Oshana governor applauds local content policy consultations
Oshana regional governor Hofni Iipinge has commended the Office of the President, through the upstream petroleum unit, for holding nationwide stakeholder consultations on Namibia’s local content policy (LCP).
Speaking at the Oshakati consultation meeting on Friday, Iipinge said the process reflects government’s commitment to ensuring the petroleum sector drives both economic growth and equitable participation.
He described the policy as a key tool to guarantee employment creation, capacity development, enterprise promotion and long-term socio-economic empowerment.
“The local content policy stands as a critical instrument to ensure that these opportunities yield direct and lasting benefits for our people,” Iipinge said.
The governor urged participants to engage constructively, noting their contributions would help shape a policy that balances investor confidence with national interests.
Iipinge said the consultations come at a crucial time as Namibia’s petroleum industry expands, with oil production expected by 2029.
“We are honoured to host this gathering here in Oshakati, the heart of the Oshana region, where the aspirations of our communities meet the broader national vision for inclusive and sustainable growth,” he said.
The LCP, approved by Cabinet last year, is currently being presented to communities countrywide. The regional consultation meetings, which began on 1 September, are set to conclude on Wednesday.
Benefit for all
Iipinge said concerns that the LCP is only for previously disadvantaged Namibians are unfounded, as it is intended to accommodate everyone.
“Natural resource benefit for youth empowerment and economic development is inclusive. It\'s for everybody. It will not distinguish," he said.
He told Namibian Sun on Monday that he has called on "all heads of institutions, the public and every Namibian who is willing to visit my office to offer their support."
Iipinge added that he was busy distributing Petrofund scholarship forms to councillors’ offices so that young people can collect them and apply for study opportunities.
Speaking at the Oshakati consultation meeting on Friday, Iipinge said the process reflects government’s commitment to ensuring the petroleum sector drives both economic growth and equitable participation.
He described the policy as a key tool to guarantee employment creation, capacity development, enterprise promotion and long-term socio-economic empowerment.
“The local content policy stands as a critical instrument to ensure that these opportunities yield direct and lasting benefits for our people,” Iipinge said.
The governor urged participants to engage constructively, noting their contributions would help shape a policy that balances investor confidence with national interests.
Iipinge said the consultations come at a crucial time as Namibia’s petroleum industry expands, with oil production expected by 2029.
“We are honoured to host this gathering here in Oshakati, the heart of the Oshana region, where the aspirations of our communities meet the broader national vision for inclusive and sustainable growth,” he said.
The LCP, approved by Cabinet last year, is currently being presented to communities countrywide. The regional consultation meetings, which began on 1 September, are set to conclude on Wednesday.
Benefit for all
Iipinge said concerns that the LCP is only for previously disadvantaged Namibians are unfounded, as it is intended to accommodate everyone.
“Natural resource benefit for youth empowerment and economic development is inclusive. It\'s for everybody. It will not distinguish," he said.
He told Namibian Sun on Monday that he has called on "all heads of institutions, the public and every Namibian who is willing to visit my office to offer their support."
Iipinge added that he was busy distributing Petrofund scholarship forms to councillors’ offices so that young people can collect them and apply for study opportunities.
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