Windhoek: Oil and gas exploration company Rhino Resources Ltd has joined the Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) 2026 as an emerald sponsor to strengthen support for industry dialogue as Namibia moves towards first oil production. The announcement was made on Wednesday in a joint statement issued by the two entities ahead of the eighth edition of NIEC scheduled to take place in Windhoek from 14-16 April 2026.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Rhino Resources operates Petroleum Exploration Licence 85 (PEL 85) in the Orange Basin and has recorded several recent exploration successes, including multiple discoveries that have expanded the basin's potential. The company said its sponsorship comes at a critical time for Namibia's oil and gas sector as the country transitions from exploration to development.

Rhino Resources Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Travis Smithard said the company was proud to support NIEC as a platform for constructive dialogue during Namibia's next phase of growth. 'Rhino Resources approaches its operations with a strong sense of responsibility, emphasising collaboration, local capacity development and long-term value creation for Namibia and its people,' he said.

Founder and convenor of NIEC and CEO of RichAfrica Consultancy, Ndapwilapo Shimutwikeni, welcomed Rhino Resources as an emerald sponsor, saying the company's participation reflects the growing diversity of operators active in Namibia's offshore sector. '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,' Shimutwikeni said.

Now in its eighth edition, the Namibia International Energy Conference was established in 2012 and is convened by RichAfrica Consultancy with the support of the Government of the Republic of Namibia. The conference serves as a platform for energy dialogue, partnership, and investment, and has attracted participation from operators active in Namibia's energy sector.

NIEC 2026 will be held under the theme 'The Road to First Oil and Beyond: Partnership, Investment, Growth' and is expected to attract more than 1,000 local and international delegates, including government officials, global energy companies, investors, and service providers.