The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) has called for a stronger pipeline of bankable and investment-ready green industrial projects as Namibia seeks to translate its renewable energy and mineral resources into productive industries, jobs and economic growth.

Staff Writer  The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) has called for a stronger pipeline of bankable and investment-ready green industrial projects as Namibia seeks to translate its renewable energy and mineral resources into productive industries, jobs and economic growth. NIPDB acting chief executive officer, Julia Muetudhana said the country’s green industrialisation ambitions would depend not only on its resource endowment, but also on investment, technology, infrastructure, skills, market access and effective project execution. Speaking at the Africa Green Industries Summit 2026 in Swakopmund on Wednesday, Muetudhana said Africa had significant renewable-energy potential, critical minerals, emerging industrial markets and a growing entrepreneurial base, but that these advantages would only generate meaningful development if they were connected to investment and productive capacity. At the forum, 10 selected green-industry projects from different regions of Namibia were presented to potential investors and financiers. She said the projects provided an indication of Namibia’s growing investment pipeline and its ambition to develop an industrialised, globally competitive and environmentally sustainable economy. However, the official cautioned that having a project was only the beginning. Projects need to be commercially viable, properly prepared and based on genuine market demand, while clearly identifying the capital, technology and partnerships required, the official said. NIPDB said project developers also needed to demonstrate how proposed investments would create sustainable value for investors, communities and the broader economy. She identified three priorities for advancing green industrialisation including developing more bankable projects, building strategic partnerships that bring more than capital, and moving decisively from dialogue to implementation. According to NIPDB, many promising projects across Africa remain at the concept stage because they lack sufficient preparation to attract investment. The gaps can include incomplete feasibility studies, limited market analysis, unclear revenue models, inadequate environmental and social assessments, weak project-governance structures and the absence of suitable financing strategies. Muetudhana said Namibia needs strategic partners that can combine capital with technology, engineering expertise, operational experience, skills development, research capabilities and access to regional and international markets. She said renewable-energy generation needed to be connected to industrial demand, while mineral production should be linked to processing, beneficiation and manufacturing. Green hydrogen and its derivatives would similarly require supporting infrastructure, logistics, water solutions, technical capabilities and reliable market access. “No single institution or company can build these value chains alone,” she said.  She added that the green industrialisation should also be inclusive, with opportunities extending to local enterprises, young professionals, women-owned businesses and communities. Muetudhana said Namibia’s green industrialisation opportunities extended across renewable energy, green hydrogen, critical minerals, beneficiation, manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, infrastructure, technology and related services.

NIPDB, FirstRand Namibia host CEOs’ roundtable to address competitiveness  Windhoek Observer

The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), in strategic partnership with FirstRand Namibia, recently convened close to 40 top executive business leaders for a CEOs’ Roundtable on Namibia’s Competitiveness.

Staff Reporter TURNING one of the country’s biggest environmental challenges into an economic opportunity, Namibia’s biomass sector is gaining recognition for its potential to create jobs, improve energy security and develop new value chains in charcoal, renewable energy, animal feed and biochar. The Energy Sector Skills Strategy Report – Namibia, launched by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), identifies biomass as an emerging sector with significant potential to support rural development and climate resilience. According to the report, bush encroachment currently affects an estimated 45 million hectares of Namibia’s savanna rangelands, covering more than 60% of the country’s grazing areas. While historically viewed as an environmental challenge that reduces land productivity and threatens biodiversity, the report notes that harvested biomass is increasingly being transformed into valuable economic products. The report identifies four key value chains driving Namibia’s biomass economy: charcoal production and exports, biomass-to-energy, animal feed production and biochar. Charcoal remains the most established segment, with Namibia producing more than 200 000 tonnes annually and ranking among the world’s leading exporters. The industry supports more than 14 000 workers and contributes significantly to foreign exchange earnings. The biomass-to-energy sector is also expanding, with applications ranging from industrial heat generation to large-scale electricity production. The report highlights the 40 MW Otjikoto Biomass Power Station near Tsumeb as a flagship project, representing an investment of about N$2 billion aimed at improving Namibia’s energy security through renewable power generation. Another growing value chain is the production of animal feed from processed bush material. Known as boskos, the product combines milled bush fibre with supplements to create alternative livestock feed, helping farmers improve resilience during periods of drought. The report further identifies biochar as an emerging opportunity, with the product used to improve soil quality, store carbon and generate potential carbon credit revenues. Facilities such as PyroNam are already processing biomass into biochar for environmental and agricultural applications. Despite the sector’s growth potential, the report warns that Namibia faces a significant skills shortage, particularly in the “missing middle” of skilled technicians and supervisors between entry-level workers and highly specialised experts. Critical skills gaps identified include modern carbonisation techniques, the operation and maintenance of biomass power systems, nutritional science for animal feed development, and carbon verification expertise required for international carbon markets. To address these challenges, the report recommends establishing a National Biomass Skills Development Task Force, led by the Namibia Biomass Industry Group (N-BiG), to coordinate skills planning and curriculum development. It also calls for the expansion of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programmes through specialised qualifications in areas such as bush control, biomass utilisation and small business management. Further recommendations include increasing the adoption of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification to strengthen environmental standards and market access, while incorporating advanced biomass, biorefining and circular economy concepts into engineering and agricultural programmes at the University of Namibia (UNAM) and Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST). The report concludes that Namibia’s biomass sector has the potential to become a model for sustainable development by turning an environmental challenge into a source of economic growth, employment creation and climate action. It emphasises that closing the skills gap will be essential to ensuring that the country can fully benefit from its biomass resources and build a competitive, sustainable industry. Picture for illustrative purposes only. Photo: NIPDB The post Bush becomes ‘black gold’ as biomass sector expands appeared first on Informanté.

