Changing Futures
Namibia’s Path to Becoming a Center for Energy
Kofi Appenteng, Ndapwilapo Selma Shimutwikeni (Founder & CEO, RichAfrica), Dr. Phil Clay & Diana Espitia (Chevron)
Kofi Appenteng, AAI President and CEO, Felicia Appenteng, AAI Program Architect, attended this year’s Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) on behalf of the Africa-America Institute. This year’s theme, “Leading The Way: Becoming An Energy Hub with In-Country Value,” brought together government decision-makers, industry leaders, investors, and the business community to drive industry growth as well as to focus on the key milestones and strategic moves toward establishing Namibia as a leading energy hub.
The opening remarks by Ndapwilapo Selma Shimutwikeni, Founder and CEO of RichAfrica Consultancy and convenor of NIEC, and the Presidential Keynote Address, delivered by Hon. Dr. Elijah Ngurare, Prime Minister of the Republic of Namibia, on behalf of H.E. Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia, welcomed partnerships to catalyze the development of Namibia as an international energy hub.
“For the 7th edition of NIEC, we’re moving from reimagining resource-rich Namibia to leading the way with impactful action. Our vision is no longer just potential—it’s becoming reality. Through strategic collaboration, Namibia is on a path to becoming a leading energy hub in Africa, driving prosperity for all through well-planned energy initiatives, in-country value creation, and partnerships across the entire value chain. This conference is more than just a thought-leadership platform; it’s a catalyst for action. With expert insights and high- quality debates, we turn conversations into concrete outcomes—driving investments, advancing exploration, and strengthening connections within an enabling environment shaped by forward-looking strategies.”
“We welcome investment — not just capital, but partnerships that align with our values and vision. We seek partners who invest in skills, infrastructure and knowledge transfer — and who remain committed to Namibia’s long-term development goals. The partnerships we form today must deliver a lasting legacy of opportunity for generations to come.”
The three-day conference was rich with discussions on creating in-country value, building Namibia as an environmentally sustainable energy hub, driving growth through technology and innovation, bridging the infrastructure gap for Namibia’s energy sector, empowering local supply chains, and more.
AAI President, Kofi Appenteng, spoke at the “Advancing Education and Training in Namibia through Partnerships” session, along with Diana Espitia, Senior Advisor Corporate Affairs Middle East, Africa & Eastern Mediterranean, Chevron International E&P, Dr Phil Clay, Fmr Chancellor, MIT, and Ndapwilapo Selma Shimutwikeni, Chief Executive Officer, RichAfrica Consultancy.
Watch the first day of conference below, and learn more about NIEC and watch the other day’s livestreams go to: nieconference.com