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Local Content in Oil & Gas: A Catalyst for Shared Growth in Namibia

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2 years ago

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Ndapwilapo Selma Shimutwikeni,

Ndapwilapo Selma Shimutwikeni, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Founder of Rich Africa Consulting, explores how Namibia’s focus on local content is set to unleash a wealth of opportunities for the local population, building on recent breakthroughs in the upstream industry

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, July 2, 2024/APO Group/ — 

In the oil and gas industry, local content refers to the development of local industries, workforce and resources to support the operations of international oil companies (IOC) within a country. For Namibia, fostering ‘Namibian Content’ can significantly enhance economic growth, social development and technological advancement.

Leveraging Local Content to Drive Economic Growth

Local content policies can be a catalyst for economic growth by ensuring that a significant portion of the industry’s value chain is retained within the country. By promoting the use of local goods, services and labor, these policies can create a myriad of job opportunities for Namibians. This not only fosters employment but also stimulates the development of ancillary industries, such as manufacturing, logistics and services, which support the oil and gas sector. Local content also contributes to the diversification of Namibia’s economy. By developing industries related to the oil and gas sector, the country can reduce its reliance on oil revenues and build a more resilient economy.

Additionally, local content promotes the development of skills and the transfer of knowledge to the local workforce. By involving Namibians in various aspects of the oil and gas industry, from exploration to production, they gain valuable expertise and experience. Such policies also promote increased local participation and ownership in the oil and gas industry, while driving various social development through mandated investments in community infrastructure, education, healthcare and other social programs, thereby improving the quality of life for Namibians. Meanwhile, local content policies can also spur technological advancement and innovation. When local firms are part of the industry’s supply chain, they are often required to meet international standards, which drives them to improve their technologies and processes. This can lead to a broader technological base in Namibia, benefiting other sectors of the economy as well.

Successfully Implementing Local Content

Successfully implementing local content policies requires various proactive measures. These include capacity building and investing in developing a skilled local workforce and capable local companies; streamlining regulatory processes to enhance compliance and boost investor confidence; and addressing bureaucratic challenges to ensure smoother operations for both international and local companies. Additionally, providing financial incentives and investment opportunities that empower local firms; adapting to market dynamics to encourage local companies to embrace the global nature of the oil and gas industry; and ensuring high quality and standards across the market. Continuous improvement and training programs can also help local products and services achieve the high standards required, boosting their reputation and competitiveness on the global stage. By concentrating on these key areas, local content policies can be successfully implemented, leading to sustainable growth, innovation and a thriving local industry.

Lessons Learnt from Global Partners

Lessons learnt from resource-rich nations across the world can strengthen Namibia’s local content implementation. Norway, for example, provides a prime example of how local content can lead to substantial skills development. The country’s local content regulations required IOCs to partner with Norwegian firms and train local employees. As a result, Norway developed a highly skilled workforce and a robust oil services industry, which now competes globally. The country has consistently maintained a high employment rate within the oil and gas sector, with approximately 250,000 jobs supported by the industry.

In Angola, local content regulations have contributed to social development through initiatives like the Angolanization policy, which prioritizes hiring and training local citizens. The oil companies operating in Angola are required to invest in community projects, leading to improved healthcare facilities, schools and infrastructure in oil- producing regions. For example, investments in the health sector have led to the construction of over 100 health centers in the country. In Brazil, the implementation of local content requirements led to the growth of the domestic shipbuilding industry, creating over 30,000 jobs and reducing the country’s dependency on foreign vessels. Similarly, in Ghana, local content policies in the oil sector have resulted in increased employment, with over 7,000 direct jobs created since the inception of the policies, and the establishment of new businesses to service the industry.

Additionally, Nigeria’s local content law has significantly increased local participation in the oil and gas industry. The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has overseen the growth of indigenous oil companies and service providers, ensuring that a significant portion of the industry’s value is retained within Nigeria. The NCDMB’s efforts have resulted in an increase in local participation from 5% to over 30% in the past decade. Meanwhile, Malaysia’s approach to local content has facilitated economic diversification. The country’s Petronas-led initiatives ensured that local companies were integrated into the oil and gas supply chain, leading to the growth of Malaysia’s engineering and construction sectors. Today, these sectors contribute significantly to the national economy, with the oil and gas industry supporting over 200,000 jobs.

