(WO) – Namibia is accelerating petroleum sector reforms as it moves closer to first oil, with policymakers seeking to strengthen the regulatory framework and sustain investor confidence amid rising offshore activity.
Speaking at the Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) 2026 in Windhoek, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah confirmed progress on a Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Amendment Bill aimed at improving governance, streamlining decision-making and supporting long-term sector development.
The reforms come as Namibia works to convert a series of major offshore discoveries in the Orange basin into commercial production. Government officials and industry leaders emphasized that regulatory readiness must keep pace with accelerating exploration, appraisal and development programs across the country’s deepwater acreage.
The amendment bill is intended to enhance regulatory efficiency and provide greater clarity for investors, as Namibia positions itself among the world’s most active frontier exploration markets. The country is increasingly competing with other emerging hydrocarbon provinces for capital, making policy certainty a key factor in sustaining investment momentum.
Industry stakeholders at the conference underscored that Namibia’s challenge has shifted from discovery to execution. While recent exploration success has elevated the country’s global profile, the focus is now on advancing projects toward development and ensuring the necessary legal, institutional and commercial frameworks are in place.
Upstream activity continues to build across the Orange basin. Chevron is preparing to drill the Nabba-1X exploration well in late 2026, while Rhino Resources is advancing plans for the Capricornus well. TotalEnergies is also progressing its Venus development toward a potential final investment decision in 2026, marking a key step toward large-scale production.
These developments highlight Namibia’s rapid transition from an exploration frontier to an emerging production hub, with the Orange basin widely viewed as one of the most promising new deepwater provinces globally.
Officials and industry leaders stressed that collaboration between government and investors will be essential to unlocking long-term value from the country’s hydrocarbon resources. Beyond first oil, the focus will be on building local capacity, expanding participation and ensuring that upstream development supports broader economic growth.
Source: African Energy Chamber
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