Nam woos Bots NAMIBIA COURTS INVESTORS FROM BOTSWANA Namibia has invited investors from Botswana to take up lucrative opportunities in agriculture, renewable energy, mining, and tourism as partners building industries in the country. Representatives from the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), Namibia Tourism Board, Namibia's High Commission to Botswana, and the Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA) took turns inviting investors to tap into the country's vast entrepreneurial opportunities during a session held in Gaborone. The Namibian High Commissioner to Botswana, Elizabeth Kakukuru, said Botswana and Namibia have signed a number of bilateral agreements, which should be transformed into economic benefits. ‘These ties form the foundation upon which we now seek to build even greater economic collaboration. This pillar envisions high economic growth and prosperity for all Namibians by transforming our economy from dependence on primary industries to robust and secondary industries. It emphasises value addition, benefication of our natural resources, and creation of substantial employment opportunities.” An Acting Executive responsible for Investments at the NIPDB Ndapewa Hangula said Namibia has investor-friendly policies. “Namibia is an ideal investment destination because we not only have political stability. We have a stable economy. We have world-class infrastructure. We have a literate and youthful population. And therefore, it is an ideal destination. We also have a global financial system where you can deploy your capital in Namibia, and you can also, take your money out of the country seamlessly.” BIPA's Acting Executive for Marketing, Corporate Communication, and Client Management Services, Romancia Nyandoro, said setting up a business in Namibia is easy. “BIPA is housing a one-stop centre to help companies not only to incorporate and trade in the country but also to expedite trading in the sense of bringing all the different agencies to operationalise trading in the country under one roof, which can be facilitated from wherever the investor might be.”

Staff Reporter AIMING to become a potential global green hydrogen hub, Namibia is leveraging its vast renewable energy potential while a new report warns that a shortage of specialised skills could slow the development of the emerging industry. The Energy Sector Skills Strategy Report – Namibia, launched by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), identifies green hydrogen as a major opportunity to accelerate industrialisation, diversify the economy, create jobs and support global decarbonisation efforts. According to the report, Namibia’s exceptional solar and wind resources provide a strong foundation for a green hydrogen economy. The country receives more than 3 000 hours of sunshine annually, while coastal areas, particularly around Lüderitz, offer favourable wind conditions for large-scale renewable energy projects. The report highlights the scale of Namibia’s ambitions, noting that the flagship Hyphen Hydrogen Energy project is expected to require about 7 GW of renewable energy generation capacity and 3 GW of electrolyser capacity. By 2050, Namibia aims to produce between 10 million and 15 million tonnes of green hydrogen equivalent annually. The development of a green hydrogen industry will create an interconnected value chain involving renewable power generation, water desalination, electrolysis, green ammonia production and other downstream applications such as green steel, synthetic fuels and the decarbonisation of mining and transport. Given Namibia’s arid environment, the report notes that seawater desalination will be essential to provide the large volumes of high-purity water required for hydrogen production. Meeting future production targets could require between 100 million and 150 million cubic metres of ultrapure water annually. However, the report warns that Namibia faces a significant skills shortage that could affect the growth of the sector. Critical skills gaps have been identified in areas including electrolyser operations, hydrogen handling, high-pressure safety, Power-to-X (PtX) processes, cryogenics, process safety engineering and the management of large-scale international projects. To address these shortages, the report recommends establishing a National PtX Skills Task Force to coordinate efforts between government, industry and academic institutions. It further proposes expanding technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programmes through new accredited qualifications for hydrogen technicians and green hydrogen plant safety officers. The report also calls for increased specialisation at higher education institutions, with the University of Namibia (UNAM) and Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) developing programmes focused on areas such as process engineering, materials science and renewable energy systems. Research and innovation will also play a key role, with the Namibia Green Hydrogen Research Institute (NGHRI) at UNAM serving as a hub for research and development, while offering training and masterclasses to students and professionals. Namibia is already using international partnerships to strengthen local capacity, including the Youth for Green Hydrogen (Y4GH2) scholarship programme supported by Germany, which provides opportunities for Namibian youth to study green hydrogen-related fields locally and abroad. The report further highlights international study tours, including a 2025 visit to the Netherlands, as well as awareness programmes aimed at building understanding of green hydrogen among communities, local authorities and the media. It concludes that developing a skilled and adaptable workforce will be critical for Namibia to convert its green hydrogen ambitions into long-term economic growth and inclusive prosperity. Picture for illustrative purposes only. Photo: NIPDB The post Building the workforce behind Namibia’s green hydrogen future appeared first on Informanté.

