Namibia is about to enter a transformative phase in its national development, driven by potentially material hydrocarbon discoveries in the Orange Basin. Once considered a frontier region, the basin has emerged as one of Africa’s most promising petroleum provinces, thanks to exploration successes by Shell, TotalEnergies, Galp and Rhino Resources.  

These discoveries have shifted the national conversation from speculation towards strategy and planning. The question is no longer whether hydrocarbons will shape Namibia’s future, but how to ensure that their development delivers sustainable, equitable and holistic growth for all Namibians. The country stands at the threshold of a new chapter—one that offers the potential to uplift communities, strengthen institutions and redefine its economic trajectory. 

The challenge now is to foster an energy industry that is not only commercially successful but also socially responsible. Namibia must ensure the benefits of development are widely shared, and that the country’s natural resources serve as a foundation for long-term prosperity.  

Learning from global examples

Namibia’s opportunity is not just geological—it is strategic and social. The nation has the chance to learn from the experiences of other resource-rich countries, both their successes and their missteps. Guyana, for example, has emerged as a compelling model for responsible resource management in South America, demonstrating how a well-governed energy sector can drive national transformation. Namibia can follow a similar path, becoming a leading light in the African continent and showing the way to responsibly harness energy wealth. 


The challenge now is to foster an energy industry that is not only commercially successful but also socially responsible

In addition, Namibia enjoys the rare advantage of a clean sheet—an opportunity to build a robust energy industry from the ground up. This fresh start allows the country to design investor-friendly policies, strategic partnerships and best-in-class practices that reflect the modern world and the future of the energy industry. It also enables Namibia to avoid the pitfalls that have plagued other nations, such as environmental degradation, inequality and corruption. 

Namibia taking a pragmatic and proactive approach

The Namibian government has responded to this opportunity with commendable pragmatism. Namibia’s transparent and stable political environment has laid a strong foundation for the emerging energy sector. This clarity and consistency are essential pillars for attracting the substantial investments that will be required to move from exploration to production. Multibillion-dollar projects demand confidence in governance, and Namibia is showing that it understands the importance of creating a de-risked commercial environment for investors. 

The government’s proactive engagement with industry stakeholders reflects the hallmarks of a collaborative spirit that will be vital in achieving long-term success. While geological potential is the starting point, economic viability ultimately depends on robust ‘above-ground’ frameworks that support and sustain development. Namibia’s approach represents a win-win scenario for both government and industry, where mutual trust and shared goals will drive progress. 

From discovery to development

Rhino Resources is proud to be part of this journey, operating deepwater PEL-85 in partnership with NAMCOR, Azule Energy and Korres Investments. In 2025, this partnership made three significant discoveries: Sagittarius-1X, Capricornus-1X—which tested at 11,000b/d—and Volans-1X. These discoveries underscore the geological potential of Namibia’s offshore resources. They also reflect the strength of collaboration between international expertise and national ambition. 

Rhino’s ambition is to forge a realistic and efficient pathway for the PEL-85 partner group to reach first oil in Namibia first, with a target of achieving this milestone by 2030. Such an achievement would mark a historic moment for the country, unlocking new avenues for economic growth and national development. 

Successful translation from the exploration to production phase will require the development of an integrated industrial base, with strong backward and forward linkages to other existing sectors of the economy. In this regard, Namibia’s latent strength lies in its existing workforce of heavy industry (mining) and offshore (fishing) professionals. Through a pragmatic blend of regulation, partnership and on-the-job training, the country is building local capacity that will support long-term industry growth.  

Ensuring sustainable development

Sustainable resource development is at the heart of Rhino Resources’ approach to stewardship. The company is committed to balancing business imperatives with good corporate citizenship, focusing not just on barrels and GDP, but on opportunity and shared prosperity. During the recent Volans drilling campaign, more than 60% of the operational workforce were Namibian nationals—a testament to the country’s growing technical capability. 


The potential of the Orange Basin is no longer theoretical—it is real, tangible and transformative

Rhino has also partnered with Halliburton to establish the Rhino–Halliburton Technology Centre at the University of Namibia’s Southern Campus in Keetmanshoop. This initiative has already trained more than 100 students and professionals in petroleum operations, equipping them with the skills needed to participate in, and one day lead, the country’s energy future. Across the broader industry, collaboration with local suppliers has resulted in approximately 80% of supply chain spending being retained within Namibia—amounting to approximately N$3.8b ($221.7m). 

These figures are indicative of a development model that prioritises local empowerment and economic resilience. Each Namibian trained or employed strengthens the country’s ability to manage its own energy future. The focus on local participation ensures that the benefits of development are widely shared, creating a virtuous cycle of investment, capability-building and national growth. 

A defining opportunity

Namibia now stands at a defining moment in its history. The country has the opportunity to harness its newfound energy wealth not merely for economic gain but as a profound catalyst for national and regional transformation. The collaborative spirit between government and industry, exemplified by Rhino Resources and its partners, is shaping an energy future that is both prosperous and equitable. 

By prioritising responsible development, fostering local capabilities and ensuring broad-based participation, Namibia is not just building an oil and gas industry, it is crafting a model for sustainable growth that can inspire the African continent. This is indeed a new dawn for Namibia. The potential of the Orange Basin is no longer theoretical—it is real, tangible and transformative. The time is now to translate this potential into lasting opportunity, shared prosperity and a legacy that benefits all Namibians. 

Travis Smithard is CEO of Rhino Resources. To read Outlook 2026 in full, click here.