Namibia Minute.
24 April 2026
A daily Namibian brief · Est. 2026
Windhoek—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
Organization

Chevron

Also known as: Chevron Namibia Exploration II Limited · Chevron Corporation

Energy supermajor operating in Namibia's Orange Basin, with exploration activities and offshore discoveries advancing toward first oil production by 2030.

Mining & Energy

US Ambassador leads diplomatic push for Namibia's energy and critical minerals

The News

United States Ambassador John Giordano completed a 10-day mission across Namibia, Washington and Cape Town to mobilise American capital and technology into Namibia's oil, gas and mining industries, framing critical minerals as essential to US energy security in the "AI era". The diplomatic push aims to position US firms to compete in Namibia's offshore energy, uranium and critical minerals sectors while deepening strategic energy partnerships.

19 February 2026 · New Era →

Thursday 19 February

  1. US Ambassador leads diplomatic push for Namibia's energy and critical minerals

    United States Ambassador John Giordano completed a 10-day mission across Namibia, Washington and Cape Town to mobilise American capital and technology into Namibia's oil, gas and mining industries, framing critical minerals as essential to US energy security in the "AI era". The diplomatic push aims to position US firms to compete in Namibia's offshore energy, uranium and critical minerals sectors while deepening strategic energy partnerships.

    19 February 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 17 February

  1. Namibia seeks value-added trade with US, rejects raw mineral exports

    With heightened US interest in Namibia's uranium, lithium, and oil resources, Namibian trade officials say they will promote mineral beneficiation, downstream processing, and manufacturing partnerships rather than exporting raw materials alone. The government aims to position Namibia as a stable investment partner and regional logistics hub, with US ambassador visiting the Erongo region to assess energy opportunities including the Orange Basin and Port of Walvis Bay.

    17 February 2026 · New Era →

Friday 13 February

  1. Libya awards first foreign oil licences since Gaddafi's fall

    Libya granted oil exploration and production licences to foreign energy companies including Chevron and BP on Wednesday, marking the first such awards since Muammar Gaddafi's 2011 overthrow, though only five of 20 blocks offered received bids. Analysts attributed the limited response to concerns over Libya's political division and security risks.

    13 February 2026 · New Era →

Thursday 12 February

  1. Orange Basin oil industry plagued by legal gaps and power struggles

    Namibia's emerging oil and gas sector faces a 30-year legal vacuum in gas-related legislation and internal corruption scandals at Namcor, even as offshore exploration has confirmed 21 billion barrels of crude and significant gas deposits. A power struggle between resource nationalists and business factions over control of the industry has intensified following President Nandi-Ndaitwah's appointment and her move to centralise upstream petroleum functions in the Office of the President.

    12 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 4 February

  1. Chevron sponsors 2026 energy conference as Namibia prepares for first oil

    Chevron has renewed its diamond sponsorship of the Namibia International Energy Conference (scheduled for April 2026) as the country prepares for first oil following major offshore discoveries in the Orange Basin. The conference aims to bring together government, energy companies, and investors to discuss Namibia's emerging oil and gas sector, which analysts project could contribute up to 18% of GDP at peak production.

    4 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 23 January

  1. Sintana Energy signs deal for stake in controversial Namibian oil block

    Businessman Knowledge Katti's Sintana Energy has paid a N$16.3 million deposit to secure negotiation rights over a stake in PEL 37, an oil exploration licence controlled by Paragon Oil & Gas. The licence has been controversial, linked to the firing of former mines minister Natangwe Ithete, and Sintana has until April 2026 to complete due diligence and negotiate terms to become a shareholder in Paragon.

    23 January 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 12 January

  1. Trump pitches Venezuela oil investment to US energy firms

    US President Donald Trump met with major oil executives at the White House to encourage investment in Venezuela's oil reserves, saying his administration would decide which companies operate there. One CEO called Venezuela "uninvestable" without reforms, though analysts said Trump's push faces economic and strategic obstacles.

    12 January 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 7 January

  1. Oil markets unmoved by Venezuela's Maduro capture by US forces

    Global oil prices remained largely flat after the US military captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro over the weekend, with US crude falling 0.54% to $57.01 per barrel and Brent falling 0.36% to $60.53. Despite Venezuela holding the world's largest proven crude oil reserves, OPEC+ statements indicate the oil market remains balanced with sufficient supply to meet demand.

    7 January 2026 · The Namibian →

Namibia Minute