Staff Writer
The first group of executive speakers has been confirmed for the 4th Namibia Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition, set to take place in August 2026, bringing together influential leaders from Namibia’s fast-growing energy sector alongside international oil and gas experts.
The conference is expected to provide a platform for discussions on investment opportunities, local content development, energy policy, upstream exploration, gas commercialisation and regional collaboration as Namibia continues to establish itself as one of the world’s most promising emerging energy destinations.
Among the confirmed speakers are Julia Muetudhana, acting chief executive officer of the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB); Peter Shivute, executive director responsible for MSME Development and Export Promotion at the NIPDB; and Jackson Nangolo, senior energy investment analyst at the NIPDB.
The programme will also feature Travis Smithard, chief executive officer of Rhino Resources Namibia, and Jason Kasuto, Chairperson of the Economic Association of Namibia, who are expected to share insights on Namibia’s evolving investment landscape and energy sector.
International expertise will be represented by Dr Philip Mshelbila, secretary general of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), and Dr Abubakar Abbas, senior energy forecast analyst in the GECF’s Energy Economics and Forecasting Department.
They will be joined by Theo Ahwireng, former chief executive of Ghana’s Petroleum Commission, and Wole Ogunsanya, Chairman of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN).
Additional confirmed speakers include Tony Paul, energy policy and strategy advisor at Future Energy Partners Ltd of Trinidad and Tobago; Paal Gunnar Heistad, senior vice president for Business Development at Yinson; and Adilson Nelumba, founder and chief executive Officer of Copia Group of Companies.
“Representing operators, government, investors, service companies and industry stakeholders, the first confirmed speakers reflect the breadth of expertise that will shape this year’s Executive Conference Programme. Their insights will provide delegates with invaluable perspectives on the opportunities, challenges and strategic partnerships driving Namibia’s journey towards becoming one of the world’s most exciting emerging energy destinations,” organisers said.
Organisers said the conference will convene senior government officials, industry executives, investors, regulators, service providers and policymakers to examine the opportunities and challenges arising from Namibia’s rapidly expanding oil and gas industry.
The event comes as exploration activity accelerates offshore Namibia and preparations continue for future developments expected to transform the country’s energy sector and broader economy.
Delegates will also discuss strategies for maximising local participation, strengthening regional partnerships and positioning Namibia as a competitive destination for energy investment.