Patience Makwele Young entrepreneurs and small businesses across Namibia will have access to an N$18 million grant fund aimed at helping them formalise, expand and create jobs, with the first application round closing on 24 July. The funding forms part of the Pro-SME Project, a joint initiative between the Namibian and German governments implemented through the National Planning Commission, the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). Speaking during an information-sharing session on access to finance for youth in Windhoek on Tuesday, Khomas Governor Sam Nujoma urged young entrepreneurs to take advantage of available funding opportunities, saying access to capital remains one of the biggest obstacles to business growth and job creation. “Talent without capital remains only a promise. An idea that cannot be financed cannot create opportunities for anyone,” Nujoma said. He said Namibia’s youth represent the country’s greatest reservoir of talent, ambition and entrepreneurial potential but many promising business ideas fail to grow because entrepreneurs struggle to access finance. Nujoma described micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as the backbone of the economy, saying they transform skills into livelihoods, create employment and keep money circulating within local communities. “No nation has ever defeated unemployment or built a true middle class without a thriving small business sector,” he said. The governor said businesses such as tailoring, carpentry, welding, fresh produce trading, car washes, recycling and creative enterprises are central to economic development and should receive greater financial support. Providing an overview of the initiative, GIZ project manager Vistorinah Ilonga said the Pro-SME Project was launched in July 2024 and will run until June 2027, with the possibility of an extension if additional implementation time is required. She said Germany has committed €2 million to the project, of which €800,000 which is about N$18 million has been allocated to establish the SME Fund managed by the NIPDB. According to Ilonga, the fund will provide non-repayable grants ranging from N$50,000 to N$1 million to eligible businesses that have been operating for at least one year. She said the grants are designed to help businesses formalise their operations, improve regulatory compliance, strengthen governance, access new markets and become investment-ready rather than burden entrepreneurs with debt. In addition to financial support, beneficiaries will receive business mentorship, advisory services, market access support and assistance to improve export readiness and integrate into supply chains. The project aims to support at least 300 MSMEs across all 14 regions by 2027, while helping at least 175 businesses increase their revenue by a minimum of 5% through financial and non-financial support. Priority will be given to youth-owned enterprises, women-led businesses and businesses with high growth potential across sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, technology, creative industries and services. Representatives from the Development Bank of Namibia, Agribank, the Environmental Investment Fund and the NIPDB attended the information-sharing session, which sought to connect aspiring entrepreneurs with available financing opportunities and strengthen partnerships between government and development finance institutions.

