RichAfrica Consultancy CEO and convener of the Namibia International Energy Conference, Ndapwilapo Selma Shimutwikeni’s full speech.
Standing here today is a full-circle moment for me.
I remember hosting the very first edition of this conference at the Windhoek Country Club, not on the golf course but inside the hotel, with just over 100 participants. Maybe 120.
That inaugural event carried the theme, The Road to Discovery and Beyond.
Many individuals who believed in this vision from the beginning are seated among us today, and I thank you for staying the course.
This conference was born out of a desire to build a platform. This thought leadership platform brings together thought leaders, industry pioneers, policymakers and investors to shape a future where Namibia takes ownership of its energy journey.
As a natural resources law and policy expert and advisor to the industry, I’m passionate about promoting research, dialogue and strategic engagement.
I believe Namibia cannot afford to wait. It must lead the way. Hosting this conference annually is a testament to faith, resilience and conviction, especially when many questioned whether oil and gas would become a reality for Namibia.
Today, we gather in a room filled with energy champions because we are turning vision into action, and indeed, we are the land of the brave.
Our theme this year, Leading the Way, Becoming an Energy Hub with E-Country Value, speaks directly to the work ahead.
It challenges us to focus not only on discoveries but also on the systems, infrastructure, skills, and partnerships needed to build an inclusive, resilient, and sustainable energy ecosystem.
I would also like to acknowledge the unwavering support of the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy and the African Energy Chamber, which continue to champion sector growth and collaboration across the continent.
Thank you to our sponsors who make this platform possible, particularly Chevron, our diamond sponsor, for their ongoing partnership.
We also recognize our Sapphire sponsors, Shell, RMEA, Standard Bank and many other sponsors
like Google, listed earlier on, and who believe in Namibia’s energy future.
This year’s program is filled with insightful discussions, strategic conversations and technical showcases across the energy value chain, from oil and gas to renewables, infrastructure and financing.
I invite you all to actively engage, share your ideas and, more importantly, collaborate with others.
This is more on a personal note.
We are discussing with the Right Honorable Prime Minister the importance of education and the empowerment of young people in Namibia.
As a former refugee child, I have a picture on my fridge of myself as a refugee in Angola.
Someone would look at that picture, and they would not think that fast forward, I would be sitting, standing here, addressing you all. I am here not only because of those who came before me but also because I got an opportunity.
I took my education very seriously. I was actually just laughing because I used to be called a career student because of my many degrees. As a result, we launched the Future Energy Leaders Legacy Program embodies our commitment to empowering the next generation.
Not only did we do that, we also hired more than 50 interns to be a part of this initiative to give them exposure to the industry.
I want to thank Total Energy and BW Energy for sponsoring this year’s Legacy Program. They are some fantastic young people who have the potential to contribute to Namibia’s development.
In closing, I want to thank each and every one of you, returning guests and first-time delegates, for being part of this journey.
As we continue to build Namibia’s energy story together, let us remember to take the village.
I would like to thank you for, once again, coming from far and wide to be a part of this conversation.
I wish you fruitful deliberations. May God bless the conference. Thank you very much.
