TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné says his company plans to invest in multi-million-dollar energy projects in Namibia.
The company discovered significant light oil with associated gas on the Venus prospect in block 2913B in the Orange Basin in February 2022.
Currently, TotalEnergies is conducting public consultations as part of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) process for the Venus oil project.
Pouyanné met President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Friday, April 25, 2025, at the State House in Windhoek.
The meeting comes a day after Nandi-Ndaitwah presented her inaugural State of the Nation Address, where she said oil and gas will play a role in economic development and job creation.
Nandi-Ndaitwah has placed the oil and gas directorate under her office, saying this new industry will require close monitoring.
Pouyanné asked Nandi-Ndaitwah to start formal discussions on large-scale oil, gas, and renewable energy projects.
He also said these projects are part of a medium- and long-term investment strategy to integrate local employment, skills development, and infrastructure.
Nandi-Ndaitwah described the TotalEnergies plan as timely and aligned with the nation’s development goals.
The President said it is important for business to be managed in a manner that one expects to do without much hindrance.
She added that the oil and gas sector is critical.
“It’s not new in the world, but new in Namibia,” she said, adding that Namibians are excited.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said she told the nation that the government, public-private, and private sectors will fund what she plans to do.
“So you’ve come at the right time. And I hope you’ll help me meet the Namibian people’s high expectations together,” she said.
