How Galp’s Mopane Discovery is Expanding Namibia’s Oil Future in Real Time
Namibia’s Oil Sector is No Longer Just an Emerging Frontier—It’s Here
This year of 2023 is proving to be the year Namibia’s offshore oil industry stops being a speculative bet and starts taking center stage in global energy conversations. With Shell and TotalEnergies leading major discoveries in the Orange Basin, a new player has entered the mix: Galp.
Galp’s Mopane discovery isn’t just another oil find—it’s further evidence that Namibia’s oil boom is real. But what does this mean for the country? Are we seeing the beginnings of a full-fledged energy transformation, or will these discoveries remain assets on paper, waiting for commercial viability to catch up?
One thing is clear: time is now working in Namibia’s favor.
The Discovery That Confirms the Basin’s Potential
Galp’s Mopane discovery, announced in early 2023, is a significant addition to the offshore hydrocarbon potential of the Orange Basin. While Shell’s Jonker-1X and TotalEnergies’ Venus discoveries made headlines first, Mopane reinforces what energy analysts have been saying all along:
• The geology is strong—this is no longer about isolated wells, but a proven petroleum system.
• Namibia’s oil reserves could be much larger than previously estimated, making it one of the last great untapped frontiers for offshore oil.
• With three major discoveries in just over a year, momentum is rapidly building for Namibia to move from exploration to development and production.
What’s different this time? Unlike past exploration cycles that ended in disappointment, the Mopane discovery is coming at a time when global energy markets are shifting, making these new oil finds more valuable than ever before.
Why This Discovery Matters for Namibia—Right Now
The excitement surrounding the Mopane discovery is not just about its oil reserves—it’s about what it represents for Namibia’s position in the global oil industry.
1. More Players, More Leverage for Namibia
With Shell, TotalEnergies, and now Galp actively investing in offshore Namibia, the government has something it never had before—negotiating power.
• Oil companies are no longer just betting on Namibia; they are competing for space in its waters.
• More competition means Namibia can demand better terms in production-sharing agreements.
• There is now a clear path to infrastructure investment—not just in exploration but in refining, transportation, and exports.
For the first time, Namibia is in a position to shape its energy destiny, rather than just reacting to the interests of oil majors.
2. A Stronger Case for Local Industry Development
Until now, one of the biggest questions surrounding Namibia’s oil discoveries has been:
“Will these discoveries create real economic benefits, or will they simply be extracted and exported with minimal local impact?”
The Mopane discovery pushes this question into sharper focus.
• If multiple oil companies are planning long-term operations, it makes less sense to rely entirely on imports for refined petroleum.
• The government can use this as leverage to develop midstream and downstream industries, like a national oil refinery.
• Job creation and skills training must now move from future planning to urgent execution.
There is no longer a question of if Namibia will develop an oil industry—the question is how fast and how well it can do so.
3. The Timing Aligns with a Global Energy Shift
The Mopane discovery isn’t happening in isolation—it’s coming at a time when Europe and Asia are aggressively seeking new energy suppliers.
• With Europe reducing reliance on Russian energy, Namibia is strategically positioned to fill part of that supply gap.
• Energy security concerns are driving investment into stable, emerging producers—which Namibia is quickly becoming.
• Countries that can offer reliable supply chains are gaining long-term commercial interest, and Namibia is now on that shortlist.
This means oil companies will not be looking at Namibia as just another exploration bet—they will be looking at it as a potential major supplier in the next decade.
What Namibia Must Do Now to Capitalize on This Moment
Discoveries like Mopane only translate into national wealth if the right policies and actions are put in place early.
To ensure that Namibia gains long-term benefits, key steps must be taken immediately:
1. Move Beyond Exploration—Lay the Groundwork for Production
• Oil discoveries are great, but they mean little without a clear strategy for how and when production will start.
• Namibia must push oil companies to commit to clear development timelines rather than just holding licenses indefinitely.
• A roadmap for local refineries and value-added industries needs to be developed now, not years from now.
2. Create a Competitive but Fair Investment Climate
• The government must secure its fair share of oil revenue without discouraging further investment.
• Learning from models like Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, Namibia should ensure oil profits are reinvested into long-term national development.
• Regulations should prioritize local hiring and skills transfer to make sure Namibia’s workforce benefits.
3. Leverage Global Partnerships for Infrastructure Development
• Oil production requires ports, pipelines, and storage facilities—these projects must begin before the first barrel is extracted.
• Namibia should work with international partners to build its energy export capabilities.
• Developing these resources now ensures Namibia is ready to capitalize on its new oil status, rather than waiting years for development.
This is More Than Just an Oil Find—It’s a National Inflection Point
The Mopane discovery adds another critical piece to Namibia’s energy puzzle, reinforcing that the Orange Basin is an oil-producing region with real commercial potential. But its significance goes beyond geology.
This discovery comes at a moment when global energy markets are shifting, and Namibia now has a window of opportunity to position itself as a key player in the next decade of oil production.
However, discoveries do not guarantee prosperity. What happens next will determine whether Namibia becomes Africa’s next oil success story or simply another country with unrealized potential.
The choices made in 2023 will define Namibia’s energy future.
The time to act is now.
Key sources:
• Galp Official Announcement (Mar 2023) – Galp Reports Significant Hydrocarbon Find Offshore Namibia
• World Oil (Mar 2023) – Portugal’s Galp Expands Drilling Campaign in the Orange Basin
• African Energy Chamber Report (Mar 2023) – Namibia’s Oil Frontier Expands with Mopane
Five Skills You Need as a Student Before Graduating
Empowering Namibia’s Youth for Tomorrow’s Economy Namibia faces a persistent challenge of high y
What Young Professionals Should Know Today!
Namibia is entering a new phase in its development — one that could define its economy for decades
How Do We Prepare the Next Generation for Namibia’s Oil and Gas Industry?
Namibia’s energy story is still being written — but the ink is fresh, and the pages are wide ope
