Oil majors are leading development in Namibia
Namibia’s prospects gain momentum
The Venus field could prove a game-changer for the country
Activity is gathering pace both onshore and offshore in Namibia—one of sub-Saharan Africa’s most promising and least developed upstream frontiers—with the highly significant Venus project leading the way. The long-awaited Venus-1X offshore exploratory well finally spudded at the start of December. TotalEnergies operates the Venus field with a 40pc stake in the wider block 2913B, while state-owned QatarEnergy holds 30pc, London-based independent Impact Oil and Gas has 20pc and Namibian state oil company Namcor has 10pc. Venus’ progress is being watched with particular interest by the wider industry. The field “is a world-class, basin-opening well which, if successful, could be transformative
Also in this section
23 January 2026
A strategic pivot away from Russian crude in recent weeks tees up the possibility of improved US-India trade relations
23 January 2026
The signing of a deal with a TotalEnergies-led consortium to explore for gas in a block adjoining Israel’s maritime area may breathe new life into the country’s gas ambitions
22 January 2026
As Saudi Arabia pushes mining as a new pillar of its economy, Saudi Aramco is positioning itself at the intersection of hydrocarbons, minerals and industrial policy
22 January 2026
New long-term deal is latest addition to country’s rapidly evolving supply portfolio as it eyes role as regional gas hub
