Namibian Delegation Visits Algeria to Boost Oil and Gas Cooperation
Takeaway
Namibia's strategic partnership with Algeria provides a crucial framework for international investors assessing Namibia's energy sector. Investors should monitor the progress of legal and technical frameworks developed with Algerian expertise, as these will directly impact the risk and return profiles of Namibian oil and gas projects. The extent to which Namibia can replicate Algeria's success in managing state-owned enterprises will be a key indicator of long-term value creation.
A high-level Namibian delegation, led by Cornelia Shilunga, Special Advisor to the President of Namibia and Head of the Upstream Petroleum Unit, began a working visit to Algeria on February 22, 2026. The visit, which will continue until February 28, aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in the oil and gas sector, and to learn from Algeria's experience in the industry. The delegation includes representatives from the hydrocarbons, energy, and mining sectors. Lucia Witbooi, who also serves as the Head of the Upstream Petroleum Unit, was initially reported to be leading the delegation.
Algeria has committed to sharing its energy expertise with Namibia, offering legal support, capacity building, and technical training to bolster Namibia's burgeoning oil and gas industry. This commitment aligns with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune's vision of fostering African partnerships rooted in mutual growth. In September 2025, Namibia's Vice President, Lucia Witbooi, met with Algeria's Minister of Energy, Mines and Renewable Energy, Mohamed Arkab, in Algiers, solidifying this collaboration. These discussions focused on providing legal advisory support, technical training, and expert exchanges to establish a robust foundation for Namibia's rapidly developing petroleum sector.
Namibia's oil and gas sector is experiencing rapid growth, driven by recent discoveries of substantial oil deposits off its coast. These discoveries, including those by Shell, TotalEnergies, and local partners in the Orange Basin and deeper Tethys Basin, could potentially transform Namibia into a significant player in the global energy market. Preliminary estimates suggest recoverable resources in the billions of barrels of oil equivalent. Namibia's offshore reserves are estimated at 20 billion barrels. The Kudu Gas Fields, discovered in 1974, also hold the potential to transform Namibia into a net electricity exporter through gas-to-power production.
Algeria, with the tenth-largest proven natural gas reserves globally, the world's fourth-largest gas exporter, and the third-largest untapped shale gas resources, possesses considerable experience in the oil and gas sector. State-owned Sonatrach controls approximately 80% of Algeria's hydrocarbon production. Namibia seeks to leverage Algeria's expertise in managing state-owned enterprises like Sonatrach, negotiating with international oil companies, and investing in downstream facilities. This collaboration aims to help Namibia avoid common pitfalls and maximize the benefits from its natural resources.
The Namibian delegation's visit and the ongoing collaboration with Algeria are crucial steps for Namibia as it prepares for large-scale oil production in the coming years. The next key event to watch for is TotalEnergies' final investment decision in 2026, which is likely to set the tone for broader development of the Orange Basin. The successful development of Namibia's oil and gas sector could significantly boost its GDP, potentially doubling it by 2040.