Qatar has also implemented local content policies to ensure that its citizens benefit from the country’s substantial oil and gas wealth. The country’s Qatarization policy aims to increase the number of Qatari nationals employed in the energy sector to 50%. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has also seen success with its local content initiatives. The In-Country Value (ICV) program, launched by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, aims to support local businesses and create jobs for UAE nationals. The ICV program has driven over $20 billion back into the UAE economy and created thousands of jobs for Emiratis.

As such, the benefits of local content in Namibia’s oil and gas sector are manifold. By focusing on economic growth, skills development, economic diversification, increased local participation, social development and technological advancement, Namibia can ensure that its oil and gas resources are a blessing for its population of three million. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Enlit Africa seeks contributions that move the conversation from strategy to execution: ensuring a Future Fit Africa

Published

3 days ago

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September 25, 2026

By

Africa

Share your expertise with Africa’s power, energy and water community, connect with decision makers from across the value chain and contribute to the conversations shaping the continent’s next generation of infrastructure and investment

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, September 25, 2026/APO Group/ –Speaker submissions are open for Enlit Africa, created by VUKA Group (www.WeAreVuka.com), as it returns to the CTICC, Cape Town from 11–13 May 2027.

Do you have a project, lesson, strategy or innovation that Africa’s energy sector should hear about?

 




  

We invite utilities, project owners, developers, IPPs, commercial and industrial energy users, municipalities, policymakers, regulators, financiers, researchers and industry practitioners to submit abstracts sharing practical experience, case studies, research, projects and lessons from across Africa’s changing energy and water sectors.

What are we looking for?

We particularly encourage non-vendor speakers to submit contributions across:

  1. Enlit Africa Main Stage – From Strategy to Execution
    Policy, market reform, investment, leadership and the decisions required to turn Africa’s energy ambitions into implementation.
  2. Generation
    New capacity, generation technologies, energy security, operating performance and Africa’s evolving energy mix.
  3. Transmission & Distribution
    Grid expansion, modernisation, open access, system operation, cross-border interconnection, digitalisation and infrastructure investment.
  4. Municipal Forum:Municipal management, with an emphasis on electricity and water – with a strong emphasis on service delivery.
  5. Power Hub:Technical advancements in power generation, transmission, distribution and more. Technical presentations encouraged.
  6. Water Hub:Technical insights into water management and solutions.
  7. Water Security Hub: Strategy, finance, management and technology application for water security.
  8. Project & Investment Hub: Project developments, country roundtables, project briefings, finance, and innovative financing models (including M300).
  9. Renewable Energy & Storage:Covering both technical and strategic applications of renewables and storage.

What makes a strong submission?

We want to hear about what is happening on the ground.

Tell us about:

  • A project being implemented or developed
  • A challenge your organisation has solved – or is still trying to solve
  • Lessons from implementation
  • New research or industry findings
  • Innovative financing or commercial models
  • Technologies being deployed in real operating environments
  • Policy or regulatory changes and what they mean in practice
  • Approaches that could be replicated elsewhere in Africa

Preference will be given to submissions that provide practical insights, measurable outcomes and lessons that the wider industry can apply.

Why present at Enlit Africa?

Africa does not need another conversation about what should happen. Help us explore how we make it happen and how we ensure Africa is future fit.

Share your expertise with Africa’s power, energy and water community, connect with decision makers from across the value chain and contribute to the conversations shaping the continent’s next generation of infrastructure and investment.

Submission details

Abstract length: 300–500 words
Submission deadline: 29 January 2027
Speaker feedback: 7 December 2026 – 5 February 2027

Visit the Enlit Africa website to submit your speaker abstract: https://apo-opa.co/4d2TTq2

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

 




 

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CEM Africa Awards 2026 set to recognise Africa’s leading Customer Experience (CX) talent and innovation

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3 days ago

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September 25, 2026

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CEM Africa Awards

The 2025 awards attracted more than 80 entries and 31 finalists, culminating in eight award winners

The calibre of organisations and individuals recognised through the CEM Africa Awards demonstrates just how much extraordinary CX work is being done across the continent

 




 
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, September 25, 2026/APO Group/ –Customer experience professionals, teams and organisations across Africa have just days remaining to enter the 2026 CEM Africa Awards, with free applications closing on 30 September 2026.

