The 2026 Namibia International Energy Conference in Windhoek highlighted Namibia’s growing urgency to convert major offshore discoveries in the Orange Basin into production, as government and industry leaders called for faster legal and institutional reforms to match rising upstream activity.
Policymakers and energy executives stressed that regulatory readiness must keep pace with increased exploration, appraisal and development planning across deepwater assets. The reform agenda is focused on improving coordination, streamlining approvals and aligning the hydrocarbons sector with Namibia’s long-term development goals under Vision 2030.
Speaking at the conference, Ndapwilapo Selma Shimutwikeni, CEO of RichAfrica Consultancy, said Namibia’s anticipated first oil production should be viewed as the start of broader economic transformation rather than an endpoint.
She emphasised that the country’s success will depend on building supporting industries, expanding local participation and strengthening collaboration between investors and government.
“Namibia stands at the threshold of its first oil. The success of Namibia’s energy sector will not be measured only by production but by how broadly it supports wider development,” Shimutwikeni said, adding that trust and cooperation between international companies and local stakeholders will be critical.
That collaboration is already translating into increased upstream activity. Chevron confirmed plans to drill the Nabba-1X exploration well in late 2026, marking a significant step in expanding its Namibian portfolio.
Chevron Namibia Country Manager Beatrice Bienvenu said the move reflects growing confidence in the basin’s deepwater potential and Namibia’s competitiveness as an exploration destination.
At the same time, other operators are advancing projects across the Orange Basin. Rhino Resources is preparing to drill the Capricornus well in the coming months, while TotalEnergies is progressing its Venus development toward a final investment decision expected by mid-2026.These developments signal a broader shift from exploration to development, positioning Namibia as an emerging oil producer and reinforcing the Orange Basin’s status as one of the world’s most promising new deepwater frontiers. -African Energy Chamber.
