On the back of the global commodities super cycle, end to COVID restrictions, and renewed focus from the Namibian government on the mining and energy sectors, International SOS is gearing up for a period of resurgent growth in the region
“We have identified Namibia as a key growth market within sub-Saharan Africa in the medium term, primarily due to an overall improvement in the outlook for the mining sector thanks to stronger commodity prices, rapid advancements in technology-driven innovation, and a more supportive local regulatory environment,” said Robert Makunike, country operations manager for Namibia, at International SOS. “These coupled with a growing sustainability agenda in the sector open up substantial opportunities for us given that we have been supporting oil and gas clients in meeting their stringent requirements in Namibia over the years. From a sustainability point of view, we help organisations meet their health and safety requirements; we support them in their Duty of Care agenda, and in implementing public health programmes that positively impact the communities around the project site,” he said.
Makunike identifies a resurgence in exploration within the booming energy sector, fuelled by constrained global supply for gas and oil and rising demand for greener energy sources such as hydrogen and uranium, as major catalysts for business expansion in the country.
In light of these robust and challenging circumstances, a clear case for a holistic approach to Duty of Care has emerged and International SOS is uniquely equipped to assist in this regard.
“Businesses can look at International SOS to provide an expert-led gap analysis of their current crisis management structures and processes to help anticipate, adapt and respond to major disruptions. This will ensure that their employees and assets are safeguarded while supporting operational continuity,” Makunike said.
Furthermore, as more mines move out of care and maintenance phases, and the discovery of oil and gas deposits by Shell and Total prompts additional exploration projects in the region, these companies will increasingly require medical support and assistance services. “Workers in the mining and oil and gas sectors are undoubtedly operating in high-risk environments, which makes it crucial for their employers to provide them with the best standards of medical support to ensure their health and safety on site. It’s why partnering with a health and safety provider who meets international industry requirements is a must.”
