COGANAM eyes oilfield growth

As Namibia’s oil and gas industry moves closer to development, the country’s energy services sector is positioning itself for a larger role in the projects and investment expected to follow.

The Contractors Oil & Gas Association of Namibia (COGANAM), established in 2022, brings together companies operating across the oil and gas services value chain, with a focus on strengthening industry collaboration, standards and participation.

The association is formally registered as a non-profit association under section 21 of the Companies Act of 2004.

Its membership is open to companies operating as Tier 1 or Tier 2 contractors, while associate membership is also available to businesses that do not fall within those categories.

Tier 1 contractors typically provide large-scale and technically complex services directly to operators, while Tier 2 contractors provide specialised services, materials and other support, often through Tier 1 contractors or directly to operators.

For an industry that could require significant investment in infrastructure, engineering, logistics, fabrication, technical services and other support activities, the development of a capable local contractor base will be an important part of Namibia’s transition from exploration to production.

COGANAM says eligible companies are expected to be appropriately registered or partnered with locally registered entities and maintain a representative presence in Namibia. The association also views its membership framework as a pathway for companies to develop the capability and compliance required to participate in the sector over time.

The association is led by President Petrus Kamitse, chief strategic officer at Inspec Technical Services. Its board includes representatives from companies such as TechnipFMC, Quarks Training Centre, RMB Namibia, Subsea7, Africa Provider Offshore Services and ENS Africa.

COGANAM's focus extends beyond membership. It has established an ethics and compliance charter covering legal compliance, fair business practices, transparency and conflicts of interest.

The association says these principles are intended to support responsible engagement and fair competition as the industry develops.

A key element of that approach is COGANAM’s memorandum of understanding with the Namibia Petroleum Operators Association (NAMPOA), which represents oil and gas operators.

The two organisations represent different sides of the emerging industry, operators and contractors, but have identified areas where cooperation could support the sector’s development.

COGANAM describes the relationship as a platform for working on matters of mutual interest, including sustainable development, governance and local participation.

With Namibia’s offshore discoveries moving towards appraisal, development planning and investment decisions, the contractor industry is likely to face increasing demand for technical capability and locally based services.

The challenge will be ensuring that Namibian companies are able to meet the technical, financial, safety and compliance requirements associated with major oil and gas projects.

For COGANAM, building that capacity early could help position the domestic services industry to capture a greater share of the economic activity expected to emerge as Namibia’s petroleum sector moves beyond exploration.