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Namibia: Shell Write Down Merely a Speed Bump, not a Road Block

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2 years ago

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Namibia

The country still offers substantial potential in the offshore Orange Basin, confirmed by major projects such as TotalEnergies’ appraisal campaign in PEL 56

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, January 9, 2025/APO Group/ — 

Energy major Shell has announced that oil discovered offshore Namibia in Petroleum Exploration License (PEL) 39 cannot be currently confirmed for commercial development. As such, the company will write down $400 million, citing technical and geological difficulties encountered at the license.

While stakeholders deem this as a ‘blow to the country,’ the African Energy Chamber (AEC) – serving as the voice of the African energy sector – considers this merely a speed bump in Namibia’s oil development rather than a road block. Namibia still offers significant potential in the offshore Orange Basin and beyond, underscored by the positive exploration campaigns currently underway.

Shell made headlines in 2022 with the discovery of the Graff-1X exploration well in PEL 39. Since this find, the company has drilled an additional 8 wells, namely La Rona-1X, Jonker-1X, Graff-1A, Lesedi-1X, Cullinan-1X, Jonker-1A, Jonker-2A and Enigma-1X. Situated 250 km in the deep offshore, PEL 39 covers 12,000 km² – twice the size of Namibia’s capital city Windhoek. While subsurface complexities may exist, the current findings across the country are still promising. Moving further north, reservoir quality is expected to improve. A more in-depth analysis of the data by the exploration team could uncover opportunities for a gas strategy, potentially revealing new possibilities.

Shell and other operators have only scratched the surface of the vast exploration opportunities available in Namibia

The Orange Basin, particularly the northern areas, still holds significant exploration prospects with potential for commercially viable discoveries. Leading international oil companies and independents continue to position the basin as one of the most sought-after exploration hotspots, with various exploration campaigns expected to yield strong results. Energy major TotalEnergies, for example, is expected to make a Final Investment Decision on its Orange Basin projects in 2025, following strong discoveries. The company currently operates two offshore exploration licenses in the Orange Basin – Block 2912 and 2913B – in PEL 56 and is currently engaged in a multi-well appraisal and exploration drilling campaign in Block 2913B, following the expansion of its interests in both blocks in 2024. First oil is targeted for 2029.

Other players, including Woodside Energy, Galp and Rhino Resources continue to explore Namibia’s potential. Woodside Energy is expected to become the operator of PEL 87, following the approval of a permit and access to seismic data. Galp has seen significant success offshore Namibia with two discoveries made at the Mopane complex. The company is seeking a farm-in partner, with Brazil’s Petrobras exploring the opportunity. Meanwhile, Rhino Resources will begin drilling activities at PEL 85 in Q1, 2025, with plans to drill two high-impact wells.

The Orange Basin is believed to be rich in oil, with promising exploration opportunities in the north. Gas prospects are also prolific, underscoring the future potential and emerging growth opportunities present in the basin. However, Namibia’s oil potential doesn’t end with this basin. Beyond the Orange Basin, Namibia’s on- and offshore acreage offers high potential for impactful discoveries, particularly in basins such as Walvis, Kuene, Kavango and Namibe.

The Walvis Basin covers an area of 17,295 km² and serves as one of the most prolific gas provinces worldwide, and various companies are engaged in exploration activities. Eco Atlantic is assessing opportunities for development in PEL 97, PEL 98, PEL 99 and PEL 100, while Tower Resources is conducting an oil seep analysis and review of existing volumetric data on existing prospects and leads in Block 1910A, 1911 and 1912A. The company has identified the presence of multi-billion-barrels-of-oil-structures. Global Petroleum renewed its license for PEL 94 to September 2025, aiming to acquire, process and interpret 2,000 km of 3D seismic data. The company also plans to drill one well. Additionally, Chevron acquired an 80% operating interest in PEL 82 in the Walvis Basin in 2024.

