Also known as: Rhino Resources Namibia Ltd
International oil exploration company advancing appraisal and development activities in Namibia's Orange Basin.
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The Namibian
Rhino Resources is led by Chief Executive Officer Mr. Travis Smithard
“Mr. Travis Smithard, Chief Executive Officer of Rhino Resources”
Kornelia Shilunga Outlines Namibia’s Vision for Turning Oil and Gas Decisions into National BenefitsInformanté
Rhino Resources announced that its Capricornus-1A appraisal well has confirmed an oil-bearing reservoir connected to Capricornus-1X well
“RHINO Resources has announced that its Capricornus-1A appraisal well offshore Namibia has confirmed an oil-bearing reservoir connected to the previously discovered Capricornus-1X well, providing further evidence of reservoir continuity and advancing the appraisal of the Capricornus discovery in Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) 85.”
Capricornus-1A confirms oil-bearing reservoirInformanté
Rhino Resources holds 42.5% working interest in PEL 85
“Rhino holds a 42.5% working interest in PEL 85.”
Capricornus-1A confirms oil-bearing reservoirWindhoek Observer
Rhino Resources holds exploration licence in Namibia
“These include Shell Exploration & Production, TotalEnergies, Chevron Namibia, ExxonMobil, Galp Energia and Rhino Resources.”
Offshore oil, gas sector continues to attract international interestInformanté
Rhino Resources recorded three hydrocarbon discoveries in the Orange Basin
“Rhino Resources recorded three hydrocarbon discoveries in the Orange Basin, while Galp and its partners advanced appraisal work on the Mopane complex, which is estimated to hold significant oil reserves.”
Namibia’s oil and gas sector advances toward development phase — reportThe Namibian
Rhino Resources announced preparing to drill Capricornus well in coming months
“Rhino Resources announced it is preparing to drill the Capricornus well in the coming months, while TotalEnergies is progressing its Venus development toward a mid-2026 final investment decision.”
Namibia fast-tracks oil reformThe Namibian
Rhino Resources confirmed further drilling projects for this year
“Chevron and Rhino Resources have both confirmed further drilling projects for this year, however, none of the oil majors at the Namibia International Energy Conference hinted at a final investment decision.”
Govt hopes oil investment decisions trickle inThe Namibian
Rhino Resources is part of contractor group of PEL 85
“The contractor group of PEL 85 (Rhino Resources, Namcor and Korres Investment) is planning to make a final investment decision in Namibia towards the end of 2027.”
Azule Energy targets 2027 final investment decision in NamibiaInformanté
Rhino Resources made new discoveries
“Namibia's upstream momentum has been boosted by preparations for a final investment decision on TotalEnergies' Venus project expected in 2026, alongside new discoveries by Rhino Resources and Galp Energia.”
Upstream Petroleum Unit to take centre stage at NIEC 2026 as Namibia pushes towards first oilNew Era
Rhino Resources plans to further appraise PEL 85 in 2026 with wells at Capricornus and Volans
“Rhino Resources plans to further appraisal PEL 85 in 2026, including a well at their Capricornus prospect and a flow test at the nearby Volans discovery.”
Discoveries require renewal of Africa’s upstream infrastructure …potential for sustained expansion promising for states with reservesSpecial Advisor Kornelia Shilunga outlined Namibia's vision for converting oil and gas sector decisions into national benefits at the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference 2026.
19 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Special Advisor Kornelia Shilunga outlined Namibia's vision for converting oil and gas sector decisions into national benefits at the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference 2026.
19 August 2026 · The Namibian →
The US Ambassador to Namibia says the country's offshore petroleum discoveries could deliver long-term economic benefits, jobs, and skills development, but cautioned that a Final Investment Decision would only mark the beginning of work needed to achieve lasting prosperity. US oilfield service companies are already operating in Namibia.
19 August 2026 · Informanté →
The Namibia Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition officially began on 18 August 2026 in Windhoek (18–20 August), bringing together government, industry leaders, investors, academia, entrepreneurs and civil society to focus on ensuring Namibia's oil and gas growth creates opportunities for local businesses, entrepreneurs, workers and communities.