Staff Writer  The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), in strategic partnership with FirstRand Namibia, recently convened close to 40 top executive business leaders for a CEOs’ Roundtable on Namibia’s Competitiveness.  The roundtable was also attended by I-Ben Nashandi, the executive director of the National Planning Commission, which tracks Namibia’s competitiveness in line with NDP6, as well as Shali Shindume, the economic advisor to the President and Dagmar Honsbein, chairperson of the Economic Recovery Task Force. The executive engagement was organised in response to Namibia’s performance decline in the 2026 IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook (WCY). The 2026 edition, the 38th consecutive edition of the WCY, covers 70 economies and 341 criteria. It marks Namibia’s second consecutive appearance in the report, ranked alongside predominantly high and middle-income countries, including five African peers including Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. In the 2026 IMD WCY, Namibia ranked 69th out of 70 benchmarked economies (in 2025, Namibia ranked 68th out of 69 economies), with the country’s score dropping from 37.48 in 2025 to 28.48 in 2026. The report highlighted systemic performance declines in the country’s ranking across all four main factors including business efficiency, government efficiency, infrastructure, and economic performance, each of which are based on 5 sub-factors, for a total of 20 sub-factors.  In terms of performance based on score, only the economic performance factor saw an improvement in its score (from 21.74 in 2025 to 22.30 in 2026), driven by improvements in rank and score on the sub-factors of International Trade and International Investment. Delivering the opening address, NIPDB acting chief executive officer, Julia Muetudhana, stressed that competitiveness directly shapes the investment climate and economic wellbeing.  Conrad Dempsey, chief executive officer of FirstRand Namibia, highlighted that global interest in Namibia must be matched by institutional capacity to execute. “How easy is it to create value in Namibia compared with somewhere else? Every significant investment decision begins there. Before businesses ask how much they can earn, they ask how difficult it will be to succeed,” noted Dempsey. Executive director of the National Planning Commission, I-Ben Nashandi reaffirmed government commitment under Vision 2030 and NDP6, framing the IMD Report as an urgent catalyst. “The current competitiveness rating is a call to action. We commit to NDP6 implementation to ensure we derive outcomes. Chasing the implementation of the plans is an imperative that will get us to improve competitiveness. Automation of services must be matched with internal capacities to drive digital transformation. Reforms need to be uniformly dispersed across all sectors, with timelines and champions to drive them,” said Nashandi. As a key output of this executive engagement, NIPDB and FirstRand Namibia will consolidate the insights and consensus recommendations into a comprehensive advisory note for Cabinet.

NIPDB urges investors to apply for new Investor Permit Staff Reporter THE Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) is encouraging investors to apply for the newly introduced Employment Permit to Conduct Business, which is designed  instagram.com

NIPDB and PwC Namibia collaborate to provide investors with practical insights into Namibia’s tax landscape  Informanté

Business Reporter PwC Namibia, in partnership with the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), launched the Namibia Investment Guide: Tax Laws in Namibia, Volume 5, a practical resource aimed at helping local and international investors better understand Namibia’s tax environment and navigate key tax considerations when doing business in the country. The publication forms part of the broader Namibia Investment Guide series, produced by the NIPDB in collaboration with various public and private-sector partners. To date, six volumes have been developed, covering a wide range of topics relating to conducting a business in Namibia, to provide investors and local business owners with credible, current and accessible information on Namibia’s investment landscape, regulatory environment and business processes. The Guide consolidates essential information into standalone volumes covering Namibia’s Country Profile, Investment Climate, Starting and Operating a Business, and Banking and Foreign Currency Regulations, amongst others. All the volumes in this guide are the result of collaboration and strong partnerships between public and private-sector institutions. The Tax Laws volume provides an overview of Namibia’s tax framework and key compliance requirements, supporting informed decision-making and enhancing transparency for businesses looking to invest, operate and grow in the country. Speaking on the significance of the guide, NIPDB Acting CEO Julia Muetudhana highlighted that the Namibia Investment Guide is a significant tool to strengthen the country’s competitiveness by providing investors with an integrated and credible source of the information they need to make decisions, removing the uncertainty and time typically involved in assessing new markets. “Our goal with this Guide is to ensure that every step of the investor journey, from initial consideration to operational execution, is underpinned by clarity and confidence. This volume delivers on that promise by equipping investors with the regulatory and procedural knowledge necessary to effectively navigate Namibia’s tax environment,” said Muetudhana. The Namibia Investment Guide is a public resource to be used by anyone who requires a credible and up-to-date overview of Namibia’s investment environment and business processes. It will also be distributed to Namibia’s diplomatic missions and shared through institutional platforms to strengthen economic diplomacy, support investment promotion efforts and ensure a consistent national message on Namibia’s opportunities. Strengthening Investor Confidence Through Accessible Tax Guidance Chantell Husselmann, Country Senior Partner and Tax Leader at PwC Namibia, said the guide serves as a valuable tool for investors seeking clarity on Namibia’s tax regime. “As Namibia continues to position itself as a destination for investment and economic growth, access to reliable and practical information becomes increasingly important. This guide equips investors with the knowledge needed to understand the country’s tax landscape, reduce uncertainty and make informed decisions. By bringing together public and private-sector expertise, we are helping create an environment where businesses can invest with confidence, accelerate growth and contribute meaningfully to Namibia’s long-term development.” The Namibia Investment Guide is available on the NIPDB’s website (www.nipdb.com/investmentguide) and will also be distributed through other key networks, including the Namibian Embassies and Missions across the world, ensuring broad access to information that supports investment promotion, economic diplomacy and business development initiatives. The post NIPDB and PwC Namibia collaborate to provide investors with practical insights into Namibia’s tax landscape appeared first on Informanté.

