PETROFUND Workshop to Strengthen Local Oil and Gas Suppliers

PETROFUND Workshop to Strengthen Local Oil and Gas Suppliers. The Petroleum Training and Education Fund (PETROFUND), in collaboration with the FirstRand Group Namibia and the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board, will host a two-day Upstream Oil and Gas Suppliers Workshop in Windhoek from 21–22 April 2026, with a second session planned for Walvis Bay later this year.

The initiative is designed to strengthen the capacity of Namibian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by enhancing their technical, operational, and compliance capabilities in the upstream oil and gas sector. Organizers emphasized that the workshop will also improve participants’ understanding of procurement processes, industry standards, and tender requirements, particularly as Namibia moves closer to its first oil production.

The workshop will feature presentations and discussions led by petroleum operators, global service companies, and financial institutions, offering insights into opportunities within the sector and access to funding. By engaging directly with industry leaders, SMEs will gain practical knowledge on how to align with international standards and position themselves competitively in the supply chain.

PETROFUND noted that the programme reflects Namibia’s broader commitment to ensuring that local businesses benefit from the emerging oil and gas industry. Strengthening SMEs is seen as a critical step in building a sustainable ecosystem that supports economic growth and job creation.

The upcoming sessions in Windhoek and Walvis Bay are expected to attract wide participation from stakeholders eager to understand the requirements of the sector and explore new opportunities. By focusing on dialogue, capacity building, and collaboration, the workshop aims to empower local suppliers to play a meaningful role in Namibia’s energy future.