By Ajong Mbapndah L
Namibia’s energy story is entering its most defining chapter yet — and few voices capture this transformation better than Selma Shimutwikeni, the trailblazing CEO of RichAfrica Consultancy and Convenor of the Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC). What began in 2012 as “The Road to Discovery & Beyond” has evolved into a decade-long journey that reshaped Namibia’s identity from an exploration frontier to one of the world’s most anticipated new hydrocarbon and multi-energy hotspots.
With NIEC now an annual platform endorsed by the Government of Namibia and the African Energy Chamber, the conference has become the country’s strategic engine room — a space where investments are unlocked, policy shaped, and partnerships forged across oil, gas, renewables, nuclear, critical minerals, and the entire industrial ecosystem. In an exclusive interview with Pan African Visions, Shimutwikeni reflects on Namibia’s transformation, the rise of women leaders, the country’s balanced energy future, and the path toward first oil in 2029. She also outlines how NIEC 2026 will serve as a model for African nations seeking sustainable, responsible, and investor-ready energy sectors.
NIEC 2026 builds on more than a decade of progress. How would you describe Namibia’s transformation from “The Road to Discovery & Beyond” in 2012 to today’s “Road to First Oil & Beyond”?
Namibia’s transformation from “The Road to Discovery & Beyond” in 2012 to the upcoming 2026 edition has been remarkable. Over the past 13 years, NIEC has mirrored and contributed to the country’s evolving energy journey. When we launched the first conference, the country was on an exploration journey, and the platform—created by RichAfrica as advisors and natural resources experts and endorsed by the Government of Namibia since inception—quickly established itself as Namibia’s leading energy forum. Initially held every two years, NIEC shifted to an annual platform after the discoveries as industry activity accelerated. As one of the few women-led platforms on the continent, it reflects our forward-looking spirit and commitment to excellence, diversity, and global competitiveness.
Namibia’s energy landscape has since advanced significantly. Major offshore discoveries and a strategic energy mix across gas, renewables and critical minerals have strengthened investor confidence and attracted leading global companies. In response, NIEC has evolved into a platform that facilitates investment, deepens partnerships and shapes strategic dialogue across the value chain. The 2026 edition, themed “The Road to First Oil & Beyond,” will explore the building blocks required to reach first oil and secure a diversified, resilient energy future—marking a defining moment shaped by transformation, shared ambition, and long-term national growth.
The conference is endorsed by the Government of Namibia and the African Energy Chamber. How does NIEC 2026 align with Namibia’s national energy strategy and its ambition to become a continental energy hub?
The Government of Namibia’s endorsement of NIEC, together with support from the African Energy Chamber, affirms the platform’s alignment with national priorities. Convened by RichAfrica, NIEC is more than an event—it reflects our broader advisory work in policy, stakeholder engagement, local content, investment facilitation, and transaction support.
Namibia’s energy strategy emphasises responsible resource development, investment attraction, local value creation, and a diversified energy mix. NIEC 2026 advances these priorities by bringing together leaders from across Africa and the global industry to drive strategic dialogue and unlock opportunities across the energy value chain.
As a private sector–led platform with continental reach, NIEC complements RichAfrica’s efforts to support industrialisation, infrastructure growth, innovation, and inclusive prosperity—helping position Namibia as a credible and influential player in Africa’s energy landscape.
What specific types of deals, collaborations, or investment partnerships do you anticipate emerging from NIEC 2026, particularly in the lead-up to Namibia’s projected first oil in 2029?
NIEC has never been just about action — it is about creating value and shaping the increased partnerships needed to unlock Namibia’s long-term energy opportunity. In 2026, as the country advances toward first oil, we expect collaboration to deepen across several strategic areas.
We anticipate new joint ventures between Namibian SMEs and global firms to strengthen local content; upstream and midstream partnerships around drilling, FPSO deployment, logistics, and infrastructure readiness; and capital mobilisation involving local banks, regional financiers, and private investors.
We also foresee increased partnerships in downstream and industrialisation opportunities, including gas-to-power and industrial offtakes; renewables and nuclear supporting Namibia’s diversified energy mix; as well as technology and skills development, particularly digital solutions, training, and certification programs.
As a pan-African platform convened by RichAfrica, NIEC is designed to move discussions from concept to commitment — ensuring that every connection and conversation adds tangible value as Namibia moves confidently toward first oil in 2029.
Namibia is advancing both oil & gas exploration and a strong green hydrogen and renewables agenda. How can the country—and by extension NIEC—bridge these two priorities for a balanced energy transition?
Namibia’s future does not depend on choosing between hydrocarbons and renewables. From my perspective as a natural resources advisor, a balanced energy mix remains the most practical and competitive pathway for a country at our stage of development.
Oil and gas have historically driven industrialisation around the world—providing the energy, revenue, and related infrastructure that enable economies to grow. For Namibia, these resources can support the kind of industrial activity, job creation, and energy security that a fast-growing economy requires. At the same time, renewables and nuclear energy offer long-term sustainability, cost competitiveness, and the ability to build a resilient power system.
At NIEC, our role is to bridge these priorities by convening the entire value chain. Our 2026 agenda brings together oil and gas, renewables, nuclear, and power generation, alongside the infrastructure, logistics, financing, and service industries that must work in alignment. We focus on practical collaboration, technology partnerships, bankable financing models, and policy clarity—creating a space where both conventional and emerging energy solutions reinforce one another rather than operate in silos.
In essence, NIEC connects the full ecosystem needed for a balanced, investable, and future-ready energy pathway—one that recognises the role of hydrocarbons today while building the foundations for a sustainable and resilient energy future.