Onshore, ReconAfrica is leading exploration in the Kavango Basin. The company confirmed the presence of an active petroleum system in November 2023 and seeks to obtain a 25-year production license following a discovery in PEL 73. The Kavango basin could likely hold as much as 30 billion barrels of oil, highlighting the potential across in-land basins.

“There is no need for alarm. Exploration in these blocks is ongoing, and discoveries may need to be tied in with other finds within the basin. It’s worth noting that these blocks are massive, spanning up to 10,000 square kilometers – larger than some countries. Shell and other operators have only scratched the surface of the vast exploration opportunities available in Namibia. The country’s oil and gas story is still unfolding, and there’s so much more to come. The government has been a strong supporter of investment into the oil sector and has created a stable climate that makes Namibia a go to destination for investors,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Business

Carbon, water and grid investment move to the centre of Africa’s business resilience agenda

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10 hours ago

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September 24, 2026

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A new series of VUKA Group webinars will bring industry experts together to examine these challenges and the practical decisions organisations need to make

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, September 24, 2026/APO Group/ –Commercial and industrial businesses, utilities and investors across Africa are being forced to confront three increasingly connected challenges: credible decarbonisation, water security and the infrastructure required to support reliable power systems.

A new series of VUKA Group webinars will bring industry experts together to examine these challenges and the practical decisions organisations need to make.

 




 
Commercial and industrial compliance in the spotlight

On 29 September 2026 at 13:00 SAST, Carbon, compliance and credible energy claims: What C&I customers must get right will explore how commercial and industrial energy users can align renewable energy procurement with carbon accounting standards and evolving reporting obligations.

The discussion will examine the evidence required to substantiate renewable electricity claims, the role of Renewable Energy Certificates in Scope 2 reporting, the implications of mechanisms such as the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and how organisations can reduce greenwashing risk while strengthening emissions reporting.

Speakers include Sanelisiwe Mdlalose, Hulamin; Hendrick Raedani, City of Ekurhuleni; and Duane Newman, EY.

Register for the carbon compliance webinar: https://apo-opa.co/4AtqRKf

These issues will continue at the C&I Energy + Storage Summit Johannesburg, 28–29 October 2026 at The Maslow Hotel, Sandton, where energy procurement, carbon taxes, renewable integration, storage, market reform and industrial resilience form part of the programme.

Find out more about the Summit: https://apo-opa.co/4xMkZsR

Strategy for African water resilience

Water resilience takes centre stage on 30 September 2026 at 14:00 SAST with From water risk to water resilience: How South Africa’s water-intensive industries are securing their future.

The webinar will examine how businesses are responding to ageing infrastructure, supply uncertainty, rising costs and sustainability pressures by improving efficiency, diversifying water sources and investing in reuse, recycling and smarter water management.

The webinar line-up includes Benoit Le Roy, South African Water Chamber NPC; Nsuku Chankira, Thungela; Molatelo Motau, Heineken Beverages; Marilyn Maduka, Credew Limited; and Philindile Mahlangu from Magalies Water as moderator.

Register for the water resilience webinar: https://apo-opa.co/4z0aJyx

The conversation continues at Water Security Africa Johannesburg, co-located with the C&I Energy + Storage Summit, where industrial water independence, infrastructure finance, digital water systems, reuse and business continuity will be explored across two days.

Read more here: https://apo-opa.co/4yfjlBj

Towards Africa’s scalable energy transition

Looking to the infrastructure enabling Africa’s energy transition, Scaling transmission infrastructure: Innovative financing models for emerging markets takes place on 14 October 2026 at 14:00 SAST, moderated by Tshegofatso Neeuwfan, Global Energy Alliance.

Using the Mozambique Temane Transmission Project and insights from Belgian transmission system operator Elia, the webinar will explore bankable project structures, risk allocation and investor engagement that can help move major transmission projects from planning to delivery.

