Namibia tables Petroleum Amendment Bill to strengthen oversight of oil and gas sector

Interim Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, Frans Kapofi, has tabled the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Amendment Bill of 2025 in Parliament, seeking to modernise the country’s petroleum laws and tighten oversight of its growing oil and gas industry.

The bill proposes the creation of an Upstream Petroleum Unit under the Office of the President to oversee exploration and production activities. According to Kapofi, the proposed reforms aim to support transparency, strengthen regulation, and ensure greater accountability in the management of Namibia’s petroleum resources.

Economist Almandro Jansen of Simonis Storm described the bill as a positive step toward improving efficiency in the sector.

He said the creation of the upstream unit would help streamline decision-making and reduce delays in investment approvals and licensing processes.

“It’s a step in the right direction,” Jansen said. “Centralising oversight could speed up investment approvals, improve compliance, and ensure better management of royalties and fiscal benefits.”

The bill comes as Namibia positions itself to become a significant oil producer following recent offshore discoveries by TotalEnergies, Shell, and other exploration companies. Lawmakers are expected to debate the bill in the coming weeks.

The primary objective of the amendment is to centralise control of the country’s fast-expanding petroleum activities under the Presidency to ensure continuity, efficiency, and greater national benefit from resource wealth.