Petroleum Commissioner of Namibia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy, Maggy Shino, will address a two-day national stakeholder workshop this week focusing on the National Upstream Petroleum Local Content Policy, which was drafted in 2021 and is currently in its planning phase.

“Our workshop will seek input for a local content policy that creates a win-win situation for both the industry and the Namibian government,” said Shino during a recent public address. “It’s through this process that the Namibian people will participate and contribute meaningfully to the industry.”

Namibia’s local content policy has come to the attention of industry stakeholders, following a string of massive Orange Basin oil discoveries made in 2022 and 2023.

As international oil companies (IOCs) flood Namibia with new investment, articulating effective local content policy, and ensuring the retention of in-country value through employment opportunities, skills development and knowledge transfer, is among the government’s highest and most pressing priorities.

“The plan for the Namibian government, the IOCs and our partners is to accelerate development immediately, and to see first oil in Namibia,” continued Shino. “We will put our focus on achieving value creation through local content.”

Once input on the draft legislation is received and incorporated, a final document will be sent to Cabinet for approval, which is expected later this year.