Member Corner
Windhoek, Namibia | 19 August 2026 - At the 4th Namibia Oil and Gas Conference in Windhoek, H.E. Dr Philip Mshelbila, Secretary General of the GECF, highlighted natural gas as a strategic driver of Namibia’s energy security, industrialisation and long-term economic development.
Speaking in the presence of H.E. Lucia Witbooi, Vice President of the Republic of Namibia; Hon. Modestus Amutse, Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy; and Hon. Kornelia Shilunga, Special Adviser and Head of the Upstream Petroleum Unit in the Office of the President, Dr Mshelbila emphasised the importance of converting gas resources into national value through deliberate planning for related investment, infrastructure, local content, skills development and regional cooperation.
He highlighted the need for a gas master plan as part of developing an integrated energy system. Finally, he reaffirmed the GECF’s readiness to support Namibia through knowledge, analysis, dialogue and cooperation.
On the sidelines, Dr Abubakar Abbas, GECF Senior Energy Forecast Analyst, joined the panel, “Independents and New Entrants: Unlocking value in frontier basins.” He highlighted independents’ vital role in Africa’s natural gas and energy future through entrepreneurial agility, competitive projects and development-focused solutions.