The African Energy Chamber (AEC) will present president Hage Geingob with the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his dedication to fostering a thriving energy industry in Namibia and contributing to the socio-economic development of Africa.
According to a statement from AEC, a South Africa-based energy company, Geingob will be presented the award at African Energy Week 2023 in Cape Town in October.
“President Geingob’s journey has been marked by unwavering commitment and exceptional leadership. With a background in international relations and a wealth of experience in various pivotal roles, he has played a pivotal part in Namibia’s evolution since its independence in 1990.
“From being the founding director of the UN Institute for Namibia to serving as prime minister and eventually as president, his contributions to the nation have been exemplary,” said AEC in the statement.
It added that Namibia’s meteoric rise as a significant player in the global energy sector is a testament to Geingob’s visionary leadership. In just a short span, the country transitioned from having minimal oil and gas activity to becoming a major exploration hub.
“The recent discoveries, including the Venus-1X well by TotalEnergies EP Namibia and the Graff-1, Jonker-1X, La Rona-1, and Lesedi-1X wells in PEL 39, jointly made by Shell Namibia Upstream BV, have opened up vast opportunities for economic growth and energy security.
“However, it is essential to recognise that the road to success in the energy sector is fraught with challenges. President Geingob has been proactive in addressing these obstacles, learning from the experiences of other African oil and gas-producing nations, and creating a business-friendly environment that attracts international investors,” said the statement.
AEC said Geingob’s dedication to natural gas development is also commendable.
“He understands the transformative potential of gas-to-power projects in eradicating energy poverty and promoting infrastructure growth. Furthermore, Namibia’s focus on renewable energy and green hydrogen is ground-breaking. Collaborating with German partners, Namibia is positioning itself as a green energy hub, with a US$10-billion green hydrogen project on the horizon.
“President Geingob’s leadership has propelled Namibia’s energy sector to new heights, attracting major investments, driving innovation, and setting a shining example for the entire continent. His dedication to improving the lives of Namibians and advancing Africa’s energy sector truly deserves the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award,” said the statement.
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