The Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) will return to Windhoek from 14–16 April 2026, marking a significant milestone in the country’s journey from exploration to production as it prepares for first oil and expands its broader energy mix.
Organised by RichAfrica Consultancy, the 8th edition of NIEC — themed “The Road to First Oil & Beyond – Partnership, Investment & Growth” — will focus on shaping Namibia’s transition into a producing nation while ensuring inclusive and sustainable development across oil and gas, renewables, nuclear energy and power generation.
Since its inception in 2012 under the banner “The Road to Discovery & Beyond,” the NIEC has become Namibia’s flagship energy platform for high-level dialogue, strategic partnerships, and investment promotion. Over the past decade, it has attracted global investors, government leaders, operators, service providers, and policymakers, positioning itself as a central forum for shaping Namibia’s energy narrative.
In announcing the 2026 conference, RichAfrica CEO and founder Ndapwilapo Selma Shimutwikeni said this year’s theme reflects the country’s remarkable progress and growing global visibility.
“It is a privilege to welcome you to this milestone 8th edition of the Namibia International Energy Conference. From our first theme, ‘The Road to Discovery & Beyond,’ to today’s ‘The Road to First Oil & Beyond,’ NIEC has mirrored Namibia’s energy journey — from ambition to achievement. This edition is not just another conference, it is a defining moment where we celebrate progress, confront challenges, and unlock opportunities together,” Shimutwikeni said.
“More than a gathering of leaders, NIEC is a catalyst for collaboration, investment, and innovation — strengthening the enabling environment and laying the foundations for an energy future that goes beyond first oil to deliver diversification, security, growth, and shared prosperity.”
NIEC2026 will bring together government leaders, investors, operators, service providers, financiers, academics, innovators and civil society representatives to discuss key topics including Namibia’s latest energy developments and investment pipeline, creation and sharing of in-country value, human capital development and skills transfer, local enterprise participation, infrastructure development and export potential, energy security and renewable integration, as well as youth inclusion through the Future Energy Leaders Initiative and Internship Programme.
Now entering its 12th year, the Namibia International Energy Conference has hosted seven successful editions, welcoming 2,537 delegates from 46 countries, 410 speakers, and 1,500 participating companies, with more than 90 per cent of vendors drawn from Namibian businesses.
The event also contributes significantly to tourism and hospitality, reinforcing Namibia’s profile as a leading business and leisure destination.
The 2026 conference enjoys the endorsement and support of the Government of Namibia, the African Energy Chamber, and several international and local partners.
Standard Bank Namibia and Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) return as Sapphire Sponsors, signalling strong private-sector confidence in the country’s energy prospects and the conference’s role as a collaboration and value creation driver.
The three-day programme will feature plenary sessions, technical masterclasses, panel discussions, business-to-business matchmaking, and an interactive exhibition showcasing technologies, services and investment-ready projects across the energy spectrum.
According to the organisers, NIEC2026 will provide investors and key stakeholders with a rare opportunity to gain insights, form partnerships and shape the policies driving Namibia’s fast-evolving energy landscape.
For participation or partnership opportunities, interested stakeholders can contact info@richafricaco.com or http://www.nieconference.com/
