Global energy giant Shell has committed to transitioning from exploration to oil production in Namibia, marking a significant step forward in unlocking the country’s offshore petroleum wealth.

This will confirm its position as Namibia’s largest energy investor, with over US$1 billion already invested in the sector.

The pledge came during a courtesy meeting at State House with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and Shell’s executive team, led by Eugene Okpere, executive vice president for exploration, strategy and portfolio in integrated gas and upstream.

Okpere confirmed Shell’s discovery of oil in Namibia, saying the company is determined to overcome technical challenges and deliver full-scale production.

“We are the first to have found oil in your country,” he told the President. “But finding it and producing it are two different things. That said, we are committed and we will keep working on the challenge,” he added. President Nandi-Ndaitwah welcomed Shell’s renewed commitment and called on the company to ensure that Namibians are direct beneficiaries of the country’s natural resource wealth. “We really appreciate that Shell found interest in investing in Namibia. We want to work together to utilise our resources in a way that benefits our people. That’s what we expect from good corporate citizens,” said the President. 

She applauded the gender diversity of the Shell team.

“I’m very happy to see women in exploration. These are the fields where we also need to have our feet,” she remarked.

Shell has drilled nine offshore wells in Namibia’s deep waters since 2014. Okpere said the company is proud to have achieved the work on time and under budget, thanks to Shell’s global deepwater expertise.

“Our deepwater drilling capability is probably the best in the industry,” he said. 

“We have moved fast, and we did it efficiently,” he added.

Shell’s investment followed its earlier participation in Namibia’s Kudu gas field, which did not progress. However, Okpere said Shell remained committed because of the country’s strong governance and open investment climate. “We pick countries where there’s a willingness to work collaboratively with investors. That has been our experience with Namibia,” he said. 

President Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasised the importance of value addition, job creation and skills transfer. 

She urged Shell to move beyond extraction and become a long-term development partner.

“We want investors who leave a good message – one of local empowerment, not just resource extraction,” she said.

Shell’s country representative highlighted the company’s long-term vision and commitment to local content. 

The Shell delegation included senior leaders from across the globe “We see ourselves as part of Namibia’s growth story. We are not here for the short term. 

We are here to deliver,” Okpere stated.

– ljason@nepc.com.na