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Updated January 2024, this map provides a detailed overview of the hydrocarbons sector in Namibia. The map shows blocks that are open, under application, under review and licensed. Licensed blocks are shaded to show reconnaissance, exploration and production acreage. Block operators and oil and gas fields are marked, with basin boundaries and names shown. The map also illustrates associated mid- and downstream infrastructure such as pipelines, tanker terminals, refineries and LNG facilities. An inset provides a more detailed view of the blocks and discoveries in the Orange sub-basin. The map is available as a PDF file using eps graphics, meaning that there is no loss of resolution as the file is enlarged.

Shell’s creation in 1907, as a rival to American behemoth Standard Oil, produced an Anglo-Dutch company looking for global reach. Its presence in Nigeria dates back to 1936, when Shell D’Arcy was established, which was followed by a joint venture with another major, BP’s precursor company.

While TotalEnergies and partner QatarEnergy have deepened their exposure to the highly prospective Venus play, Galp Energia has announced a light oil discovery its nearby Mopane-1X offshore exploration well – adding to the industry excitement around Namibia’s offshore prospects.

Yemeni-owned independent power producer Sabson plans a greenfield HFO-fired plant, as part of Somalia’s effort to increase its low on-grid capacity.

Félix Tshisekedi has won a second presidential term and his coalition a big parliamentary majority in Democratic Republic of Congo. But victory comes in the face of complaints from his opponents, unease among allies and a toxic blend of rebellions, insolvency and social discontent.

International oil companies in Gabon have adopted a ‘business as usual’ approach since General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema’s coup last August, as expressed by Vaalco Energy’s chief executive George Maxwell in an interview with African Energy. But the government’s decision to step in and use the state-owned Gabon Oil Company to acquire Assala Energy – thus sidelining French independent Maurel & Prom which had planned to buy the business – points to a more activist approach from the recently-installed authorities in Libreville.

With momentum building for the delayed Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project to start exports in mid-2024, supermajor BP has extended its relationship with services provider Petrofac.

The latest version of the South African government’s Integrated Resource Plan, issued in early January and now open for public feedback, advocates the longer-term use of coal-fired power plants and reduces renewables’ role in the overall energy mix, prompting a strong reaction from industry observers, as critics claim it will set back the energy transition, writes Tonderayi Mukeredzi.

The Armed Forces of Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) co-ordinator of military operations in North Kivu, Lieutenant General Fall Sikabwe on 16 January announced the launch of joint operations with Southern African Development Community (SADC) forces in eastern DRC, mainly drawn from South Africa, Tanzania and Malawi. They will be targeting 23 March Movement (M23) rebels, who are widely believed to be backed by Rwanda.

Bureaucratic hurdles are delaying the commissioning of the completed 1.65MWp Marco Borero Nyeri solar PV plant in Kenya, highlighting the difficulties facing small local independent power producers (IPPs).

The government’s latest Integrated Resource Plan, issued in early January, provided further details of South Africa’s plans for 7.2GW of new gas-to-power capacity to replace ageing coal-fired units. LNG is central to making that happen and a contract to develop an import terminal in Richards Bay has been awarded to the Netherlands’ Vopak.

Turkey’s Aksa Energy has started installation work at the 255MW Saint Louis combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) plant, in the coastal city of Saint Louis, 320km north of Dakar. African Energy spoke to Aksa to get the details of the project, which was awarded directly to local developer Ndar Energies in February 2023.

US independent Vaalco Energy is aiming to double oil production to over 50,000 b/d within three years, with its African operations playing a significant role in the uplift alongside a continuing M&A strategy, chief executive George Maxwell told African Energy.

Lotus’ plan to resume uranium mining at the Kayelekera resource reflects surging spot prices and would provide a much-needed source of income and employment for Malawi, but the restart depends on new power deals with utility state Escom, as well as new finance and offtake agreements.

LSE-listed Aterian is taking a controlling stake in Atlantis Metals, which holds exploration licences in Botswana’s highly prospective Kalahari Copperbelt and Makgadikgadi regions.