Namibia has urged international oil operators and service firms to open supply chains to local businesses, aiming at boosting domestic participation in its growing oil sector.

Minister of Industries, Mines, and Energy, Modestus Amutse, said this at the inaugural National Upstream Oil and Gas Local Suppliers’ Workshop in Windhoek on Tuesday.

Mr Amutse urged industry players to support Namibian firms by sharing procurement processes, offering mentorship, and providing exposure to industry standards.

He said greater transparency and collaboration would enable local companies, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises, to better position themselves for opportunities in the upstream petroleum sector.

The workshop, organised by the Petroleum Training and Education Fund and its partners, aims to strengthen local capacity through training, improved access to finance, and a clearer understanding of tendering requirements and compliance standards.

He stated that Namibia was seeking to integrate domestic enterprises into the oil and gas value chain early, as offshore oil and gas projects advanced through different stages of exploration, appraisal, and development preparation.

Mr Amutse emphasised that building local capacity ahead of first oil was critical to ensuring the sector contributes to inclusive growth, job creation, and long-term industrial development.

He also encouraged financial institutions to expand support for local firms, noting that access to capital remains a key barrier to participation in the capital-intensive industry.

Namibia has emerged as a major offshore exploration hotspot in recent years following significant oil discoveries in the Orange Basin.

As international companies step up appraisal and drilling activities, the Namibian government is seeking to ensure that local businesses and workers are better prepared to participate in the sector before first oil later this decade.

The two-day workshop brought together government officials, industry players, and entrepreneurs to enhance readiness for participation in Namibia’s fast-growing oil and gas sector. 

(Xinhua/NAN)