitwah also highlighted that Namibia’s journey to first oil will depend on strong investment and partnerships. 

She pointed to the Petroleum Exploration and Production Amendment Bill, currently before Parliament, as a significant step toward strengthening governance, enhancing regulatory clarity, and safeguarding national interests, particularly in advancing the country’s beneficiation agenda.