As one of the foremost female leaders in Namibia’s energy landscape, how do you view women’s participation and leadership in shaping the nation’s energy future?
It has been deeply meaningful to witness the rise of women across Namibia’s energy landscape—not only in leadership, but across the technical, legal, engineering, financial, and commercial fields that drive the sector.
And it is important to emphasise that women’s participation in Namibia is not new. Our country has a strong track record of women in national and private leadership. We have a female President and Vice President, and women hold influential leadership roles across both the public and private energy sectors.
Namibia’s National Energy Policy further reinforces this by promoting the mainstreaming of women at all levels of the industry.
NIEC reflects this reality. From inception, we have ensured that women are not included symbolically, but positioned as central contributors to the energy conversation. Our platform features female policymakers, engineers, geoscientists, entrepreneurs, financiers, and innovators.
For me, representation is only the beginning. Influence, access, and opportunity must follow. As Convenor of NIEC, I remain committed to creating spaces where women lead with authority and participate meaningfully across the entire value chain.
You’ve highlighted human-capital development, skills transfer, and in-country value as core themes. What practical steps is Rich Africa Consultancy taking through NIEC 2026 to empower Namibian enterprises and professionals?
Empowering Namibians through energy is central to RichAfrica’s mission, and NIEC 2026 is one of the practical tools through which we advance this commitment. We are strengthening in-country value by ensuring Namibian enterprises are visible and engaged in the energy supply chain; delivering skills-transfer sessions and technical masterclasses with operators and service companies; expanding our Future Energy Leaders Initiative and Internship Programme; and maintaining strong local vendor participation, with over 90% of previous suppliers being Namibian.
Beyond the conference, RichAfrica provides advisory support to investors and operators—helping them navigate Namibia’s landscape, identify local partners, and design local-content and capacity-building strategies that deliver long-term value for Namibians.
These steps ensure that investment in the sector translates into real skills, capacity, and opportunity for Namibian professionals and enterprises.
Namibia’s discoveries have sparked continent-wide interest. How can NIEC 2026 serve as a model for other African countries seeking to attract sustainable investment and manage emerging hydrocarbon sectors responsibly?
Namibia’s journey is a story of partnership and clarity of vision, and NIEC offers a model that other African countries can adapt as they develop emerging hydrocarbon sectors. Its success is rooted in expertise, collaboration, and a deep understanding of stakeholder objectives — with a constant focus on adding value and finding practical solutions.
NIEC brings policy, investment, governance, and skills development into one integrated platform, ensuring that resource development is anchored in transparency, local content, and long-term national benefit. Our balanced, multi-energy approach — engaging oil, gas, renewables, nuclear, infrastructure, and human development in a single conversation — shows how sustainability and responsible resource management can work hand-in-hand.
As convenors and advisors, RichAfrica helps partners navigate regulatory environments, identify opportunities, and design strategies that create shared value. This combination of structure, expertise, and solution-driven collaboration is what makes NIEC a practical and adaptable framework for other African countries seeking to attract sustainable investment and manage their resources responsibly.
With institutions like Standard Bank Namibia and Rand Merchant Bank on board as Sapphire Sponsors, what message does this send about investor confidence in Namibia’s evolving energy ecosystem?
The support of Standard Bank Namibia and Rand Merchant Bank sends a powerful signal of investor confidence in Namibia’s evolving energy ecosystem. These are institutions that invest where they see clear value, and their commitment shows that Namibia’s energy trajectory is both credible and investable.
Their involvement also strengthens local financial participation, ensuring that Namibian and regional capital play an active role in shaping the country’s development story. And while the question highlights these two institutions, it’s important to note that this confidence is echoed across our broader group of sponsors — together reinforcing the strength and maturity of Namibia’s energy opportunity.
The program aims to equip the next generation for energy leadership. Can you elaborate on how NIEC 2026 will engage youth, universities, and innovators to ensure inclusivity in Namibia’s energy story?
Our youth are key drivers of Namibia’s energy future, and NIEC 2026 is intentionally designed to give them meaningful access to the sector. Through initiatives like the Future Energy Leaders Programme and our Internship Programme, we connect young Namibians with industry mentors, training opportunities, and direct participation in the conference.
The goal is simple: to ensure that Namibia’s energy ecosystem reflects every generation — from seasoned industry leaders to the young thinkers and innovators who will shape the country’s future.
Looking ahead, what legacy do you hope NIEC 2026 and Rich Africa Consultancy will leave for Namibia’s energy sector—and what does “Beyond First Oil” truly mean to you personally?
“Beyond First Oil” is both a vision and a responsibility. For me, it is a reminder that first oil is not the finish line — it is the foundation. The true legacy will be defined by how effectively we convert our natural resources into skills, infrastructure, enterprise development, economic diversification, and meaningful Namibian participation across the entire value chain.
As a pioneer and consultant in this space, I see RichAfrica’s role — and NIEC’s — as helping Namibia build the systems, partnerships, and confidence needed to navigate this journey with clarity and purpose. Our work is about shaping an ecosystem that empowers Namibians, anchors local businesses in the supply chain, attracts responsible investment, and delivers value that extends far beyond the resource itself.
Ultimately, the legacy I hope NIEC 2026 and RichAfrica leave is one of collaboration, resilience, and shared prosperity — where Namibia is recognised not only for its discoveries, but for how strategically and inclusively we developed them. My aspiration is for Namibia to stand as an Africa-driven success story that inspires generations long after first oil.
*Culled from December Issue of PAV Magazine
