WALVIS BAY – Namibia is positioning itself as Africa’s next hub for Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) engineering and services.
This is according to the Namibian Association for Offshore Oil & Gas Service Providers (NAOGSP) 2025 Flagship Report.
NAOGSP was formed to represent local service companies in Namibia’s growing offshore oil and gas sector. Founder of NAOGSP, Knowledge Ipinge, explained that the key objectives are to build a strong national supply chain for FPSO units and to ensure Namibian service companies play a role across the FPSO lifecycle – from design to decommissioning.
“Our goal is to create a sustainable offshore industrial ecosystem that benefits local businesses, the workforce and the economy,” Ipinge said.
He added that Total Energies’ Venus deepwater project alone could generate about N$45 billion in subsea contracts. With an 18% local content requirement, Namibia could see N$8.1 billion flow directly into the economy.
The report also highlights that the Orange Basin discoveries could bring between N$20 billion and N$50 billion or more to Namibian companies over the next decade, as the first oil is expected between 2029 and 2030.
The report also calls for a dedicated FPSO industrial development and implementation framework for 2026-2028.
The framework, according to NAOGSP, would be key in defining legal, safety and operational standards and ensuring Namibian participation in the oil and gas sector.
Ipinge said strategic partnerships are also central, with China being tipped as the biggest collaborator.
“China has more than 60% of global FPSO construction capacity and offers financing through the Belt and Road Initiative. Hence, NAOGSP proposed cooperation includes FPSO assembly training centres and module fabrication zones in the Walvis Bay and Lüderitz special economic zones,” the former Walvis Bay Urban constituency councillor said.
Ipinge said the coordinated action across government, industry and investors could create over 10 000 jobs and an FPSO-linked industrial sector generating N$25 to N$40 billion annually.
He added that the programme would also boost technology transfer, local engineering skills and Namibia’s role in Africa’s Blue Economy.
“This is about more than oil. It is an opportunity to build a sustainable industrial base, develop Namibian skills, and ensure women and youth are part of the offshore economy,” he said.
Ipinge noted that, by aligning policy, investment and industrial capacity, Namibia could follow the path of Brazil, Malaysia and Guyana, turning discoveries into industrial growth, jobs and long-term economic resilience.