Namibia’s offshore oil and gas sector has received another boost following the approval of a petroleum licence exchange between major industry players by the Namibian Competition Commission.The Commission has approved a transaction between TotalEnergies EP Namibia BV and Windhoek PEL 28 BV involving the exchange of participating interests in three Petroleum Exploration Licences (PELs) — PEL 83, PEL 56 and PEL 91.
The transaction, registered under Case No. 2026MAR0018MER, was reviewed by the Commission, which found that although the deal creates a horizontal overlap within Namibia’s petroleum exploration sector, it would result in only a marginal change in market share. The Commission further concluded that the market would remain competitive and that the transaction raised no public interest concerns, granting unconditional approval.
The licence swap comes at a significant time for Namibia’s offshore energy industry, which has attracted growing international attention following a series of major oil discoveries in the country’s deepwater basins. Industry observers note that international energy companies are increasingly restructuring and aligning their exploration portfolios as they prepare for the next phase of offshore development. The Commission’s approval is expected to further strengthen investor confidence in Namibia’s regulatory environment, which continues to be viewed as transparent, predictable and supportive of investment.
The transaction is also expected to facilitate greater collaboration between exploration partners while enabling companies to optimise their asset portfolios and focus on strategic priorities. The deal is seen as another step towards unlocking the economic potential of Namibia’s offshore resources. Increased investment and exploration activity could contribute to job creation, skills development and future revenue generation, supporting the government’s long-term vision of leveraging the country’s natural resources for national development.
By Eileen van der Schyff
Source: Namibia Oil and Gas
