Namibia Leads Offshore Oil Development and Blue‑Economy Push in the Orange Basin

Namibia is rapidly outpacing South Africa in the contested Orange Basin, attracting major oil majors with fast‑track permits and predictable licensing. TotalEnergies’ deep‑water Venus discovery and Shell’s Merlin prospect are moving toward full development under Namibia’s streamlined regulatory framework, while South Africa faces environmental lawsuits and bureaucratic delays.

At the same time, Namibia is positioning its Atlantic coastline to drive a blue‑economy transformation. Vice President Lucia Witbooi highlighted the country’s shift from a raw‑fish export model to a “catch, process, package and brand” strategy under the Sixth National Development Plan, leveraging the port of Walvis Bay, offshore wind potential, green hydrogen and renewable energy to create jobs and diversify the economy.