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From Farm-ins to First Oil: How Collaboration is Driving Namibia’s Upstream Development

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African Energy Chamber

The African Energy Chamber is partner of the Namibia International Energy Conference, which offers a strategic platform to advance partnerships and deals

WINDHOEK, Namibia, January 29, 2026/APO Group/ –As Namibia targets first oil production by 2029, collaboration has emerged as one of the defining forces shaping the country’s upstream trajectory. With deepwater exploration characterized by high capital intensity, complex geology and long development timelines, partnerships are no longer optional – they are essential. As the country advances towards first oil, platforms such as the Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) emerge as central drivers, facilitating the deals and partnerships that power the country’s upstream development.

A Block Landscape Defined by Partnerships

Namibia’s offshore block ownership structure underscores the centrality of collaboration. Most acreage is held through partnerships combining supermajors, independents and national partners, each contributing complementary strengths. International oil companies bring technical expertise, deepwater experience and balance sheet strength, while independents often drive early-stage exploration momentum and innovative geological thinking. For Namibia, this opens the doors for greater investment, mitigated risk and accelerated project timelines, supporting the country’s transition from a frontier market into an African oil producer.

Namibia’s Venus project is a clear example for how partnerships are supporting oil projects move from discovery to development. Led by operator TotalEnergies, the project is preparing to reach a final investment decision in 2026, with first oil on the cards for 2029 or 2030. The project – situated in PEL 56 – is held by TotalEnergies alongside Qatar Energy, Namcor and Impact. In December 2025, Galp acquired a 10% stake in PEL 56 under a broader deal which also grants TotalEnergies operatorship of PEL 83 – home to the Mopane discovery. Through the deal, the partners have launched an exploration and appraisal campaign which includes three wells over a two-year period – the first of which is planned for 2026. Through this diversified ownership structure, the companies have been able to pool capital, share risk and accelerate drilling across two of Namibia’s most prolific discoveries: Venus and Mopane.

Recent M&A Activity Fuels Collaboration

Recent Merger & Acquisition (M&A) activity in Namibia reflects a broader trend by upstream companies seeking to leverage partnerships to drive exploration. In September 2025, Oregen Energy increased its ownership in WestOil Limited to 48.5%, granting the company a 33.95% indirect working interest in the Orange Basin’s Block 2712A. The company is advancing an exploration program in 2026, featuring a 3D seismic acquisition campaign and a farm-out process designed to bring in an international partner.

During the same month, Eco (Atlantic) Oil and Gas secured key license extensions across its Namibian licenses – PEL 97, 98, 99 and 100 – and farmed out its 85% interest in PEL 98 to Lamda Energy. September also saw the acquisition of BISP Exploration Inc. by Stamper Oil & Gas Corp, granting Stamper controlling interests of five Namibian oil and gas blocks across the Orange, Walvis and Lüderitz basins. Energy major Chevron acquired an 80% stake in PEL 82 – situated in the Walvis Basin – while Sintana Energy acquired Challenger Energy Group. The deal grants Sintana access to eight licenses in Namibia.

These moves signal operators’ readiness to invest, collaborate and drive upstream projects forward in Namibia. By pursuing strategic farm-ins and expanding portfolios, exploration and production companies are not only driving the country toward first oil production but validating the market’s position as one of the world’s leading frontier oil and gas provinces.

NIEC: A Platform Where Collaboration Takes Shape

As international players consolidate their Namibian portfolios, NIEC 2026 emerges as a strategic platform for companies to connect with partners and advance strategic M&A deals. Returning to Windhoek for its 8th edition from 14–16 April 2026, NIEC brings together international operators, independents, financiers and Namibian stakeholders under a broader goal of establishing strategies for The Road to First Oil and Beyond.

