WINDHOEK—Namibia’s newly minted Upstream Petroleum Unit (UPU), a strategic body operating under the direct purview of the Presidency, has confirmed its high-profile participation in the upcoming 8th Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC). Scheduled for April 14–16, 2026, the unit’s involvement signals a definitive shift toward centralised, presidential oversight as the nation prepares for its landmark “first oil” production target in 2029. The UPU’s presence at the summit is expected to provide the international investment community with much-needed clarity on the regulatory frameworks being designed to govern the country’s burgeoning hydrocarbon wealth.
Led by Kornelia Shilunga, a former Deputy Minister of Mines and Energy, and Carlo McLeod, a veteran with deep technical experience at Chevron, the UPU was established to harmonize petroleum policy with national development goals. By shifting these powers to the Presidency, the government aims to cut through bureaucratic bottlenecks and provide a single, high-level point of contact for global energy majors. The unit is currently tasked with reviewing outdated legislation and enforcing local content policies to ensure that the anticipated windfall from the Orange Basin discoveries—estimated by some analysts to rival Guyana’s massive reserves—translates into tangible domestic industrialization.
“Namibia is at a pivotal moment in its energy journey,” says Selma Shimutwikeni, founder and CEO of RichAfrica Consultancy, the organizers of the NIEC. “The active participation of the Upstream Petroleum Unit underscores the country’s commitment to creating a transparent, investment-ready upstream sector. This engagement will not only attract global investors but also ensure that Namibia’s first oil ambitions are achieved responsibly, sustainably, and with maximum in-country value.”
The confirmation of the UPU’s attendance comes at a moment of intense industrial momentum in Windhoek. TotalEnergies is currently moving toward a final investment decision for its massive Venus project, while newcomers and established players like Rhino Resources and Galp Energia continue to report successful appraisal results. The conference will serve as a critical vetting ground where the UPU can discuss the balance between aggressive exploration timelines and the government’s broader energy transition goals, which include ambitious targets for green hydrogen and renewable integration.
For the more than 2,500 delegates expected to attend from 45 countries, the unit’s policy presentations will be the centerpiece of the event. Investors are particularly keen to hear the UPU’s stance on fiscal stability and the evolution of the Model Petroleum Agreement. As the sector’s projected contribution to Namibia’s GDP is expected to reach 18% at peak production, the UPU’s role in managing these economic rents will be a litmus test for the country’s governance reputation on the global stage.
