Namibia’s rapidly developing oil sector has drawn fresh attention from neighbouring Angola’s state-owned oil company Sonangol and its subsidiaries, prompting concern among industry observers in Windhoek about competitiveness and influence as the country prepares for its first major offshore petroleum developments. Multiple Angola-linked entities are reportedly seeking to position themselves to benefit from Namibia’s burgeoning oil prospects, raising questions about market dynamics and regulatory oversight in the emerging sector.
Namibia, which has been thrust into the spotlight following multiple significant offshore discoveries in the Orange Basin, is on track to make key investment decisions in coming years and begin production later this decade. Energy players including TotalEnergies, Galp Energia, Shell and others have been active in exploration and appraisal of discoveries such as Venus and Mopane, with expectations that a final investment decision (FID) on TotalEnergies’ Venus project could occur by late 2026.
As exploration accelerates, subsidiaries and associated firms of Sonangol have reportedly been exploring opportunities in Namibia’s oil market. Industry insiders say this interest is partly driven by the prospect of substantial returns from upstream and logistics activities tied to Namibia’s evolving petroleum landscape, where offshore drilling licence applications and infrastructure investment are increasing.
The concern in Windhoek reflects broader efforts to ensure that the development of Namibia’s oil resources is managed transparently and benefits local stakeholders, including through policies on local content, licensing and revenue allocation. Government initiatives such as the Namibia International Energy Conference and planned reforms to the petroleum regulatory framework underscore the country’s ambition to shape its energy future while addressing investor expectations and public scrutiny.
Observers note that as the sector transitions from exploration toward production, the balance of foreign participation and national priorities will be a focal point for policymakers and industry partners alike. The involvement of established regional players like Sonangol adds complexity to that equation, even as Namibia continues to position itself as one of Africa’s most promising emerging oil frontiers.
Namibia confirms H5N1 avian influenza outbreak in wild birds
