Namibian listing to boost O&G investment for the man on the street

Sintana Energy moves to list on Namibia's stock exchange

NAMIBIA: Canadian oil and gas company Sintana Energy has announced its intention to list on the Namibia Securities Exchange (NSX), a move that would accelerate direct investment opportunities in Namibia's offshore energy resources for ordinary Namibians.

The company, which trades on the Toronto Venture Exchange, London's AIM market, and the US-based OTCQX under the ticker SEI, has appointed IJG Securities as its local sponsor and adviser and has begun formal discussions with the NSX to secure admission for trading.

Sintana Energy holds interests in offshore blocks along the Namibian coast, an area that has generated international recognition. The company has been one of the participants in what is widely regarded as one of the most significant offshore oil opportunities to emerge in recent years, with major international energy companies also active in the region.

Although Sintana is listed on international exchanges, no avenue has previously existed for Namibian residents to buy shares directly in the company through a local platform.

The proposed NSX listing would give local investors, including retail investors and institutions such as pension funds, the ability to buy and sell Sintana shares on home soil. This is significant because it means that Namibians could hold a financial stake in the very energy resources being extracted from their country's waters.

Robert Bose, Sintana's Chief Executive, described the move as "an overdue step" and said the company was keen to become the first oil and gas company to offer Namibians the opportunity to invest directly in the country's offshore energy developments.

“With upcoming activity across our offshore portfolio, we are keen to become the first oil and gas company to provide Namibians the opportunity to invest directly in the opportunity and significant upcoming developments,” said Bose.

Knowledge Katti, a Director of Sintana and Chairman of Custos Energy, one of the company's key partners, framed the listing in broader social terms, saying it was about enabling young Namibians to participate in generational wealth creation and to hold a direct stake in the country's energy future.

“It has always been my vision to see Namibians - especially our youth - become true participants in the wealth that lies beneath our own soil and waters. Sintana’s listing on the Namibia Securities Exchange is the realisation of that vision. This is more than a financial opportunity; it is a chance for young Namibians to diversify their futures, to build generational wealth, and to hold a direct stake in the energy story that will define our nation for decades to come,” he said.

Alignment with national development goals

The move is being positioned as consistent with Namibia's Sixth National Development Plan, which prioritises youth empowerment and broader wealth creation, particularly for vulnerable communities. By making shares accessible locally, the company hopes to contribute to what Katti described as an "ownership economy" in which citizens have a tangible interest in the country's natural resources.

Tiaan Bazuin, Chief Executive of the Namibia Securities Exchange, welcomed the announcement and said the exchange was ready to serve as a channel through which Namibians could participate in the shareholding of the country's natural resources. He indicated that the NSX's aim was to broaden and deepen the range of investment options available to Namibian investors.

The listing remains at the intention stage and will be subject to regulatory processes and formal approval by the NSX. Once listed, Sintana has said it intends to explore ways to improve the liquidity of its shares for local investors, meaning it will work to ensure that shares can be bought and sold with reasonable ease on the local market.