TotalEnergies and Galp have reaffirmed their commitment to Namibia’s offshore oil and gas sector, providing an update on the Venus and Mopane discoveries in the Orange Basin during a high-level meeting with Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
The companies outlined development timelines for the two deepwater projects and detailed the transition of operatorship under recent agreements, signaling continued confidence in Namibia as an emerging exploration and production hub.
Under the revised framework, TotalEnergies will assume operatorship of Petroleum Exploration License (PEL) 83, home to the Mopane discoveries, while Galp will hold interests in PEL 56 and PEL 91, the license areas encompassing the Venus field. The arrangement is part of a broader strategy to optimize operational oversight and accelerate development planning across the Orange Basin.
Planning is now underway to support a potential final investment decision (FID) on the Venus project later in 2026, contingent on regulatory approvals and project readiness. At Mopane, TotalEnergies and partners have scheduled an exploration and appraisal program comprising three wells aimed at further delineating resources and preparing for potential development.
“The meeting with the government allowed us to reaffirm our commitment to Namibia and outline concrete steps for progressing both Venus and Mopane,” a TotalEnergies spokesperson said. “Our approach is focused on responsible development, technical excellence, and maximizing benefits for local communities.”
Officials said discussions also addressed key aspects of local participation, including employment opportunities, skills transfer, and supply-chain engagement. The companies emphasized the importance of regulatory coordination to ensure offshore operations proceed safely and efficiently while meeting Namibia’s economic and social objectives.
Namibia’s Orange Basin has emerged as one of the most active deepwater exploration areas globally, following a series of significant discoveries since 2022. Industry observers say the region is attracting growing international attention as operators advance appraisal and development concepts, underpinned by Namibia’s stable fiscal and regulatory framework.
“Venus and Mopane represent transformative opportunities for Namibia’s energy sector,” said a senior official from the Ministry of Mines and Energy. “By engaging closely with operators, we aim to ensure that development not only strengthens our national energy portfolio but also delivers local economic benefits.”
The Venus discovery, located offshore in PEL 56 and 91, has been a focal point for international investment, while Mopane, in PEL 83, has drawn attention for its potential commercial scale. Both projects are considered pivotal in unlocking Namibia’s deepwater potential and positioning the country as a regional energy hub.
TotalEnergies and Galp also highlighted commitments to environmental stewardship and compliance with global industry standards. The companies said they will continue to incorporate cutting-edge technology and best practices to mitigate operational risks and ensure responsible resource development.
Industry analysts note that Namibia’s deepwater frontier is entering a phase of appraisal and early development planning, with multiple international operators actively assessing commercial viability. The continued engagement of major firms like TotalEnergies and Galp signals strong confidence in the basin’s long-term potential and reinforces Namibia’s growing reputation in global offshore energy markets.
“The Orange Basin is proving its strategic value in southern Africa, and the collaboration between operators and government is crucial to unlocking its full potential,” said an energy consultant following the sector. “Projects like Venus and Mopane could reshape Namibia’s production profile over the next decade, provided the right investment and regulatory frameworks are maintained.”
With FIDs and appraisal programs advancing, stakeholders expect accelerated project timelines over the coming months, alongside ongoing efforts to maximize local benefits through workforce development, capacity building, and supply-chain participation.
The meeting in Windhoek underscores Namibia’s proactive engagement with international oil and gas operators as it seeks to balance resource development with economic growth, environmental responsibility, and community impact.
