Tom Alweendo to speak at African Energy Week as Namibia’s oil frontier expands

Former Namibian Minister of Mines and Energy Tom Alweendo will participate as a speaker at African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025, taking place in Cape Town from September 29 to October 3. Alweendo, who led the ministry from 2018 to March 2025, recently launched Alvenco Advisory, a consultancy designed to help investors navigate Namibia’s political, fiscal, legal, and environmental frameworks.

Through tailored advisory services, Alvenco Advisory assists clients with policy compliance, alignment with national priorities, and stakeholder engagement. Leveraging Alweendo’s experience and network, the firm seeks to drive responsible investment that supports Namibia’s long-term economic development.

Former Minister Tom Alweendo to speak at African Energy Week 2025.

Namibia’s offshore discoveries fuel global attention

Namibia’s oil and gas sector is entering a new growth phase, with the Orange Basin becoming one of the most important petroleum provinces globally. In April 2025, the Capricornus 1-X exploration well in Block 2914A delivered a major light oil discovery, producing more than 11,000 barrels per day during testing. Operated by Rhino Resources with Azule Energy, Namcor, and Korres Investments, the find confirmed a commercially viable system and mirrored characteristics of the Venus and Graff discoveries.

The African Energy Chamber praised the PEL85 joint venture for achieving one of Namibia’s most important oil discoveries to date. The discovery is expected to catalyze further drilling, fast-track appraisal programs, and accelerate new development initiatives in the basin.

Licensing and development projects expand in 2025

Exploration momentum is set to remain strong, with seven wells scheduled this year, including TotalEnergies’ Marula-1X, Rhino Resources’ second PEL85 well, and BW Energy’s Kharas prospect within the Kudu license. Additional prospects such as Olympe and Saturn further highlight operator confidence in Namibia’s potential.

The Ministry of Mines and Energy has confirmed new licensing opportunities for 2025 under an open licensing regime, covering deepwater, ultra-deepwater, and shallow-water areas. The Petroleum Commission emphasized the government’s commitment to attracting investors while ensuring discoveries translate into first oil and deliver tangible economic benefits.

Meanwhile, development is progressing on Namibia’s largest discoveries. TotalEnergies’ Venus project in Block 2913B is targeting a final investment decision in 2026, with plans for a 150,000-bpd FPSO. Galp is advancing its Mopane discovery using newly acquired seismic data to guide appraisal work.

NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, noted, “Tom Alweendo’s leadership and deep understanding of Namibia’s energy landscape come at a pivotal moment for the country’s resource development. His insights will be invaluable in guiding discussions on how to translate world-class discoveries into sustainable economic growth and long-term benefits for all Namibians.”

With a stable regulatory environment, competitive licensing terms, and growing investor confidence, Namibia is cementing its place as one of the world’s most promising oil and gas frontiers.