 

Taking place on 10 November 2026 at the NH Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg, the Customer Experience Africa Awards form part of the CEM Africa platform and recognise the individuals, teams, technologies and initiatives raising the standard of customer experience across the continent.

For organisations considering whether to enter, the company they could be keeping provides a compelling indication of the calibre of the awards.

A growing roll call of African CX leaders

The 2025 awards attracted more than 80 entries and 31 finalists, culminating in eight award winners. Finalists represented organisations spanning financial services, technology, telecommunications, retail, insurance, public services and social impact.

Among them were Absa, Capitec Bank, Santam, Telesure Investment Holdings, Equity Bank, Takealot.com, NTT DATA, Frogfoot, Telviva, Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, the University of Pretoria and South Africa’s Department of Social Development.

The 2025 winners included Serisha Iyer of Absa Corporate and Investment Banking, named Rising Star in CX; Alma Angela Olela of Jubilee Health Insurance, named CX Leader of the Year; and Franco Cotumaccio of Shadow Global, winner of Breaking Barriers in CX.

Corporate winners included Telesure Investment Holdings for Best Overall CX Solution, Krisp for Best Use of AI, Telviva for Best Enterprise Contact Centre Platform, Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator for Best Customer Experience Team of the Year and the University of Pretoria for Best Citizen Experience Initiative.

That follows a 2024 edition in which winners included NCBA Bank, MultiChoice, Digital Solutions Group, Absa Bank and Telviva, alongside individual CX leaders from across the continent.

More than a trophy

For entrants, recognition through the CEM Africa Awards puts their work in front of a wider African CX community and an independent judging panel drawn from across the industry.

The 2026 judging panel includes global CX specialist Ian Golding; Andrew (Dré) Enebeli, Head of CX & Engagement at Access Bank; Dr Oliver Museka, President and Founder of IRDM College Eswatini; Jonathan Daniels, Managing Director of CX Centric; Joven Pillay, Partner and Head of Customer Consulting at KPMG; and Qaalfa Dibeehi, Managing Partner at Human2Outcome.

This year’s awards recognise excellence across four broad pillars – People, Innovation, Transformation and Government – covering categories including CX Leader of the Year, Rising Star in CX, Breaking Barriers in CX, Best Overall CX Solution, Best Use of AI, Best Enterprise Contact Centre Platform, Best Customer Experience Team of the Year, Best Digital Transformation in Public Services and Best Citizen Experience Initiative.

“The calibre of organisations and individuals recognised through the CEM Africa Awards demonstrates just how much extraordinary CX work is being done across the continent. These awards give that work a platform. Whether it is a major transformation programme, an innovative use of technology or an individual changing how their organisation thinks about the customer, we want to make sure Africa’s best work is being seen and recognised.”

  • Briteny Price, Event Manager and CEM Africa Awards Director

Final opportunity to enter

Applications for the 2026 CEM Africa Awards are free and remain open until 30 September 2026. Finalists will be announced in October, ahead of the awards ceremony on 10 November at the NH Hotel, Sandton.

Organisations, teams and individuals working to improve customer and citizen experience across Africa are encouraged to submit their entries before the deadline.

Apply for the CEM Africa Awards 2026 by 30 September 2026

Submit your application (https://apo-opa.co/4hdcimx)

Explore the CEM Africa Awards

Visit the CEM Africa Awards website (https://apo-opa.co/4iNXzzM)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

 




  

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Emirates to bring the A350 to Nairobi, introducing next-generation cabin experiences

Published

3 days ago

on

September 25, 2026

By

Emirates

The introduction of the A350 also marks the first time Emirates’ highly acclaimed Premium Economy cabin will be available to customers flying to and from Kenya, complementing the airline’s enhanced Business and Economy offerings

NAIROBI, Kenya, September 25, 2026/APO Group/ —

  • From 25 October, Nairobi becomes the 32nd destination to be served by the Emirates A350
  • Latest-generation aircraft introduces Emirates’ acclaimed Premium Economy cabin to Kenya for the first time, along with enhanced Business and Economy Class cabins
  • Deployment reinforces Emirates’ continued investment in Kenya and commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience across its Africa network

 




  

Emirates (www.Emirates.com), the world’s largest international airline, will soon serve Nairobi with its newest aircraft type, the Airbus A350 (https://apo-opa.co/47hy1nv). From 25 October 2026, the A350 will operate on EK717 and EK718, bringing Emirates’ latest-generation cabin experience to customers travelling between Dubai and Nairobi. The Emirates A350 is defined by spacious, bright cabins, enhanced technology, connectivity, and the airline’s signature hospitality across all three cabins.

