Call to Africa to build a responsible O&G sector

Namibia embraces position as Africa’s energy hub

NAMIBIA: Namibia’s Minister of Mines and Energy has called on African nations to safeguard their socio-economic advantages from ongoing oil and gas operations, highlighting the challenge to build an energy sector that was not only economically robust but environmentally responsible. 

Speaking during the opening session of the Invest in Namibia Energy this week, Tom Alweendo Minister of Mines and Energy said that Namibia’s policies were geared to encourage investment and that the county maintained a stable economy as well as efficient legal framework.

Namibia is currently seen as a global oil and gas hotspot and is ready to become the energy hub for sub-Saharan Africa by working closely with energy companies to fast track delivery, and called on all stakeholders to embrace

With over 11 billion barrels of reserves discovered in the country’s Orange Basin since 2022 the race is on for the first oil production in Namibia with appraisal drilling by TotalEnergies, Shell and Galp Energia. The  National Petroleum Corporation of Namiba (Namcor) is also planning to drill three oil and gas wells by the first quarter of 2025.

Maggie Shino Petroleum Commissioner, Nambia Ministry of Mines and Energy put the tentative date for the production of first oil as 2029, adding “but this could be sooner.” The volume of gas discovered has also increased.

According to Victoria Sibeya, Executive: Exploration Upstream, the wells are aimed at understanding the continuity of hydrocarbon flow from recent discoveries, as well as finding new ones.

Selma Shimutwikeni CEO RichAfrica Consultancy an industry advisor, said that local content across the value chain is at the heart of Namibia’s energy strategy. “Local content is going to be key to unlocking the potential of the industry ensuring that it is a catalyst for shared growth and prosperity for Namibia’s three million people. We are well positioned in SADC to cater not only for our own needs but for the region as well. We can be the next energy hub in Southern Africa. To do this we need strategic partnerships between local and international companies and to ensure that the Namibians participate.”

Namibia also launched its IEA energy report on the country’s renewable energy mix. According to the new report, Namibia offers exceptional solar and wind energy potential, with significant year-round sunlight and substantial wind speeds in key areas. This, combined with low seasonal variability and population density, positions Namibia as an ideal location for large-scale renewable energy projects.

PHOTO: Tom Alweendo, Namibian Minister of Mines and Energy

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