The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), kicked off the African Green Industries Summit by hosting an Investment Forum aimed at connecting Namibian project owners with potential investors, financiers and technology partners, while showcasing some of the country’s growing opportunities across the green economy.

Staff Reporter THE Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) is encouraging investors to apply for the newly introduced Employment Permit to Conduct Business, which is designed to provide greater certainty and long-term security for investors looking to establish and operate businesses in Namibia. “Namibia has taken a significant step towards strengthening its global competitiveness as a viable investment destination with the launch of a new Employment Permit to Conduct Business (Investor Permit), providing qualifying investors with a more streamlined and predictable process to establish and operate businesses in the country. The permit will enhance the country’s ability to effectively attract and retain investors who contribute to sustainable economic growth,” NIPDB’s Acting Executive of Competitiveness and Branding, Catherine Shipushu, said. She explained that the new permit offers a significant improvement over the current standard two-year employment permit, as it may be issued for up to five years and functions simultaneously as work authorisation, giving qualifying investors and their core staff added certainty for long-term planning and business operations in Namibia. “In accordance with the processes established by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (MHAISS), applications for the Employment Permit to Conduct a Business are to be submitted through the NIPDB, as the designated first point of call. As part of the assessment process, the NIPDB confirms the investor’s status and conducts an economic evaluation of the proposed investment. Following this assessment, the NIPDB submits its recommendation to the MHAISS for consideration by the Immigration Selection Board,” she said. Shipushu clarified that the NIPDB’s role ends once its recommendation has been submitted to the ministry. The final decision on an application rests with the MHAISS, which is the authorised institution responsible for issuing visas and permits. “The new permit is intended for foreign investors whose investor status has been confirmed by the NIPDB. Applicants must submit a complete application in the prescribed form together with all required supporting documentation and satisfy the applicable criteria as assessed by the NIPDB. Applicants who do not qualify as eligible for the 5-year permit should apply through the existing Employment Permit process, through MHAISS,” Shipushu explained. She said the NIPDB remains committed to facilitating engagement between the Government and the private sector as Namibia seeks to attract quality investment, create employment opportunities and accelerate industrialisation. She added that the organisation would continue working to ensure that the country’s investment-related policies remain responsive to changes in the global business environment. “In today’s highly competitive investment landscape, countries are increasingly competing on the certainty, responsiveness and predictability of their business environments, and thus the speed and ease at which a potential investor can establish a business becomes a key determining factor of where their capital is ultimately deployed. The introduction of the investor permit is thus an important step to improving Namibia’s ease of doing business and enhancing our overall competitiveness as an investment destination,” Shipushu said. The prescribed application forms and supporting documentation requirements are available from the NIPDB office and website, as well as the MHAISS website and offices countrywide. Investors seeking more information on the new permit are advised to contact investorpermit@nipdb.com. Photo: NIPDB The post NIPDB urges investors to apply for new Investor Permit appeared first on Informanté.

Staff Writer  The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), kicked off the African Green Industries Summit by hosting an Investment Forum aimed at connecting Namibian project owners with potential investors, financiers and technology partners, while showcasing some of the country’s growing opportunities across the green economy. With a particular emphasis on Namibia’s energy sector, the forum provided a platform for local businesses and project owners to present investment-ready opportunities directly to prospective investors and strategic partners. As part of the investment forum, eight Namibian project owners participated in a pitching session, presenting diverse projects ranging from solar power generation to waste management systems. As a strategic partner of the Africa Green Industries Summit, hosting the session during the summit is part of the NIPDB’s broader efforts to facilitate investment into Namibia’s priority sectors and to ensure that local businesses are positioned to participate meaningfully in the industries emerging from the country’s energy transition and green industrialisation agenda. NIPDB acting chief executive officer, Julia Muetudhana underscored the significance of this investment forum saying: “At the NIPDB, we recognise that investment promotion goes beyond attracting capital into Namibia. It is also about connecting the right opportunities with the right partners, capital and technologies, while ensuring that investment contributes meaningfully to Namibia’s economic transformation and employment creation. Our role is thus to help bridge the gap between opportunity and implementation, and contribute towards creating an ecosystem in which viable projects can be realized. Therefore, this platform is part of our efforts to directly connect viable local projects to the capital and expertise required to bring them to scale”, she said. Tom Vorster from EOS Capital, said: “Today’s pitches showed strong potential across Namibia’s green economy. From an investor’s side, we look for projects that are legally sound, financially viable and backed by the right team. A clear unique selling proposition, secured land or resources, and well-structured off-take agreements are critical. Equally important is how founders present their numbers and tell their story. Platforms like the NIPDB Investment Forum help project owners understand what investors need and improve their readiness for capital. We encourage all presenters to keep refining their business cases and engage with financiers early in the process.”

The Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI), in partnership with the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), has invited Namibian businesses to register for targeted business-to-business (B2B) matchmaking meetings with a visiting business delegation from Wallonia, Belgium.

Staff Writer  The Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI), in partnership with the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), has invited Namibian businesses to register for targeted business-to-business (B2B) matchmaking meetings with a visiting business delegation from Wallonia, Belgium. The delegation is being facilitated through the Wallonia Export and Investment Agency (AWEX) and is scheduled to participate in engagements with Namibian businesses on 1 October 2026 at the Windhoek Country Club Resort. The initiative is aimed at creating opportunities for commercial partnerships, technology transfers, distribution arrangements and investment linkages between Namibian companies and Belgian businesses. Businesses operating in sectors including mining and mining services, oil, gas and LPG, renewable energy, water and wastewater management, construction, manufacturing, engineering, healthcare, waste management, ICT and digitalisation, automotive, agriculture, agro-processing, education and technical training are encouraged to participate. The visiting Walloon delegation will include companies offering products and services across a range of industries. These include Advagreen, which provides slow-release liquid nitrogen fertilisers; convergent, which offers concrete floor solutions and specialised chemicals for mining, tunnelling and ground stabilisation; and Chlorofeel, which provides solar-powered electro-chlorination technology for drinking-water treatment. Other participating companies include DEC-OGECO, which specialises in LPG, oil and gas storage and distribution terminals; ecosteryl, a medical-waste treatment and recycling technology provider; hydro-invest, which focuses on water treatment and management infrastructure; and ITraceIt, which provides blockchain-based traceability solutions for agricultural, diamond, mineral and other supply chains. John Cockerill will participate with solutions covering renewable energy, concentrated solar power, solar photovoltaic systems, battery energy storage, microgrids and energy management. Korium Tech will showcase water treatment, recycling, reverse osmosis and solar-powered water systems, while Neo-Tech provides scientific, technical and vocational training equipment for agriculture, mining and industry. The delegation will also include Stappert Intramet, which supplies stainless and specialised corrosion- and heat-resistant steels and alloys; Televic, which provides smart classroom, STEM, TVET and digital education solutions; and Transautomobile, which supplies passenger vehicles, 4x4s, pickups, buses, trucks and specialised vehicles. Zetes, a provider of digital identity, border-management and identification solutions, and Zingametal, which specialises in corrosion-protection coatings for steel structures, are also part of the delegation. NCCI and NIPDB said B2B meetings will be matched and confirmed based on business relevance, mutual interests and potential areas of collaboration. Namibian businesses interested in participating are required to register by Monday, 14 September.

Namibian businesses will have an opportunity to showcase their capabilities and connect with potential clients, investors and financiers at the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference (NOGC).

