Chevron has returned as a Diamond Sponsor of the Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) 2026, underlining growing international confidence in Namibia’s oil and gas prospects as the country moves closer to first oil.
The eighth edition of NIEC will take place from 14 to 16 April 2026 in Windhoek, bringing together government leaders, global energy companies, investors, development finance institutions and service providers at a time when Namibia’s offshore discoveries are reshaping its economic outlook.
Chevron’s renewed top-tier sponsorship comes as Namibia enters a decisive phase in its energy journey. Since 2022, the country has attracted unprecedented global attention following a series of major offshore discoveries in the Orange Basin, including TotalEnergies’ Venus discovery and Galp Energia’s Mopane complex, which holds estimated in-place hydrocarbons of around 10 billion barrels of oil equivalent.
Industry analysts have suggested Namibia’s total offshore resource potential could ultimately rival Guyana’s estimated 11 billion barrels of recoverable resources, as exploration and appraisal continue.
With multiple operators advancing exploration and appraisal programmes, Namibia is positioning itself for first oil in the coming years.
At peak production, the oil and gas sector could contribute up to 18% of GDP, according to industry estimates, while driving job creation, supporting infrastructure development and strengthening the country’s fiscal position.
Beyond direct revenues, the sector is expected to catalyse growth across logistics, manufacturing, services and skills development, with implications for long-term economic diversification.
Now in its eighth edition, NIEC has established itself as Namibia’s flagship energy platform.
Convened by RichAfrica Consultancy, the conference has, since its founding in 2012, provided a forum for sustained dialogue among government, industry and investors as Namibia has progressed from early exploration to globally significant discoveries.
Chevron’s footprint in Namibia includes offshore exploration interests in both the Orange and Walvis Basins, where the company acquired PEL 82 in 2024. Beyond sponsorship, Chevron is expected to participate in high-level discussions and stakeholder engagements during NIEC 2026.
“We are delighted to welcome Chevron back as a Diamond Sponsor,” said Ndapwilapo Selma Shimutwikeni, founder and convenor of NIEC and chief executive officer of RichAfrica Consultancy. “Since our first conference in 2012, themed ‘The Road to Discovery,’ Namibia has achieved significant offshore finds. Now, on the road to first oil, the 2026 conference marks a historic moment, with Chevron’s continued support highlighting the importance of collaboration between government, industry and investors,” Shimutwikeni said.
Chevron has described NIEC as a strategic platform for engagement as it advances its Namibian exploration programme.
“As one of the largest U.S. investors in Namibia, we are grateful to have the opportunity to participate at NIEC, a premier platform that convenes stakeholders and industry, and share our positive experiences in the country,” said Beatrice Bienvenu, Chevron Manager for Namibia and West Africa Exploration.
“We are committed to investing in Namibia through our exploration programme. We are optimistic about our portfolio,” Bienvenu said.
NIEC 2026 will convene under the theme “The Road to First Oil & Beyond: Partnership, Investment, Growth,” reflecting Namibia’s transition from frontier exploration to potential production.
Discussions are expected to focus on oil and gas development, power generation, renewables, local content, infrastructure, financing and sustainable energy growth.
The conference is expected to attract more than 1,000 delegates from Namibia and abroad, building on NIEC’s track record of industry engagement.
Over the past decade, the conference has hosted more than 2,500 delegates, featured over 400 expert speakers, represented 46 countries, and involved around 1,500 companies, with more than 90% homegrown vendor participation.
Its Future Energy Leaders Programme has also sought to support the development of Namibia’s next generation of energy professionals.
As Namibia’s offshore potential moves closer to commercial reality, Chevron’s return as a Diamond Sponsor places the 2026 conference at the centre of a critical moment for the country’s energy sector—one in which investment decisions, partnerships and policy frameworks will shape not only first oil, but the long-term legacy of Namibia’s hydrocarbon resources.