Register for the transmission infrastructure webinar: https://apo-opa.co/4ycMnkS

Transmission investment, project delivery and financing will remain central to Enlit Africa, 11–13 May 2027 at the CTICC in Cape Town, bringing Africa’s power, energy and water sectors together around supply security, investment and infrastructure development.

Join the Enlit Africa 2027 programme waiting list: www.Enlit-Africa.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

 




 

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Events

Dongfeng Motor’s 10th Science and Technology Innovation Week and 1st User Lifestyle Festival Kick Off in Wuhan

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11 hours ago

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September 24, 2026

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Dongfeng

Over the course of ten editions spanning a decade, Dongfeng Motor’s Science and Technology Innovation Week has further strengthened the connection between technology and users

WUHAN, China, September 24, 2026/APO Group/ –On September 14, Dongfeng Motor’s (​http://www.Dongfeng-Global.com/) 10th Science and Technology Innovation Week and 1st User Lifestyle Festival kicked off in Wuhan. With the theme “ Wind from the East, Creating a Smart Life,” the event showcased the innovative achievements of a Chinese automaker in intelligent and green mobility, as well as its global expansion.

 




 
 

At the opening ceremony, Dongfeng Motor unveiled the “Sky-Clean Zero-Carbon” Plan, the Embodied Intelligent Vehicle All-Domain Protection Plan, and the “Sky Horizon Voyage” Plan. Among them, the “Sky-Clean Zero-Carbon” Plan leverages the “1331” framework to build an integrated vehicle-energy ecosystem, aiming to achieve more than 1 million tonnes of coordinated carbon reduction annually and promote the transformation of automobiles into mobile energy assets; the Embodied Intelligent Vehicle All-Domain Protection Plan adopts a “1+6+4” technology system to establish a new paradigm for all-domain vehicle safety in the era of embodied intelligence; the “Sky Horizon Voyage” Plan establishes a “125” global business strategy, with plans to invest RMB 50 billion and launch more than 50 vehicle models, while striving to achieve overseas sales of 1.5 million vehicles by 2030.

 

Over the course of ten editions spanning a decade, Dongfeng Motor’s Science and Technology Innovation Week has further strengthened the connection between technology and users. At Dongfeng Motor’s 1st User Lifestyle Festival, more than 240 owner representatives from its various brands gathered in Wuhan. Dongfeng also launched the “Dongfeng Youxin” service brand for its broad user base, establishing a full-lifecycle user service system.

On the same day, the 72nd International Commercial Vehicle and Parts Exhibition opened in Hannover, Germany. Three Dongfeng hydrogen-powered vehicles and a 400-kilowatt fuel cell making its global debut are on display at Booth C20 in Hall H12.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Dongfeng Motor Corporation.

 

 




 

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Events

Global Mayors Dialogue in Wuhan focuses on urban innovation and cooperation

Published

18 hours ago

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September 24, 2026

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The Global Mayors Dialogue

WUHAN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 September 2026 – The Global Mayors Dialogue · Wuhan and the 2026 Wuhan International Friendship Cities Cooperation Conference, held from Sept. 18 to 21, brought together 80 international guests from 24 cities across 22 countries, according to organizers.

At the event, mayors and city representatives from six international sister cities of Wuhan called for closer cooperation in technology, industry, education and culture.

Representatives from Manchester in Britain, Kemi in Finland, Cape Town in South Africa, Yangon in Myanmar, Rzeszów in Poland and Turkistan in Kazakhstan took part in discussions on urban innovation, industrial cooperation and cultural exchange.
 




 
Manchester: a new start after 40 years of friendship

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Wuhan and Manchester.

Shaukat Ali, lord mayor of Manchester, said the city was ready to deepen cooperation with Wuhan in education, culture, youth affairs, innovation and industry.

“Manchester is committed to promoting urban transformation through open cooperation, sharing opportunities, and fostering common development with international sister cities like Wuhan,” he said.