19 August 2026 · Informanté →
A US delegation led by Ambassador John Giordano, including officials from the State Department's energy and trade agencies, held high-level meetings with Namibian government officials and industry leaders to expand cooperation in energy security, critical minerals, infrastructure, and emerging technologies. The delegation also represented the US at the Namibian Mining Expo and met with the Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy to discuss opportunities in these sectors.
18 August 2026 · Informanté →
The Welwitschia Fund, established in 2022 to convert Namibia's resource wealth into longer-term financial wealth, has recorded a market value of US$30.85 million (N$508.47 million) as of 31 July, with an annualised return of 15.5% since inception. The fund is designed to strengthen Namibia's resilience to economic shocks and promote intergenerational equity, with a companion Sovereign Wealth Fund of Namibia Bill expected to be tabled in Parliament in 2026.
17 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Young Namibians who obtained internationally recognised offshore training in anticipation of jobs in the emerging oil and gas sector are facing difficulties securing employment, despite the government projecting 4,000 to 12,000 jobs over the next 30 years. One woman spent N$50,000 of her savings on offshore certification in South Africa after President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah encouraged Namibians to prepare for opportunities in the sector, but has yet to secure work in the industry.
13 July 2026 · New Era →
RHINO Resources' Capricornus-1A appraisal well offshore Namibia has confirmed an oil-bearing reservoir connected to the previously discovered Capricornus-1X well, providing evidence of reservoir continuity in the Capricornus discovery in Block 2914 of the Orange Basin.
3 July 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia's offshore oil and gas sector continues to draw international interest, with a hydrocarbon licence map showing growing exploration activity across coastal basins and frontier areas. Multiple international oil companies hold exploration licences, with newly allocated blocks involving companies such as Baobab Energy, Elephant Oil, and others, while the offshore Orange Basin remains the main focus following recent major oil discoveries.
8 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia's oil and gas industry has shifted from early-stage exploration toward appraisal and development planning, with major international operators like Shell, TotalEnergies, and Galp positioning the country as an emerging regional energy hub. The sector is projected to contribute up to 5.8% to GDP annually during production, with first oil and gas expected between 2029 and 2030, provided governance and local content policies are strengthened.
18 April 2026 · Informanté →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has announced a major push to accelerate petroleum reforms, including an exploration and production amendment bill, to improve regulatory efficiency and investor confidence as Namibia moves toward first oil production in the Orange Basin. Major operators including Chevron, TotalEnergies and Rhino Resources are advancing exploration and development activities, with emphasis on ensuring legal and institutional frameworks, local participation and broad-based economic benefits keep pace with upstream activity.
17 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Despite targeting 2030 for first oil production, Chevron and Rhino Resources announced further drilling projects at Namibia's energy conference but neither committed to final investment decisions. The government hopes for FIDs by 2026, though policy uncertainty around gas flaring and regulatory delays are hindering investment confidence.
17 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia and Angola signed a power purchase agreement and joint development agreement for the Angola-Namibia Power Transmission Interconnector Project (ANNA), estimated to cost about N$941 million and scheduled for completion in 2029. The 166-kilometre transmission line will link the Kunene substation in Namibia to the Cahama substation in Angola, with an initially projected capacity of up to 500 MW to enhance power system reliability and regional energy trade.
16 April 2026 · New Era →
Azule Energy, operator of PEL 85, targets a final investment decision by late 2027 and will establish an office in Namibia, with Giovanni Aquilina appointed as managing director for the country.
16 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's newly established Upstream Petroleum Unit will participate in the Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) in April 2026 to strengthen investor confidence and signal government commitment to transparent, investment-ready upstream petroleum governance as the country moves toward first oil production.
6 February 2026 · Informanté →
Recent major offshore oil and gas discoveries in Namibia's Orange Basin since 2022 are attracting global investment and generating optimism across African upstream energy sectors, with additional drilling campaigns and exploration planned for 2026 and beyond to confirm commercial viability and advance development.
9 January 2026 · New Era →