Namibia an energy hotspot – Frontier Energy

Namibia is one of the hottest of global energy hotspots and as a crucial contributor to global exploration efforts, it stands tall among the energy sector giants.

This is what Daniel Davidson, chief operating officer of London-based Frontier Energy Network (FEN), said when he co-hosted about 60 of the country’s industry leaders, including many FEN members, for an evening of networking in Windhoek last Wednesday.

He described FEN as the exclusive community for energy leaders worldwide founded in 2020, which has developed the renowned Africa Energies Summit and recently launched the World Energies Summit.

Davidson introduced Shakwa Nyambe of the law firm SNC Incorporated, which co-hosted the event, also attended by petroleum commissioner Maggy Shino, as the Frontier regional leader for sub-Saharan Africa.

“This event truly encapsulates all that we’re about: Connecting, collaborating and getting deals done!” said Davidson, before adding that Namibia was the first venue outside London to host this event.

“When deciding where to host this evening’s event, nothing compared when faced with all the options in sub-Saharan Africa. A place where everyone loves to visit – yes, a global energy hotspot. We have guests from the world’s leading energy companies, some of whom have travelled from London, Houston and Perth to be with us this evening,” Davidson said.

Commenting on the choice of Windhoek as the venue, Frontier chief executive Gayle Meikle said Namibia is a key region for the global energy industry, with the country highlighted as a top area of interest on the continent for delegates of the Africa Energies Summit to meet in London in May next year.

The Africa Energies Summit brings together Africa’s energy industry for a unique event for companies active across the continent and provides insight into the world’s fast changing energy landscape.

Its agenda covers topics that are relevant to Africa’s oil and energy industry, from upstream investment, government promotion through to renewable energy opportunities.

Standing in for deputy minister of mines and energy Kornelia Shilunga, Shino said Frontier events are genuinely worthwhile high-value gatherings where the participants are carefully curated to create an environment where governments, national oil companies, regulators, international energy companies, investors and international development partners can congregate to learn and debate while making the connections and deals that are fundamental to the continent’s success.

She commended Frontier’s appointment of Nyambe as the regional leader for sub-Saharan Africa, saying he is a valued contributor to the African Energies Summit.

“He is a true leader in his field, with an outstanding professional reputation and his commitment to the development of Namibia’s energy industry is inspiring,” Shino said.

Nyambe said being selected as the regional leader is not merely a personal achievement but a collective acknowledgment of the voices of Namibians and Africans in the global energy sector.

“Being part of the FEN enables us to contribute, to be heard and to shape the narrative surrounding our continent’s role in the global energy landscape,” he said.

Nyambe said the recent discovery of oil and gas reserves and the ambitious development of green hydrogen projects have ushered the country into a transformative era. It is an era that not only holds promise for economic growth and development but also signifies an unprecedented opportunity for the people of Namibia, he added.

“As we witness the development and growth of our energy industry, it becomes evident that numerous positions will be created, requiring the skills and expertise of Namibians. This presents an opportunity for employment and skills development within our nation.

“The influx of investments in oil and gas from international companies, together with training and development of local Namibians, will play a key role in shaping the future of our energy industry,” Nyambe said. – matthew@namibian.com.na