Angola reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Namibia in the development of its oil and gas industry during the Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) in Windhoek.

Osvaldo Inácio, Executive Director of Angola’s national oil company Sonangol and Chairman of Sonangol Integrated Logistics Group (SONILS), highlighted that the countries can leverage their history of cooperation to develop a strong and resilient oil and gas industry in Namibia, underscoring collaborative opportunities in logistics and skills development.

As one of the largest oil producers in Africa, Angola has gained significant experience in the development of the oil and gas value chain. The country produces approximately 1.1 million barrels per day of oil while exporting LNG to global markets. According to Inácio, “Angola has been in the business of oil and gas for over 60 years. We have made some mistakes along the way and some things right. Namibia can leverage this experience to foster its own oil and gas [industry].”

The country’s NOC has been at the helm of oil and gas industry. Inácio said, “In terms of development, Sonangol has done a lot in that space, not only in infrastructure but training. We did a lot to ensure we are building the skills needed for the industry. Today, Sonangol cuts across the entire value chain in oil production.”

Set to start production from its inaugural Orange Basin oil projects in 2030, Namibia can leverage Angola’s expertise to strengthen its own industry. Inácio stated that, “Namibia needs to balance having the right infrastructure is in place while at the same time moving fast. How do we support: collaboration.”

Meanwhile, Angola is looking at collaborating with Namibia in the logistics industry. SONILS currently operates an onshore supply base in Angola, providing specialized logistics and cargo handling services for the oil and gas industry.

“There is no exploration and production without the logistics support. Here, we will play a big role in supporting Namibia. We have developed a logistics hub in Angola which is top of the range, globally. We have been operating that base for almost 30 years and have leveraged the experience of different countries. It is run by Angolans, for Angolans and for the support of Angolan operations. This base is a model which can be utilized in Namibia,” Inácio added.

A tripartite agreement has already been signed between Sonangol, Namibia’s NOC NAMCOR and the Namibian Ports Authority for the establishment of a logistics base in Namibie. The base will support upcoming oil and gas operations.

Energy Capital & Power is a media partner of the Namibia International Energy Conference – taking place in Windhoek on April 23-25, 2024. The 6th annual conference unites industry leaders, business executives and policymakers to engage in dialogue, exchange ideas, create new partnerships and identify strategies to foster a prosperous energy industry in Namibia and beyond. For more information, please visit https://www.nieconference.com/.