By: Hee-Dee Walenga
Professor Jenik Radon of Columbia University, who teaches at the School of Public and International Affairs of the Ivy League school, has urged Namibia to take a long-term approach to managing its natural resources as the country prepares for oil and gas production.
Speaking at the 2026 Bank of Namibia Symposium, Radon said Namibia’s natural resources give it a strong position in negotiations with investors while stressing the need for sound management of revenues and development.
“You’re the new kid on the block. Do you have all of the information? No. Do you have all of the talent? No. Therefore, cooperate with others. Use that, but you’re the boss,” Radon said.
Radon emphasised that Namibia needs to ensure that all of its laws and administrative procedures are thoroughly reviewed before the oil industry is fully underway.
He referenced the need for EIA’s to be done by independent bodies, citing how the EIA for the Gulf of Mexico stated there are now risks. In 2010, the Gulf experienced the largest marine oil spill in petroleum history, releasing almost 5 million barrels of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico.
He also cautioned Namibia to protect itself from oil companies that have sued States and won on technicalities. “Go steady, go slow, you have a destination: prosperity for your country. Get it right,” Radon warned.
Namibia’s upstream laws and regulations have not been set yet.
Oil & gas discovery creates prosperity, but the outcome is open, not assured. Radon explained that oil & gas comes with national risks, and savvy lawyers are ready to exploit them.
Radon pointed to Estonia, Singapore, and Norway as examples Namibia could study, particularly in education, infrastructure, institutional development, and resource management.
Radon authored an article titled “Namibia as the Singapore of Southern Africa” in 2010, when discussions about Namibia’s oil were minimal.
He said oil and gas should be viewed as a means to achieve a broader national development strategy rather than as the end goal.
“Oil and gas is only part of that strategy. It is not the end of the strategy. It is a means, he reiterated before stating that human capital and the development of the Namibian people should be at the heart of Namibia’s oil strategy.
According to Radon, Namibia must adopt a holistic approach that includes a defined vision and plan. Radon argued that “all the money from oil and gas should go into the fund on day 1. No penny should go into the [national] budget until it’s agreed what should go in the budget.”
He pointed to environmental management, operational management, and enforcement as key pillars. Regarding enforcement, he referenced how BP had 870 recorded violations in two states, yet was still allowed to operate the rig that caused the infamous spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
Radon has advised governments all over the world on their mineral strategies.
