The policy is not yet binding, but its direction on procurement, employment and skills is now clear.
Namibia’s Cabinet has approved the National Upstream Petroleum Local Content Policy, which was publicly confirmed on 19 August at the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference. It has not yet been gazetted.
What the policy covers
The policy sets expectations on procurement, employment and skills development. Its timing matters: it arrives ahead of major contract awards on Orange Basin discoveries.
Status
The policy is Cabinet-approved but not gazetted, so no binding obligations exist today. Given the pace of Namibia’s offshore development, that could change quickly, and gazettal is the point at which obligations begin.
What this means for clients
While the policy remains unbinding, operators can use the time to prepare:
- Review current procurement and employment practices against the policy’s stated direction.
- Track the gazettal date closely.
- Assess supply-chain and workforce readiness ahead of upcoming Orange Basin contract awards.
Companies that wait for gazettal before reviewing their position risk compressing preparation into a tight window. Lechêne, Iñiguez & Partners is tracking the gazettal closely and can help you assess readiness.
