Alweendo stresses importance of strategic policy for Namibia’s energy future

By: Hertha Ekandjo

Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, recently emphasised the critical need for mechanisms that ensure local businesses have access to opportunities within the petroleum value chain.

Drawing lessons from other resource-rich nations, Alweendo urged Namibia to adopt best practices that will foster the growth of a sustainable energy economy.

Alweendo emphasised the importance of strategic policy development noting that the right policies must not only maximize the economic benefits from recent oil and gas discoveries but also ensure that Namibia remains competitive in the global energy market.

The minister was speaking at a breakfast meeting in Windhoek on Wednesday.

Alweendo stressed that it is essential to design policies that will not only maximize economic benefit but also position Namibia to remain competitive on the global stage.

He stressed that the overarching goal of future policy must be to create an internationally competitive petroleum sector that benefits all Namibians and leverages the country’s natural resources for broader national development.

The minister noted it is imperative that policies are designed to maximize economic benefits and position Namibia to remain competitive on the global stage.

“We must remain laser-focused on achieving this balance,” Alweendo said, stressing that a well-structured regulatory framework, combined with a commitment to transparency and good governance, will be essential in making the sector work for all Namibians.

The minister also addressed a common question he frequently receives: “Will this be a blessing or a curse?” Alweendo pointed out that the outcome depends entirely on the actions Namibia decides to take.

“The success of the sector depends on the decisions we make today,” he said, acknowledging that while oil and gas are often associated with great wealth, careful planning is crucial to ensure that this newfound wealth benefits the country as a whole.