More than a conference, NIEC functions as an ecosystem for collaboration – facilitating farm-ins, project partnerships and financing discussions that translate ambition into execution. As Namibia’s exploration story continues to unfold, it is these collaborative frameworks, forged both in boardrooms and on conference floors, that will ultimately determine how quickly and sustainably the country reaches first oil.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Energy

Venezuela Energy Week Confirms 19 August Date for Houston Industry Showcase

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Officially supported by Venezuela’s Ministry of Hydrocarbons and national oil company PDVSA, the Houston Industry Showcase will take place on 19 August, convening U.S. energy leaders ahead of Venezuela Energy Week 2027 in Caracas

HOUSTON, United States of America, August 10, 2026/APO Group/ –The organizers of Venezuela Energy Week (VEW) have confirmed that the Houston Industry Showcase will take place on 19 August 2026 at The Post Oak Hotel. Officially supported by Venezuela’s Ministry of Hydrocarbons and national oil company PDVSA, the event will bring together U.S. energy companies, investors and policymakers to explore commercial opportunities ahead of Venezuela Energy Week 2027 in Caracas in February.

The showcase will feature Minister of Hydrocarbons Paula Henao as a keynote speaker, providing an update on Venezuela’s energy priorities, investment agenda and opportunities for international partnership. Her participation underscores the country’s commitment to strengthening engagement with global industry as it seeks to expand production and unlock new upstream investment.

Bringing together exploration and production companies, independent operators, oilfield service providers, engineering firms, technology companies and financial institutions, the Houston Industry Showcase will examine opportunities across exploration, production optimization, infrastructure rehabilitation and field development.

As Venezuela works to increase oil and gas production, demand is expected to grow for the technical expertise of U.S. service providers in drilling, well intervention, completion services, production optimization, artificial lift, digital oilfield technologies and infrastructure rehabilitation. Houston-based industry leaders – including SLB, Halliburton, Baker Hughes, Weatherford and a broad network of EPC contractors, equipment manufacturers and specialized service companies – are well positioned to support the modernization of mature fields, improve operational efficiency and deliver the technologies and services needed for future upstream projects.

The Houston event follows a successful Industry Showcase in London, which brought together international investors, operators and energy service companies to explore Venezuela’s evolving investment landscape. Building on that momentum, the Houston edition will deepen engagement with the U.S. energy industry and strengthen commercial dialogue ahead of Venezuela Energy Week 2027.

Venezuela Energy Week – the country’s largest energy investment platform to date – has been confirmed for 22–25 February 2027 in Caracas. Organized by Energy Capital & Power, the event will bring together government leaders, investors and industry stakeholders from across the global energy value chain.

To register for the Houston Industry Showcase on August 19, visit https://apo-opa.co/4g0TncR. To learn more about delegate, sponsorship and partnership opportunities for the showcase or to secure your place at Venezuela Energy Week 2027 in Caracas, contact info@venezuelaenergyweek.com.

Supporting Venezuela’s Earthquake Recovery
Our thoughts are with the people and communities affected by the recent earthquakes in Venezuela. As the country begins the long process of recovery, we encourage members of the global energy community to support relief and reconstruction efforts through the CAF Recovery and Reconstruction Fund for Venezuela, which channels contributions from individuals, companies and organizations to emergency assistance, essential services and long-term rebuilding efforts.

To learn more or make a contribution, please visit the CAF Recovery and Reconstruction Fund for Venezuela (https://apo-opa.co/4hkvteE).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) Secures New Patent for Smart Stabilization System from Intellectual Property Office of Singapore

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IsDBI

The Smart Stabilization System is a pioneering digital market infrastructure designed to stabilize asset markets by intelligently managing supply-demand gaps and mitigating excessive volatility

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, August 10, 2026/APO Group/ –The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) (https://IsDBInstitute.org) is pleased to announce that the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) has granted a new patent for its innovative Smart Stabilization System.

 

The patent was granted on 10 July 2026 under Singapore Patent No. 10202250873B for the invention titled “A Computer Network Stabilization System and Method.” The patent application was filed on 1 September 2022 and was formally granted following a comprehensive review process.

