Namibia’s prospects gain momentum

The Venus field could prove a game-changer for the country

Activity is gathering pace both onshore and offshore in Namibia—one of sub-Saharan Africa’s most promising and least developed upstream frontiers—with the highly significant Venus project leading the way. The long-awaited Venus-1X offshore exploratory well finally spudded at the start of December. TotalEnergies operates the Venus field with a 40pc stake in the wider block 2913B, while state-owned QatarEnergy holds 30pc, London-based independent Impact Oil and Gas has 20pc and Namibian state oil company Namcor has 10pc. Venus’ progress is being watched with particular interest by the wider industry. The field “is a world-class, basin-opening well which, if successful, could be transformative