Venus 1 is seen as paving the way for further projects
Namibia's upstream defies downturn
Large-scale, deepwater prospects continue to draw deep-pocketed investors
Namibia continues to attract fresh E&P activity, particularly from oil majors, in contrast to much of the rest of sub-Saharan Africa. But the recent withdrawal of UK-based producer Serica Energy shows the country has not been entirely shielded from the recent decline in investor appetite. Total continues to advance its sizeable Venus 1 (Block 2913B) prospect off the Namibian coast, where exploratory drilling is due to start in the third quarter of this year, according to minority stakeholder Africa-focused Impact Oil & Gas. Q3 2021 – Venus 1 due to spud Venus 1 is seen as a field which—if successful—could clear the path to development for other Namibian blocks. Canadian firm
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
