Namibia is on the brink of a major energy breakthrough, as early assessments from the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor) suggest the country could produce more than 2.5 million tonnes of natural gas annually, thanks to a string of recent discoveries since 2022.

Speaking at the Namibia International Energy Conference on 24 April, Namcor’s Executive of Upstream Development and Production, Mtundeni Ndafyaalako, outlined an ambitious dual-pronged strategy aimed at unlocking the nation’s full gas potential. This approach blends strong legislative frameworks for infrastructure coordination with an aggressive push to expand exploration and attract investment.


“We have launched a gas monetisation strategy project to support both government and industry on how best to commercialise gas,” said Ndafyaalako. “From our appraisals, we now have a clearer picture of production potential and various applications,” 

A central feature of this strategy is the development of investor-friendly policies that foster collaboration among operators, while also drawing in new entrants to Namibia’s burgeoning gas sector.

BW Kudu, a key player in the offshore Kudu gas field, is aligning itself with this vision. Deputy General Manager Manfriedt Muundjua highlighted the company’s commitment to local capacity building through skills transfer, training, and localisation of procurement and ownership. “We already have a downstream investment partner lined up to join us once production at Kudu begins.” he said, adding that drilling of new wells is set to begin this October.

Downstream infrastructure investment is also gaining traction, with BW Kudu confirming that a private partner is already positioned to join once production kicks off.

On the financial front, Standard Bank’s Paul Eardley-Taylor advocated for the development of “shadow infrastructure” in southern Namibia. He stressed the need to redirect oil revenues toward gas infrastructure to counter regional energy deficits. He also proposed public-private partnerships to facilitate this development and suggested Namibia could rise as southern Africa’s new energy hub, a role previously dominated by South Africa.

Energy analytics firm Wood Mackenzie echoed this optimism. Its Research Director for Upstream, Ian Thom, projected that Namibia could roll out a comprehensive gas master plan within nine months. With only 59% of Namibians currently connected to the electricity grid, Thom said gas-powered electricity could dramatically improve access across homes, industries, and businesses.

“Namibia could generate more value by exporting electricity rather than raw gas, given the limited infrastructure for gas exports and the high costs associated with building it,” he noted.

All eyes will now turn to African Energy Week, scheduled for 29 September to 3 October in Cape Town, where Namibia’s rising energy profile will take centre stage. The event promises to connect Namibian and African projects with global investors through high-level discussions, project showcases, and deal signings.

With momentum building across exploration, investment, and infrastructure, Namibia is positioning itself not just as a gas producer, but as a regional energy powerhouse with transformative potential.