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

TotalEnergies

Also known as: French oil giant TotalEnergies · FRENCH energy major TotalEnergies · TotalEnergies EP Namibia BV · TotalEnergies EP Congo

French energy company developing Venus and Mopane oil fields offshore Namibia, targeting production by 2030–2032.

Mining & Energy

Namibia must strengthen governance before oil revenue flows

The News

The Institute for Public Policy Research warns that Namibia faces governance risks as it prepares for oil production, citing lack of transparency in petroleum licensing, insufficient beneficial ownership disclosure, and weak local content oversight as key areas needing reform before the expected investment decisions from TotalEnergies and Mopane projects. Addressing these challenges through the Access to Information Act and digital transparency could help Namibia avoid the "resource curse" while ensuring oil revenues benefit communities rather than political elites.

16 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 16 March

  1. Namibia must strengthen governance before oil revenue flows

    The Institute for Public Policy Research warns that Namibia faces governance risks as it prepares for oil production, citing lack of transparency in petroleum licensing, insufficient beneficial ownership disclosure, and weak local content oversight as key areas needing reform before the expected investment decisions from TotalEnergies and Mopane projects. Addressing these challenges through the Access to Information Act and digital transparency could help Namibia avoid the "resource curse" while ensuring oil revenues benefit communities rather than political elites.

    16 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 15 March

  1. Namra warns all mineral, petroleum licence transfers taxable

    Namibia's Revenue Agency has warned that mineral and petroleum licence transfers are subject to Namibian tax even when conducted abroad, with only 5% of companies currently complying. A tax amnesty expires in October, but industry representatives have raised concerns that the current tax regime discourages investment.

    15 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 12 March

  1. Namibia faces potential N$4.50 per litre fuel price hike in April

    Soaring international oil prices and Middle East tensions threaten to drive Namibian fuel prices to unprecedented heights in April, with the country's three-month fuel reserves and limited storage capacity posing supply challenges. Government officials and industry experts warn that while Namibia has sufficient reserves for 2–3 months, the country's infrastructure constraints and reliance on Middle Eastern oil through the Strait of Hormuz leave it vulnerable to supply disruptions, prompting authorities to explore alternative fuel sources and taxi associations to plan 10–12% fare increases.

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 3 March

  1. Namibia's economy grew 2.9% in 2025, better growth forecast

    Namibia's economy grew at 2.9 percent in 2025, slower than expected due to factory underproduction, drought-affected farms, and reduced household spending. However, the government and central bank forecast growth between 3 and 4 percent for 2026, driven by improved rains, stronger uranium exports, and new oil and gas investment, while inflation has fallen to 2.9 percent and fuel prices have dropped.

    3 March 2026 · Informanté →

Thursday 26 February

  1. Oil and gas must adapt to global decarbonization efforts

    According to a Chevening alumnus writing for The Namibian, while fossil fuels remain crucial for energy access in sub-Saharan Africa and developing regions, the oil and gas industry must innovate through carbon capture, natural gas as a transition fuel, and emissions-reduction technologies to coexist with renewables and meet net-zero climate commitments.

    26 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 25 February

  1. TotalEnergies targets 2028 investment decision for Mopane oil

    French energy company TotalEnergies has confirmed approximately 1.5 billion barrels of discovered resources across its Namibian offshore petroleum licences, anchored by the Venus and Mopane projects, with the Mopane field alone estimated to hold 800 million to 1.1 billion barrels of recoverable resources and planned production exceeding 200,000 barrels per day once developed.

    25 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Economist warns oil revenues may strain Namibia's fiscal discipline

    Economist Robin Sherbourne cautions that anticipated oil revenues from TotalEnergies' Venus project could enable Namibia to borrow heavily against future earnings, risking unsustainable public spending rather than supporting long-term growth. He urges the finance minister to maintain fiscal restraint as the country awaits a final investment decision on the project.

    25 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 16 February

  1. Katti-linked oil stake sale awaits government approval

    Namibian businessman Knowledge Katti confirmed that an agreement to sell a stake in petroleum exploration licence PEL104 to TotalEnergies and Petrobras remains subject to government approval. Under the terms, TotalEnergies will acquire 42.5%, Petrobras 42.5%, the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia 10%, and Eight Offshore 5%.

    16 February 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. TotalEnergies expands in Namibia with Mopane field stake

    French oil giant TotalEnergies has announced a deal with Galp to enter the Mopane field off Lüderitz with a 40% stake, complementing its 35.25% stake in the Venus field. The company plans to develop both fields as part of a multi-FPSO hub, with potential combined oil production of up to 350,000 barrels per day by 2030–2032.

    16 February 2026 · The Namibian →

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 →

Namibia Minute