Chairperson of the Economic Association of Namibia (EAN), Jason Kasuto said that if the oil and gas industry brings some promise, then Namibians should keep an open mind and not shy away from the energy conversation.
Kasuto made these remarks on Tuesday during the launch of the National Oil and Gas Conference, which is slated for 16 and 17 August in Windhoek.
“We need to own our problems, and we need to own the process of solving them. Let’s not shy away from the real conversations such as energy mix, transition, and shared infrastructure. Namibia has both green hydrogen and hydrocarbon ambitions that it should pursue,” Kasuto said.
Kasuto added that because the oil and gas discoveries in Namibia have become a topical issue by virtue of the potential Gross Domestic Product and household income impacts that this new industry can bear, intense dialogue is crucial.
“As Namibians, we know our problems: poverty, unemployment, and inequality. Consequently, it is important to grab with both hands the opportunities that can help us design a better future,” he added.
The National Oil and Gas Conference is EAN’s annual conference that’s hosted around topical issues that shape the economic development of Namibia, Kastuto said, adding that last year the conference’s focus was on green hydrogen.
Source: The Namibia Press Agency