Eben de Klerk says petroleum policy must focus on broad-based empowerment

[PODCAST]

We turn our attention this hour to a conversation that is stirring national debate — the proposed National Upstream Petroleum Local Content Policy. On paper, it is meant to ensure that Namibians benefit from the oil and gas sector through procurement opportunities and participation. But critics warn that, much like in the fishing industry during the Fishrot scandal, the policy risks being hijacked by a small circle of politically connected elites.

The concern is that the policy emphasizes benefits for the previously disadvantaged, many of whom are already well-off and politically linked, instead of targeting the currently disadvantaged the unemployed youth, rural poor, and everyday Namibians who truly need economic upliftment. Some fear this could lead the country down a dangerous path of what they are calling “Oilrot” — another missed opportunity for broad-based empowerment.

Joining us is Eben de Klerk.