Namibia Targets First Oil Production by 2030

The Government of Namibia is transitioning from oil exploration to production readiness, targeting first oil before 2030. During the Namibia Oil and Gas Conference 2026 in Windhoek, officials detailed a strategy to capitalize on discoveries in the Orange Basin, including the Venus and Mopane fields and Shell's Merlin-1X well.

Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Modestus Amutse announced that final investment decisions are expected in 2026. To support this timeline, the state is developing an onshore petroleum supply base, expanding fuel storage, and establishing a petrochemical testing laboratory. Amutse highlighted the National Upstream Petroleum Local Content Policy, which prioritizes Namibian employment and local suppliers to ensure social and political stability. To protect the sector, upstream petroleum management has been realigned under the Upstream Petroleum Unit in the Office of the President, with revenues to be managed by the Welwitschia Sovereign Wealth Fund.

Vice President Lucia Witbooi, representing President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, called for a shift from "resource optimism to disciplined execution." While pledging predictable rules and timely decision-making, Witbooi demanded reciprocal commitments from international energy investors regarding their investment, performance, and conduct obligations. She emphasized that the development of deepwater resources must translate into tangible improvements in infrastructure and national revenue for the Namibian people.