This achievement reflects our commitment to translating pioneering research into practical solutions that contribute to economic resilience and sustainable development

The Smart Stabilization System is a pioneering digital market infrastructure designed to stabilize asset markets by intelligently managing supply-demand gaps and mitigating excessive volatility. Leveraging sophisticated algorithms and advanced simulation models, the system is designed to anticipate supply and demand imbalances and implement programmable stabilization measures before they escalate into market disruptions.

Unlike traditional stabilization mechanisms that rely on capital reserves, buffer funds, or external interventions, the Smart Stabilization System introduces a next-generation framework for achieving autonomous market stabilization through proactive and programmed stabilization mechanisms. By incorporating distributed ledger technology and cryptographic trust mechanisms, the platform enhances transparency, trust, and operational resilience for digital asset and commodity markets.

The successful patent grant reflects IsDBI’s growing contribution to technological innovation and its commitment to developing knowledge-based solutions that address contemporary economic and development challenges.

Since filing the patent application back in 2022, the Institute has continued to advance the Smart Stabilization System through ongoing development and testing, aimed to expand its practical applications and support future capitalization opportunities. These advancements have positioned the system as a potentially transformative solution for enhancing stability and resilience in increasingly digital and interconnected economies.

Commenting on this occasion, Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem, Acting Director General of IsDBI, said, “The grant of this patent by the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore further strengthens the Institute’s position as a leader in developing innovative knowledge-based solutions that leverage modern technologies to address complex development challenges. This achievement reflects our commitment to translating pioneering research into practical solutions that contribute to economic resilience and sustainable development.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI).

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Liberia to Preview Next Oil & Gas Licensing Round Strategy at Houston Investor Day

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The Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority will host operators, investors and partners in Houston on August 19 to preview future licensing opportunities and showcase the exploration potential of its offshore basins

HOUSTON, United States of America, August 7, 2026/APO Group/ –The Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA) will present its strategy for the country’s next offshore licensing round at Liberia Investor Day Houston on August 19, bringing together international exploration companies, investors, service providers and energy leaders to discuss the next phase of Liberia’s upstream development.

Hosted in partnership with Energy Capital & Power, the event will provide a platform for the LPRA, led by Director General Hon. Marilyn T. Logan, to outline Liberia’s regulatory framework, investment priorities and plans to attract new participation across the country’s offshore sector. Discussions will focus on upcoming licensing opportunities, exploration prospects and the subsurface data supporting future investment decisions.

Liberia’s offshore sector is entering a new phase of exploration activity, with renewed international participation and a growing pipeline of opportunities. Following the award and ratification of eight Production Sharing Contracts in 2025, Liberia has re-established itself as a frontier exploration destination, with international operators advancing work programs designed to further evaluate the country’s petroleum potential. TotalEnergies is progressing exploration activities that include offshore geochemical surveys, 3D seismic acquisition and seabed mapping, while Oranto Petroleum has also signed contracts to explore Liberia’s offshore.

At the Liberia Investor Day Houston, the LPRA will provide industry stakeholders with insight into the priorities shaping the next licensing round, including the anticipated process, qualification requirements, available acreage and access to technical data. The engagement will give prospective investors a clearer view of Liberia’s exploration landscape and the opportunities emerging across its offshore basins.

The event will also facilitate direct dialogue between LPRA and the global upstream community, connecting companies with policymakers and industry stakeholders involved in shaping Liberia’s next chapter of petroleum development.

As exploration companies continue to seek new frontier opportunities, Liberia Investor Day Houston will highlight the role of regulatory certainty, data availability and strategic partnerships in unlocking long-term investment across Liberia’s offshore sector.

Registration is now open for attendees. Companies interested in Liberia’s emerging offshore opportunities are invited to join LPRA, investors and upstream leaders in Houston for insights into the country’s licensing strategy and exploration outlook. For more information contact info@energycapitalpower.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

 

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