WINDHOEK, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Namibia has launched nationwide community consultations on a draft National Upstream Local Content Policy to ensure citizens benefit directly from the country's emerging oil and gas sector.

According to a statement issued by the Presidency on Tuesday, the consultations, which started Monday in the coastal town of Luderitz, are scheduled to run until Sept. 17 across all 14 regions of the country.

Speaking at the opening session, Kharas Region Governor Dawid Gertze stressed the importance of inclusivity and shared prosperity, while Carlo McLeod, deputy head of the Upstream Petroleum Unit in the Presidency, reaffirmed the government's commitment to skills development, job creation, and the empowerment of local businesses.

The draft policy aims to maximize Namibia's participation in the petroleum industry through training programs, local ownership, and supplier opportunities.

Namibia has attracted global attention after major offshore oil discoveries by energy companies, including TotalEnergies and Shell, in recent years, positioning the southern African country as one of the continent's most promising new petroleum frontiers. ■