The Petroleum Commissioner Maggy Shino said responsible development of Namibia’s petroleum resources must be guided by inclusivity, sustainability, and shared prosperity principles.
Shino told the delegates attending the Namibia Local Content Conference at Luderitz on Wednesday that local content development is not merely an aspiration; it is a fundamental imperative for realising the full potential of our petroleum sector and ensuring that all Namibians feel its benefits.
“It is about creating opportunities for local businesses to participate meaningfully in the petroleum value chain, from exploration and production to downstream activities,” she said.
Shino describes the conference as a significant milestone in the collective journey towards sustainable development and inclusive growth in Namibia’s energy sector.
“The theme of this year’s conference, “Empowering Namibia’s Energy Ambitions through Local Content,” resonates deeply with the Petroleum Directorate’s core mission,” she added.
As the regulatory authority responsible for overseeing the development of Namibia’s petroleum resources, Shino said, the Petroleum Directorate is deeply committed to promoting local content participation.
“We are working tirelessly to create an enabling environment that empowers Namibian companies to compete on a level playing field and contribute to the growth and diversification of our economy,” she added.
According to Shino, one of our key priorities is to build local capacity and expertise in the petroleum sector through targeted capacity-building initiatives, training programs, and skills development initiatives.
She said by so doing, Namibian companies and individuals are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to thrive in the petroleum industry.
Shino further said this actively promotes collaboration and partnerships between government, industry, and civil society to address the challenges and seize the opportunities facing our petroleum sector.
“By working together, we can harness all stakeholders’ collective expertise, resources, and ingenuity to drive positive change and innovation in our industry,” she said.
She applauded the conference, saying it provides a unique opportunity for people to come together as a community and chart the course for the future of local content development in Namibia’s energy sector.
“It is a platform for us to share insights, exchange ideas, and forge partnerships that will shape the trajectory of our industry for years to come,” she said.
She called for reaffirming commitment to local content development and building a more inclusive and sustainable energy sector in Namibia.
Shino also urged Namibians to use the conference to explore new avenues for collaboration, innovation, and growth to benefit our nation and its people.
