Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has announced an accelerated push to reform Namibia’s petroleum laws, including progress on a key amendment bill, as the country prepares for its first oil production.
Speaking at the Namibia International Energy Conference 2026 in Windhoek, the President said the reforms are aimed at improving regulatory efficiency, strengthening investor confidence, and ensuring that the country’s emerging offshore oil sector delivers broader economic benefits.
The reform agenda comes as Namibia moves to convert major discoveries in the Orange Basin into production, with policymakers stressing the need for legal and institutional frameworks to keep pace with growing upstream activity. Authorities say the planned Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Amendment Bill will help streamline decision-making and align the sector with the country’s long-term development strategy.
“The road to first oil and beyond requires investment and partners for development to be realized,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said, emphasizing the role of policy certainty in attracting capital.
Industry leaders at the conference echoed the call for stronger regulatory frameworks. NJ Ayuk, representing the African Energy Chamber, said Namibia’s challenge has shifted from discovery to execution, urging policymakers to maintain momentum and create conditions that support investment and talent development.
Namibia is increasingly competing with other emerging hydrocarbon markets for global capital, as recent discoveries have repositioned the country as a significant frontier for offshore exploration.
At the same event, Ndapwilapo Selma Shimutwikeni stressed that long-term economic benefits will depend on how effectively the sector supports local industries and businesses, rather than production volumes alone.
Meanwhile, oil companies are advancing exploration and development plans across the Orange Basin. Chevron confirmed it will drill the Nabba-1X exploration well in late 2026, signaling continued confidence in Namibia’s deepwater potential. Other operators, including TotalEnergies and Rhino Resources, are also progressing key projects, with TotalEnergies targeting a final investment decision on its Venus development by mid-2026.
The developments highlight Namibia’s rapid transition from an exploration frontier to a potential production hub, with the Orange Basin increasingly viewed as one of the most promising new deepwater oil regions globally.
