Since 2022, major oil discoveries have been made in the Orange Basin off Namibia's southern coast. The country is preparing to become an oil producer. Here is where the projects stand in October 2026, which milestones to watch and where small and mid-sized businesses fit into the value chain.
Main projects
| Project | Operator | Status, October 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Venus (block 2913B) | TotalEnergies | About 750 million barrels of oil equivalent. Target about 150,000 barrels per day. A final investment decision (FID) is expected in late 2026; on 30 September TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné said the decision is "a matter of weeks". Fiscal terms are under negotiation. First oil around 2029. |
| Mopane | TotalEnergies (since September 2026), partner Galp | TotalEnergies became operator with a 40% interest. Investment decision 2027–2028. |
| Rhino (PEL 85) | Rhino Resources | Investment decision expected in late 2027. |
TotalEnergies is combining Venus and Mopane into one development strategy, which cuts infrastructure costs and speeds up the second project after the first.
What it means for the country
According to the Venus environmental impact assessment, state revenue from the project will total N$127–229bn over 25 years, with a significant flow starting about five years after first oil. Oil and gas is already one of the main destinations of foreign direct investment: inflows reached US$2.06bn in 2024, the stock US$11bn, and 19 new projects worth US$2.2bn were the most since 2017 (UNCTAD).
Local content rule
Cabinet approved a local content policy under which a company counts as "Namibian" if at least 51% is owned by Namibian citizens. For a foreign company that wants to work as a contractor in the oil value chain, this means partnering with local shareholders. The petroleum law is under review, and the details of applying the policy will be clarified.
Where the opportunities are for mid-sized business
Wells and platforms are built by large international companies. Small and mid-sized businesses benefit around them:
- Logistics and warehousing at the ports of Walvis Bay and Lüderitz.
- Staff housing and corporate rentals on the coast.
- Services: transport, catering, cleaning, security, repair and equipment maintenance.
- Professional services: accounting, HR, legal support, training.
- Supply of equipment, consumables and workwear.
Demand for these services grows as projects move from exploration to construction, so the key signal is the announcement of decisions on Venus and Mopane.
How to prepare now
- Choose a niche in the service chain rather than in production itself.
- Find a local partner and structure the company with the 51% rule in mind.
- Register the company and bank account early: contractors are asked for a track record and documents. According to our partners' experience, company registration takes up to 15 days.
- Start on the coast: housing and warehouses in Walvis Bay and Lüderitz are in demand today. More: Coastal property in Namibia.
- Watch the milestones: FID on Venus, then on Mopane and Rhino, the new petroleum law.
How we help
We register companies, open corporate accounts and organise business tours with in-person meetings with local lawyers, auditors, realtors and management companies. Company structure, finding a partner and the niche are discussed at the first free consultation.
This material is provided for reference. Data as of October 2026.