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
28 April 2026
Datacentres will guzzle power at a ferocious rate, but the impact on wider energy markets will be far more complex than previously thought
28 April 2026
The key energy player faces balancing regional routes, political complexities, and creating a clear strategic vision for energy security
24 April 2026
The European Commission’s response to the Middle East crisis is to double down on its transition strategy, with plans for a new target on electrification
24 April 2026
A major new discovery by Eni and BP that can likely be fast-tracked to production is welcome news for Egypt as it scrambles to plug a widening supply gap and deal with rising import risks






