The Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) 2026 is pleased to announce Rhino Resources as an Emerald Sponsor, reflecting the company’s commitment to supporting industry dialogue, local content and sustainable growth as Namibia transitions from exploration success toward first oil.
The 8th edition of NIEC 2026, taking place from 14–16 April 2026 in Windhoek, will bring together government leaders, global energy companies, investors and service providers to advance dialogue, partnerships and investment across Namibia’s evolving energy landscape.
Rhino Resources sponsorship comes at a pivotal moment for Namibia’s oil and gas sector, reflecting their desire to support critical industry dialogue as the country advances toward first oil. The privately-owned company operates Petroleum Exploration Licence 85 (PEL 85) in the Orange Basin and has recorded a series of recent exploration successes, including multiple discoveries that have further expanded the basin’s potential. These insights form part of the broader momentum positioning Namibia as one of the world’s most closely watched emerging offshore provinces.
Beyond exploration activity, Rhino Resources has demonstrated a commitment to the upliftment of Namibians through in-country value creation, supporting initiatives aimed at skills development and long-term capacity building within Namibia’s energy sector. Their NIEC sponsorship is testament to the company’s drive to help create an environment where Namibians are at the forefront of the future of this nascent oil and gas industry.
Travis Smithard, CEO of Rhino Resource, said:
“Namibia’s energy journey has reached an important inflection point, and Rhino Resources is proud to support the Namibia International Energy Conference as a platform for open and constructive dialogue during this next period of growth.
We approach our work in Namibia, as we do across all our projects, with a strong sense of responsibility — grounded in integrity, partnership, and data-driven decision-making . As stewards of potentially globally significant resources, we believe long-term value is created through collaboration, local capacity development, and a shared commitment to doing our best for Namibia and its people.
We believe that generational legacy is built when done in collaboration with others. We look forward to our continued engagement with the Namibian government, industry, and community stakeholders at NIEC 2026 as Namibia advances on the road to first oil and beyond.”
Ndapwilapo Selma Shimutwikeni, Founder and Convenor of NIEC and CEO of RichAfrica Consultancy, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Rhino Resources as an Emerald Sponsor of NIEC 2026. Their participation reflects the growing diversity of operators contributing to Namibia’s offshore momentum, and highlights the importance of strategic dialogue as the country moves from the road to discovery toward the road to first oil. Rhino’s engagement supports the collaborative spirit that NIEC was established to foster and will be essential to unlocking sustainable value for Namibia.”
Now in its 8th edition, the Namibia International Energy Conference is a Namibian initiative that has provided over a decade of industry leadership since its founding in 2012. Convened by RichAfrica Consultancy, NIEC is held with the continued support of the Government of the Republic of Namibia, highlighting the country’s strategic focus on fostering a sustainable and investment-ready energy sector. The conference continues to attract strong support from operators active in Namibia, reflecting its position as the country’s premier platform for energy dialogue, partnership, and investment.
NIEC 2026 will convene under the theme “The Road to First Oil & Beyond: Partnership, Investment, Growth,” reflecting Namibia’s transition from exploration to development. The conference is expected to welcome more than 1,000 local and international delegates, including government officials, global energy companies, investors, development finance institutions, and service providers.
Delegate registration and sponsorship information are available at www.nieconference.com.
NIEC 2026 at a Glance
Dates: 14–16 April 2026
Location: Windhoek, Namibia
Established: 2012
Edition: 8th Namibia International Energy Conference
Expected Delegates: 1,000+
Focus Areas: Oil & gas development, power generation, renewables, local content, investment, infrastructure, financing the energy sector, and sustainable energy growth
NIEC Impact in Numbers – Over a Decade of Industry Leadership
Over 12 years of industry leadership
7 successful editions delivered
2,537 delegates hosted
410 expert speakers featured
46 countries represented
1,500 companies participated
Over 90% homegrown vendor participation
Future Energy Leaders Programme empowering the next generation of Namibian energy professionals and innovators
If you would like to be updated on the latest Namibia Oil and Gas news, visit www.namibiaoilandgas.com
Author: admin
Managing the Namibia Oil and Gas Platform