Acquisition deal fosters community involvement in offshore oil and gas sector

Community participation forms part of offshore deal

NAMIBIA: An eight per cent interest in Giraffe Energy Investments common equity will be transferred to a community trust as part of a deal that will see Canadian oil and gas company Sintana Energy acquire 67% of the issued and outstanding shares of Giraffe Energy Investments – owner of a 33% share in PEL 79 in Namibia’s Orange Basin from Namibian firm, Crown Energy.

The community trust contribution is being facilitated by the Knowledge Katti Foundation. Knowledge Katti is the founder of the foundation and Director of Sintana Energy and has committed to channelling resources into community development initiatives. This is a crucial step towards bolstering local participation in Namibia’s oil and gas industry and sets a strong example for other energy companies in Namibia.

The equity contribution will enable a direct mechanism to unlock benefits for local communities in Namibia. The contribution represents a first-of-its-kind vehicle and is expected to bolster local participation in the oil and gas industry.

The initiative will initially be available in Erongo, expanding to other regions such as Karras. Through the initiative, the foundation – and Sintana Energy – are ensuring Namibian people participate in the benefits of the industry.

“Namibia demonstrates time and time again that it is the market of choice for frontier E&P players. This represents a crucial opportunity for the domestic market to seize partnerships and help drive the industry forward. Through the equity contribution, we hope to empower local communities while ensuring they reap the highest rewards of the oil and gas industry. This initiative sets a benchmark for other energy companies active in Namibia and we look forward to a future where Namibia’s oil and gas projects are led by Namibians,” stated Katti.  

With the transaction, Sintana Energy is deepening its technical, operational and in-country capabilities while cementing its entry into a high-impact offshore prospect in Namibia. Sintana Energy has partnered with Quantum Xploration for the acquisition, with both companies set to work closely with Namibia’s national oil company NAMCOR to explore and develop PEL 79.

Sintana Energy will acquire a 49% initial purchase of the issued and outstanding shares of Giraffe for a cash consideration of $2 million. The company will have the option to increase the share to 67% over the next five years for an additional cash payment of $1 million. The equity contribution places community empowerment at the center of million-dollar transactions such as this.

“The move by the Knowledge Katti Foundation represents a significant shift in the industry’s landscape and signals a new approach to community involvement and empowerment. By actively engaging with local communities and prioritizing their contribution and role in oil and gas projects, individuals such as Knowledge Katti are shaping a new narrative for the oil and gas sector. Katti is both an entrepreneur and investor who demonstrates a holistic approach to industry development in Namibia,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.

“We are grateful for the efforts of the Giraffe owners and to the Knowledge Katti Foundation for this groundbreaking initiative.  It underscores the importance of ensuring the benefits and opportunities of this emerging industry are shared broadly shared with the local communities.” said the Honourable Neville Andre, Governor of Erongo.  

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