Ali said Manchester had developed from a post-industrial city into an innovation-oriented economy, with a focus on advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, life sciences and green technologies.

He said the two cities could share experience in urban transformation, innovation districts, university-industry cooperation and low-carbon development, while encouraging links among universities, businesses and research institutions.

He also highlighted existing educational and cultural links, including cooperation between Hubei University and Manchester Metropolitan University and exchanges between the Royal Northern College of Music and Wuhan Conservatory of Music.

Kemi: balancing growth with environmental protection

Mikko Koivulehto, chairman of the City Council of Kemi, said the Finnish city sought to balance economic growth with environmental protection.

“We believe that protecting nature and building a prosperous city can go hand in hand,” he said.

Kemi, a port city in Finnish Lapland, has developed industries based on renewable raw materials, clean energy and the bioeconomy. The city is also seeking to expand tourism and improve livability.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the friendly exchange relationship between Wuhan and Kemi. The two cities have cooperated in areas including trade, the circular economy, tourism and youth exchanges.

Cape Town: technology and jobs key to urban transformation

Lungelo Mbandazayo, city manager of Cape Town, said technological innovation, talent development, infrastructure and green renewal were key to Wuhan’s transformation.

Cape Town, a UNESCO City of Design, is seeking to expand its technology and digital sectors while promoting green technology and an inclusive economy.

Mbandazayo said youth unemployment remained a major challenge for Cape Town and that technological development needed to create jobs.

After visiting Wuhan companies and technology facilities, he said Cape Town hoped to deepen exchanges with Wuhan in technology and talent.

Yangon: seeking practical cooperation with Wuhan

Yangon Mayor Myo Myint Aung said the city was looking to Wuhan for experience in smart-city development, digital governance, intelligent transport and urban resilience.

Wuhan and Yangon signed a letter of intent on friendly exchanges and cooperation during the event.

Yangon is developing a long-term plan to accommodate population growth and expand its urban, industrial and transport infrastructure.

During a visit to Wuhan on Sept. 19, Myo toured the Optics Valley “Photon” suspended monorail, HGTECH and a Xiaomi smart home appliance factory.

“We came to Wuhan not just to observe, but to learn and cooperate,” he said, adding that Yangon hoped to develop smart manufacturing and strengthen cooperation in information technology.

Rzeszów: opportunities in aerospace and technology

Rzeszów Mayor Konrad Fijołek said the Polish city hoped to cooperate with Wuhan in aerospace, sensor technology, biodiversity and climate action.

Rzeszów is home to the “Aviation Valley,” a major aerospace cluster in Central Europe.

“Exploring cooperation with Wuhan is the reason I came here,” Fijołek said.

After visiting HGTECH and a Xiaomi smart home appliance factory, he said Wuhan’s automated manufacturing and technologies in sensors and satellite systems had impressed him.

He said cities could help connect universities, businesses and research institutions and promote international cooperation.

Turkistan: five areas for cooperation

Turkestan Mayor Azimbek Pazylbekuly said his city hoped to expand cooperation with Wuhan in tourism and culture, education and science, investment and entrepreneurship, digitalization and innovation, and transport and logistics.

Wuhan and Turkistan signed a memorandum of intent on friendly exchanges and cooperation during the event.

Turkistan, an ancient Silk Road city and a UNESCO World Heritage site, has been developing industries including food processing, textiles, furniture and construction materials.

Pazylbekuly said cooperation between governments, businesses, universities and research institutions could help turn the two cities’ exchanges into concrete projects.

The conference also included friendship-city anniversary celebrations and a signing ceremony for 10 cooperation projects. A digital list of cooperation opportunities and an initiative on international friendship-city cooperation were released.

During their stay, the visiting mayors toured Wuhan’s technology, manufacturing and ecological facilities, including the Optics Valley suspended monorail, a Yangtze finless porpoise conservation center, Xiaomi, HGTECH and Dongfeng Motor facilities.
  




 

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