Azule Energy will establish a local branch in Namibia following the appointment of Giovanni Aquilina as Country Managing Director, marking a key step in the company’s expansion into the country’s upstream oil and gas sector.
The appointment, confirmed by Azule Energy Chief Executive Officer Joe Murphy, signals the company’s long-term strategic commitment to Namibia as it positions itself in one of Africa’s fastest-growing energy frontiers.
Azule’s entry comes amid rising global interest in Namibia’s offshore basins, particularly the Orange Basin, where a string of major discoveries by companies including TotalEnergies, Shell and Galp Energia have transformed the country into a high-impact exploration and development hub.
Formed as a joint venture between BP and Eni, Azule Energy has built a strong operational base in Angola and is now expanding into Namibia as part of a broader strategy to diversify its upstream portfolio into emerging high-potential basins.
Aquilina said the company’s focus in Namibia will extend beyond exploration to building long-term local capacity, emphasising that local upliftment and skills development will be central to its operations in line with national priorities.
The establishment of a Namibia-based structure is expected to strengthen regulatory engagement, deepen local partnerships and position Azule Energy for participation in future licensing and development phases as the country moves closer to first oil.
The move also reflects intensifying competition among international operators seeking exposure to Namibia’s next phase of growth, as the sector transitions from exploration success to development and production.
