20 July 2023
Windhoek, Namibia
Press Statement for immediate release
The Namibia Petroleum Operators Association (NAMPOA), in collaboration with the Namibia Investment and Promotion Board (NIPDB), successfully conducted a Workshop on the Introduction to Upstream Oil and Gas Industry on 20 July 2023 at the NIPDB Multipurpose Centre. The workshop aimed to provide valuable insights into the upstream oil and gas sector and capacitate Namibians with knowledge and expertise to contribute effectively to the industry.
The workshop commenced at 09:30 AM with an enthusiastic gathering of approximately 20 participants, including representatives from 5 oil and gas operating companies in Namibia.
Ms. Nangula Uaandja, the Chief Executive Officer of the NIPDB, warmly welcomed the participants and set the scene for the workshop, highlighting the need for good insight for the Government, the public and the private sector in the oil and gas industry This necessary for maintaining an enabling and attractive environment for oil and gas exploration and production, and for local content and participation.
The event’s programme director, Ms. Maria Mbudhi, Chair of Public Affairs at NAMPOA, , and Dep Country Manager for Rhino Resources, introduced the workshop’s agenda and the speakers for the industry fundamentals session. In her introduction, Ms. Mbudhi emphasized the importance of the workshop in facilitating knowledge-sharing among experts from operating companies in Namibia.
The workshop featured an array of informative presentations from key figures in the industry. Mrs. Alina Narubes, Principal Geoscientist at NAMCOR, delivered a comprehensive geological overview of the Namibian Basins, shedding light on the petroleum system and key geological features. Participants gained insights into the formation of oil and gas reservoirs, traps, and seals, deepening their understanding of oil exploration and drilling sites in Namibia.
Ms. Mbudhi, while giving an overview of NAMPOA and its mission, mentioned that the association currently hosts 17 members, including 13 Operator members and 4 Associate members. She also shed light on the licensing system, with specific focus on the Reconnaissance License, Exploration License, and Production License, of which BW Kudu Energy holds the production license in Namibia.
Mr. Martin Negonga, Vice Chairperson of NAMPOA and Asset Manager at NAMCOR, presented a comprehensive overview of the various phases of oil and gas exploration and development. Participants were taken through the entire oil and gas cycle, from data acquisition, exploration drilling, appraisal drilling, field development to production operations.
Dr. Klaus Endresen, the Chairperson of NAMPOA and General Manager of BWKudu, shared valuable insights into the Namibian oil and gas legal and policy framework, emphasizing the need for relevant legislation in the country. The presentation covered essential aspects of the legal and contractual framework, along with an overview of the local content policy.
The workshop also featured presentations by industry experts, including Mr. Friedal Janse Van Rensburg, Executive Director of Ernst & Young Namibia, who discussed the fiscal regime and government takes. Additionally representatives from ExxonMobil Exploration & Production.