Staff Writer  Namibian businesses will have an opportunity to showcase their capabilities and connect with potential clients, investors and financiers at the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference (NOGC). The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), in collaboration with strategic partners is hosting the second Local Supplier Pitching Session on the first day of the NOGC, bringing together 14 selected Namibian suppliers to present their products, services, experience and value propositions directly to key players in the oil and gas industry.  The NIPDB said the initiative forms part of its broader efforts to strengthen the participation and readiness of Namibian businesses as the country’s emerging oil and gas industry moves towards development and production. The platform is created to demonstrate to the sector that Namibian businesses can indeed effectively participate in the industry. Participating businesses are expected to represent a range of capabilities relevant to the energy value chain, including engineering, petroleum supply, training, technical services, catering, procurement, health and safety, recruitment and other professional services. The session will connect local suppliers with financiers and service companies through presentations, Q&A and meaningful stakeholder engagement. In addition, services companies will take local suppliers through their respective procurement and vendor onboarding processes. Financiers will present their product offerings and share information on how local suppliers can access financial assistance. Other sessions will focus on standards and ISO certification processes. The initiative comes at an important juncture for Namibia’s petroleum sector. The Cabinet has approved, in principle, the country’s Upstream Petroleum Local Content Policy, which seeks to ensure meaningful participation by Namibians through skills development, employment creation and enterprise growth. The policy is intended to increase local participation and value addition across the petroleum value chain. NIPDB said it is imperative that local content be translated into real opportunities for Namibian businesses, not simply participation in conversations.  “These pitching sessions are therefore geared towards putting capable Namibian enterprises directly in front of the stakeholders who make procurement, investment and partnership decisions.”  The engagements are intended to strengthen practical linkages between Namibian enterprises and key industry stakeholders, while helping businesses better understand procurement requirements and the standards necessary to compete in the industry.  “Our role at NIPDB is to help bridge the gap between local enterprise capacity and industry demand, while working with operators, financiers and other partners to create an ecosystem in which competitive Namibian suppliers can secure sustainable opportunities.”

Business Reporter THE Namibia Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition (NOGC) officially kicked off on 18 August 2026, with some of the speakers at the event stating that Namibia has the capability to become a regional energy hub. The conference, which is taking place from 18–20 August 2026 in Windhoek, is 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), with 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. The conference continues to bring together government, industry leaders, investors, academia, entrepreneurs and civil society to shape the future of Namibia’s energy sector. Under the theme “From Decision to Dividend: Making Namibia’s Oil Work for Namibians”, this year’s conference will focus on ensuring that the growth of Namibia’s oil and gas industry creates meaningful opportunities for local businesses, entrepreneurs, workers and communities. The 2026 programme has been expanded to offer even greater opportunities for learning, networking and collaboration. A larger exhibition, a pre-event golf tournament, industry masterclasses, local content discussions, supplier engagement sessions, speed networking and youth-focused activities will precede two days of strategic and technical conference sessions exploring project development, investment, local participation, infrastructure and long-term energy sustainability. Since its inception, the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference has evolved alongside Namibia’s growing oil and gas industry, providing a platform for knowledge sharing, policy dialogue and partnerships that support responsible sector development. The fourth edition builds on this momentum by reinforcing the importance of inclusive economic growth, workforce development and local participation across the oil and gas value chain. Commenting on this year’s conference, Cons Karamata, Chief Executive Officer of the Economic Association of Namibia, said: “The success of this sector cannot be measured solely by discoveries, investment announcements or production figures. Rather, its success will ultimately be measured by its impact on people’s lives. It will be measured by the opportunities created for young Namibians entering the workforce, the growth of local businesses and entrepreneurs, and stronger institutions and communities in our country.” The conference is expected to welcome close to 2,000 delegates from Namibia and around the world, including representatives from government, operators, investors, service providers, SMEs, entrepreneurs, academics, students and civil society organisations. --- ENERGY OUTLOOK: H.E. Dr Philip Mshelbila, Secretary-General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), speaks at a press briefing on the margins of the oil and gas conference. Video: Contributed --- The post Namibia Oil and Gas Conference returns for fourth edition, driving inclusive growth and industry collaboration appeared first on Informanté.

