Johannesburg – Namibia's offshore oil and gas industry has experienced significant growth in 2025 due to new licensing opportunities and increased drilling activities.
Petroleum Commissioner Maggie Sino announced the development during a webinar hosted by the African Energy Office (https://energychamber.org), Wood Mackenzie and Namibian Ministry of Mines and Energy.
The move is set to attract fresh investments as the country cements its position as one of the world's most promising oil frontiers.
“We operate under an open licensing system and we will receive applications soon,” Shino said the available area will span deep seas, ultra-deep water and shallow water environments.
Meanwhile, development is accelerating to two of Namibia's most important discoveries.
The TotalEnergies Venus project in Block 2913b is on track for the Final Investment Decision (FID) in 2026. The new data confirms better density and permeability compared to surrounding blocks.
With the discovery of GALP's Mopan, Shino revealed this week that high density seismic data 3 500km2 had been collected to improve the volume estimate and advance the project towards FID.
In Shell's PEL 39 discovery, which the company recently wrote down $400 million, the commissioner said it was analysing data from nine wells that Shell and its partners have so far drilled, “We are analyzing it to confirm that we have designed our path to development and decide on our next step.”
Namibia's offshore basin, despite its enormous size, remains extremely unstoppable.
Ian Tom, Wood Mackenzie's Director of Research in Sub-Saharan Africa, said:
“With only over 20 wells of exploration and assessments being drilled, this area is still very short.”
“The resources are definitely there,” said Verner Ayukegba, senior vice president of the African Energy Office.
“The big questions now revolve around subsurface conditions, gas content and the best ways to commercialize these findings.”
Drilling activities in Namibia are expected to ramp up in 2025, with seven wells expected this year alone.
BW Energy plans to drill with Kharas prospects within the Kudu license, but Rhino Resources is awaiting the results of two shocking wells on PEL 85.
In the Orange Basin, South Africa, total tumors are expected to be drilled in block 3B/4B, and Shell may be drilled in ultra-deep sea blocks near the maritime boundary with Namibia.
Under the Kudu license, Shino said BW Energy has “identified new targets with potential upwards not only for gas but also for oil in the main area.”
As Namibia moves towards its first oil production, the government is working to ensure that oil discoveries will lead to the country's long-term economic benefits.
“We provide a sustainable operating environment and ensure that all discoveries are in the competition for the first time oil, while still having a lasting impact on the local economy,” Shino said.
The vast basin available for Namibia's stable economy, industrial integrity, respect for the sanctity of the contract, and commitment to providing exploration and sustainable energy resources, positions it as an attractive destination for investment.
Namibia's exploration boom and available licensing opportunities will take you to center stage at African Energy Week (AEW). Invest in AfricanEnergies 2025. There, government leaders, industry executives and investors will discuss the latest developments firsthand.
As new blocks are opened for investment, AEW offers unparalleled access to key decision makers shaping the future of Namibia's energy.
