Pricilla Mukokobi
Edgar Brandt
Namibia’s offshore Orange Basin continues to be one of the most talked-about deepwater oil and gas frontiers in the world, and major energy players are making it clear they want to be part of that future. TotalEnergies and Galp have once again signalled their confidence in Namibia and its resources, reinforcing their long-term commitment during a high-level meeting with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at State House on Friday.
The meeting, led by TotalEnergies Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Patrick Pouyanné and Galp Chairman Paula Amorim, offered an opportunity to brief the President, Nandi-Ndaitwah, on the progress of their recently announced partnership and to outline what lies ahead for some of Namibia’s most important offshore discoveries. At its heart, the discussion focused on how these discoveries can be developed responsibly while delivering real and lasting benefits to Namibians, from jobs and skills to broader economic growth.
The oil majors’ partnership centres on a significant transaction that reshapes operatorship across key offshore licences in the Orange Basin. TotalEnergies will take over as operator of Petroleum Exploration License (PEL) 83, which hosts the Mopane oil discoveries, while Galp will acquire interests in PEL 56 and PEL 91, home to the giant Venus discovery.
Together, these assets represent the two largest offshore finds made in Namibia to date.
Under the agreement , TotalEnergies will hold a 40% operated interest in PEL 83. In exchange, Galp will receive a 10% stake in PEL 56 and a 9.39% interest in PEL 91. As part of the deal, TotalEnergies will also cover half of Galp’s capital costs for exploration, appraisal, and the initial development phase at Mopane, with those costs to be repaid from Galp’s future cash flows.
The transaction is subject to regulatory and joint venture approvals, with completion expected this year.
For Pouyanné, the partnership marks a defining moment, not just for the two companies, but for Namibia’s broader energy ambitions.
“Our partnership with Galp marks an important moment as Namibia prepares to become a significant energy-producing nation,” he said.
“By combining our strengths across both Venus and Mopane, we are helping to lay the foundations for a new offshore energy hub, one built on operational excellence, local development and shared prosperity.”
As global attention continues to focus on Namibia’s offshore potential, the deepening relationship between TotalEnergies and Galp sends a clear message that confidence in the Orange Basin is growing. With key investment decisions expected later this decade, Namibia is steadily positioning itself not only as a new oil and gas producer, but also as a strategically important energy hub for the region and beyond.
Renewed collaboration
Moreover, the renewed collaboration provides fresh momentum to two projects central to Namibia’s future as an oil and gas producer.
At Venus, located in PEL 56, partners are advancing a clear development concept and working through the technical, regulatory, and commercial requirements needed to reach a potential final investment decision in 2026. Widely regarded as one of the largest deepwater discoveries in recent years, Venus is expected to anchor Namibia’s first offshore production.
At Mopane in PEL 83, attention is shifting back to exploration and appraisal. TotalEnergies and Galp plan to launch a three-well drilling campaign this year to better understand the size and quality of the resources and move the project closer to development. The Mopane discoveries are seen as game-changing, significantly expanding the scale and long-term potential of the Orange Basin.
More partnership
Beyond the technical milestones, both companies stressed that their ambitions in Namibia go well beyond oil and gas volumes.
During their discussions with President Nandi-Ndaitwah, they highlighted plans to support job creation, skills development and the growth of local suppliers. They also emphasised the importance of close cooperation with government institutions and a stable, supportive regulatory environment to keep projects moving efficiently.
Meanwhile, Amorim echoed the importance of partnership in Galp’s strategy.
“Strong partnerships are central to how we grow,” she said.
“The Mopane discoveries represent a transformational opportunity, and working alongside a global deepwater leader like TotalEnergies ensures these resources can be developed efficiently and sustainably, for the benefit of Namibia and all stakeholders. Our commitment to Namibia has never been stronger, and we are confident this region will become a relevant global energy ecosystem.”
Once the transaction is completed, the joint ventures are expected to balance international expertise with national participation. In PEL 83, TotalEnergies and Galp will each hold 40% stakes, alongside the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor, 10%) and Custos Energy (10%). In PEL 56, TotalEnergies will retain a 35.25% operated interest, partnering with QatarEnergy (35.25%), Galp (10%), Namcor (10%), and Impact Oil & Gas (9.5%). TotalEnergies will also hold a 33.085% operated interest in PEL 91. -ebrandt@nepc.com.na