 

The introduction of the A350 also marks the first time Emirates’ highly acclaimed Premium Economy cabin will be available to customers flying to and from Kenya, complementing the airline’s enhanced Business and Economy offerings.

 

Christophe Leloup, Emirates Country Manager in Kenya said, “The arrival of the A350 in Nairobi marks an exciting new chapter for Emirates in Kenya. We’re delighted to bring our latest aircraft and onboard experience to our customers in market, with more comfort, choice and thoughtful touches in every cabin. Combined with our growing flight schedule, the A350 gives customers travelling on the Dubai-Nairobi route something new to discover, while building on the experience they know and love from Emirates.”

 

 

What passengers can expect from the A350

The newest aircraft type to join Emirates’ all widebody fleet, the A350 accommodates 298 passengers in three spacious cabins – Business, Premium Economy and Economy. The bright and airy cabins have been thoughtfully designed to provide more space and comfort in every cabin, whilst cutting-edge technology and enhanced entertainment options elevate every journey.

 

Making its debut in Kenya, Emirates’ Premium Economy cabin offers elevated comfort, comparable to a Business Class experience on many airlines. The cabin is spacious with leather reclining seats that feature a generous pitch, adjustable headrests and more legroom. Customers can enjoy in-seat charging points, a wood-finished side cocktail table, a 13.3-inch TV screen, a generously sized pillow and blanket, complimentary amenity kits on select flights – including the Dubai-Nairobi route – and a globally exclusive sparkling wine, Chandon Vintage Brut 2017.

We’re delighted to bring our latest aircraft and onboard experience to our customers in market, with more comfort, choice and thoughtful touches in every cabin

 

Business Class is configured in a 1-2-1 layout ensuring every passenger has direct aisle access and a spacious, private environment for both work and relaxation. The fully lie-flat seat is wrapped in soft cream leather and features a personal minibar and wireless charging for comfort and convenience. At the back of the cabin is a snack display area allowing passengers to help themselves to refreshments throughout the flight.

 

Economy Class features an all new, airy colour palette of sky blue, bronze and cream, complemented by lighter-toned wood finishings. Each seat features the airline’s upgraded ice inflight entertainment system on a 13.3inch 4K adjustable touchscreen, while generous seat pitch and leather headrests provide support, comfort and extra legroom.

 

 

Continuing to raise the bar in Kenya

The deployment of the A350 follows a series of enhancements to the Emirates customer proposition in Kenya, including the introduction of the third daily flight between Dubai and Nairobi in July. With 21 flights per week, customers have greater flexibility and connections between Kenya and key markets across Europe and the US, via Dubai.

 

Nairobi is also home to Africa’s first Emirates World (https://apo-opa.co/4yeI34C) store, which opened in 2024, offering customers a more immersive way to discover Emirates’ products, while offering more convenience and personalised service.

 

Earlier this year, Emirates introduced further flexibility for customers in Kenya through a partnership with Cellulant, launching a split-payment solution (https://apo-opa.co/4xLYG6R) that allows travellers to combine multiple payment methods across 24-hour instalments when purchasing airfares.

Tickets can be booked now on Emirates.com, the Emirates App, or via both online and offline travel agents as well as Emirates World Store (https://apo-opa.co/46Kglkc) in Nairobi. Emirates continues to offer flexible booking policies for added peace of mind while travelling. Every ticket booked after 10th August 2026 comes with free unlimited dates changes to Dubai and one complimentary date change to anywhere else in the world, in addition to significantly reduced refund fees across all cabins and fare types, allowing passengers to adjust their travel plans with minimal penalties.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Emirates Group.

 




 

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