Rhino Resources Joins NIEC 2026 as Emerald Sponsor

As Namibia advances from landmark offshore discoveries toward the long-anticipated milestone of first oil, industry collaboration and strategic dialogue have become more critical than ever. Against this backdrop, Rhino Resources has confirmed its support for the Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) 2026 as an Emerald Sponsor, reinforcing its commitment to local content, sustainable growth, and constructive engagement within Namibia’s rapidly evolving energy sector.

The 8th edition of the Namibia International Energy Conference will take place from 14 to 16 April 2026 in Windhoek, bringing together government leaders, international energy companies, investors, financiers, and service providers to shape the next phase of Namibia’s energy journey. The conference has become a key platform for aligning policy, investment, and partnerships as the country transitions from exploration success toward development and production.

Rhino Resources’ sponsorship comes at a pivotal moment for Namibia’s oil and gas sector. The privately owned independent explorer operates Petroleum Exploration Licence 85 (PEL 85) in the Orange Basin and has recently recorded a series of exploration successes, including multiple discoveries that continue to expand the basin’s prospectivity. These developments form part of the broader momentum positioning Namibia as one of the most closely watched emerging offshore provinces globally.

Beyond its technical achievements, Rhino Resources has placed emphasis on in-country value creation, skills development, and long-term capacity building. The company’s engagement with NIEC reflects a broader intent to ensure that Namibians are positioned at the forefront of the country’s nascent oil and gas industry as it moves into a new phase of growth.

Speaking on the sponsorship, Rhino Resources Chief Executive Officer Travis Smithard described Namibia’s current moment as a critical turning point.

“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,” Smithard said.

“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.”

He added that meaningful legacy is built through cooperation across stakeholders, noting Rhino’s continued engagement with government, industry, and communities as Namibia progresses toward first oil and beyond.

NIEC Founder and Convenor Ndapwilapo Selma Shimutwikeni, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of RichAfrica Consultancy, welcomed Rhino Resources’ participation as a reflection of the sector’s growing diversity and maturity.

“We are delighted to welcome Rhino Resources as an Emerald Sponsor of NIEC 2026,” Shimutwikeni said.

“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 eighth edition, the Namibia International Energy Conference is a proudly Namibian initiative that has provided more than a decade of industry leadership since its founding in 2012. Convened by RichAfrica Consultancy and supported by the Government of the Republic of Namibia, the conference has established itself as the country’s premier platform for energy dialogue, partnership, and investment.

Under the 2026 theme, “The Road to First Oil & Beyond: Partnership, Investment, Growth,” the conference will focus on Namibia’s transition from exploration to development. More than 1,000 local and international delegates are expected to attend, including senior government officials, global energy companies, development finance institutions, investors, and service providers active across oil and gas, power generation, renewables, infrastructure, and financing.

Over the past decade, NIEC has hosted more than 2,500 delegates, featured over 400 expert speakers, attracted participation from 46 countries, and supported more than 1,500 companies, with over 90 percent of vendors sourced locally. Through initiatives such as the Future Energy Leaders Programme, the conference has also played a role in empowering the next generation of Namibian energy professionals.

Delegate registration and sponsorship information for NIEC 2026 is available at [www.nieconference.com](http://www.nieconference.com), as momentum continues to build toward what is expected to be a defining chapter in Namibia’s energy story.

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