Staff Writer  Ten Namibian exploration and early-stage mining projects were shortlisted to pitch their investment opportunities at the NamXplor Mining Project Pitch Challenge during the Namibia Mining Expo and Conference 2026 hosted by the Chamber of Mines of Namibia. The initiative was hosted by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), with Appian Capital Advisory as the founding strategic partner. The challenge was designed to give exploration and development-stage mining projects an opportunity to present directly to investors, mining companies, financiers and strategic partners, with the aim of connecting promising projects with the capital, technical expertise and partnerships needed to accelerate their development. Appian Capital Advisory, commented: “Namibia has no shortage of investor interest in its mining sector. What is needed are more advanced and professionally managed projects that meet investors’ expectations. NamXplor was designed to help close that gap and build a stronger pipeline of investment-ready projects for the country. As a leading global private equity firm in metals and mining with a strong presence in Namibia, Appian welcomed the opportunity to support the competition and offer our expertise to its participants.” Selected project owners also received investment-readiness coaching, technical feedback from industry experts, exposure to investors and financiers, an opportunity to pitch to Appian Capital Advisory, and potential post-event engagement with selected strategic partners. The Okotjize Iron Ore Project, presented by project promoter Theresia Aochamus, emerged as the first-place winner. ABMogn Exploration placed second, while the Mickal Critical Minerals Project took third place. For Aochamus, the recognition marks an important milestone in the development of the Okotjize Iron Ore Project. The exploration-stage iron-ore opportunity is located in the Erongo region, where she has been advancing the project through reconnaissance and fieldwork. She is now seeking suitable strategic investors and development partners for the next stage of exploration and development. Aochamus said the significance of NamXplor extends beyond the winning projects. “The most important thing is that these projects have been given a platform to be seen by investors. There are Namibian project owners with mineral opportunities that require capital, technical expertise and strategic partnerships to move their projects forward.” The initiative also supports Namibia’s broader objective of attracting investment into mining, mineral beneficiation, value addition, local participation and industrialisation. For the 9 (nine) shortlisted project owners, the challenge provides an opportunity to increase the visibility of Namibian opportunities and build relationships with potential investors,financiers and strategic partners. “NamXplor is about turning Namibia’s mineral potential into investable opportunities by connecting project owners with the capital, expertise and strategic partnerships needed to advance their projects,” said Julia Muetudhana, acting chief executive officer of NIPDB. “We invite investors and partners to work with NIPDB in unlocking the next generation of mining,innovation and technology opportunities for Namibia.”

NIPDB report highlights urgent skills gap ahead of Namibia’s oil and gas boom  Informanté

Staff Reporter NAMIBIA will need to rapidly expand its energy sector skills base to fully benefit from its emerging oil and gas industry, with a new report warning that the country currently has only about 45% of the skills required to support the sector. The Energy Sector Skills Strategy Report – Namibia, launched by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), outlines the workforce challenges facing the country as it prepares for large-scale offshore oil and gas developments in the Orange Basin. The report highlights that major discoveries by international energy companies, including Shell’s Graff-1X well, TotalEnergies’ Venus-1X discovery and Galp Energia’s Mopane discovery, have positioned Namibia as a potential new global energy frontier. First oil production is expected around 2029 or 2030, with the sector projected to attract billions in foreign direct investment and significantly contribute to economic growth. However, the report warns that Namibia’s current skills base is insufficient to meet industry demands, creating a risk that citizens may not fully benefit from the country’s natural resource wealth. According to the report, Namibia faces a mismatch between the skills produced by local education and training institutions and the specialised competencies required by the oil and gas industry. While local graduates possess foundational knowledge in engineering and science fields, the country currently lacks dedicated degree programmes in specialised areas such as petroleum engineering, reservoir engineering, drilling engineering and subsea engineering. The report also identifies critical shortages at the vocational and technical level, particularly in areas requiring internationally recognised certifications, including coded welding to API and ASME standards, offshore safety qualifications such as Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) and Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET), hazardous environment operations and specialised offshore catering. The construction phase of offshore infrastructure, which typically lasts between six and eight years, is expected to be the most labour-intensive period and could require hundreds or thousands of workers for deep-water developments. To address the skills gap, the report proposes a national roadmap that includes establishing a National Oil and Gas Institute to coordinate specialised training, certification and curriculum development. It further recommends upgrading technical and vocational education and training (TVET) capacity through investment in industry-standard equipment and simulators at institutions such as the Namibia Institute of Mining and Technology (NIMT), while encouraging the University of Namibia (UNAM) and Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) to develop specialised undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The report also calls for enforceable skills-transfer requirements, ensuring that foreign experts working in Namibia’s energy sector provide structured training and knowledge transfer to Namibian workers. Some initiatives are already underway to prepare the workforce. The Petroleum Training and Education Fund (Petrofund) is supporting 77 scholarship beneficiaries and has sent 17 Namibians for specialised training in countries including France, Malaysia and Angola. Meanwhile, energy companies operating in Namibia are implementing localisation initiatives, with Galp reporting that 25% of its workforce is already Namibian. The National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR) has also entered partnerships, including memoranda of understanding with companies such as Subsea7 and Moneda Invest, aimed at strengthening offshore capabilities and supporting local businesses. The report concludes that Namibia’s ability to convert its oil and gas discoveries into broad-based economic benefits will depend on developing a skilled, adaptable and competitive local workforce through stronger cooperation between government, industry and academia. Picture for illustrative purposes only. Photo: NIPDB The post NIPDB report highlights urgent skills gap ahead of Namibia’s oil and gas boom appeared first on Informanté.