Windhoek: The Economic Association of Namibia (EAN) launched the fourth edition of the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition on Monday. The event is scheduled to take place in Windhoek from 18 to 20 August 2026 and will have a strong focus on local participation, skills development, and ensuring the country's oil wealth benefits Namibians.According to Namibia Press Agency, the event is hosted by EAN in partnership with the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) and the Hanns Seidel Foundation. The conference will operate under the theme: 'From Decision to Dividend: Making Namibia's Oil Work for Namibians'. EAN chairperson Jason Kasuto stated that the event is expected to attract about 2,000 delegates from various sectors including government, industry, investors, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), academia, and civil society.Kasuto highlighted that the conference aims to provide a platform for strategic discussions, emphasizing the necessity for partnerships between local and international stakeholders, established operators and emerging enterprises, as well as policymakers and communities. He stressed the importance of building local skills and creating opportunities for Namibians, particularly the youth in coastal towns where oil and gas activities are anticipated to increase. "We will not import a workforce, we will build one here at home," Kasuto asserted.The conference programme is set to include pre-conference masterclasses, local content discussions, pitching sessions for Namibian businesses, supplier workshops, and youth-focused initiatives aimed at skills development and mentorship. Discussions during the main conference will focus on project development, investment opportunities, SME participation, infrastructure development, and creating a sustainable energy mix.National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor) communications and public relations specialist Utaara Hoveka noted that last year's conference attracted nearly 2,000 delegates and featured 73 exhibition s tands. Previous discussions have centered on procurement opportunities for local companies, supplier development, workforce training, and knowledge sharing across the petroleum industry.EAN chief executive officer Cons Karamata emphasized that the success of Namibia's oil and gas sector should be measured by its impact on people's lives, particularly in terms of job creation, business growth, and stronger institutions.