President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is looking to Angola's oil and gas expertise as Namibia develops its petroleum resources.
During her visit to the Luanda Refinery, Angola's Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas, Diamantino Azevedo, outlined the investments and reforms that have shaped the country's oil industry.
Azevedo identified exploration, production, refining, and distribution as key areas for stronger Namibia-Angola cooperation.
Angola's oil production grew from about 175,000 barrels per day at independence in 1975 to a peak of approximately two million barrels daily in 2008.
However, declining output from mature oil fields, reduced investment, and changing global economic conditions have challenged the industry since 2014.
To revive production, Angola has allocated 72 oil blocks in recent years, with 50 contracts signed, alongside measures to attract investment and unlock additional reserves.
Despite its production capacity, Angola still imports about 70% of its diesel and petrol needs.
The government is expanding refining capacity through projects in Cabinda, Soyo, and Lobito, planned to process between 60,000 and 200,000 barrels of oil per day, respectively.
“Angola currently has a well-established oil industry, supported by strategically important infrastructure. However, we acknowledge the necessity of ongoing investments in its modernization and development. To this end, the Angolan government has been promoting comprehensive programs and projects that encompass exploration and production, as well as the transformation, distribution, and commercialisation of petroleum products.”
President Nandi-Ndaitwah toured Sonangol's Luanda Refinery during her state visit to learn from Angola's petroleum processing operations and technical capacity as Namibia prepares to develop its own oil and gas resources.
Angola's experience also offers Namibia lessons in developing its petroleum industry, attracting investment and building infrastructure for refining and distribution.
“The Lobito Refinery offers our countries an opportunity to explore mutually beneficial cooperation in petroleum products, logistics, storage, and distribution, subject to commercial viability. Such engagement could strengthen regional energy linkages and create opportunities for businesses in both countries,” explained Azevedo.
Azevedo stressed the importance of developing local technical skills and investing in research and innovation to sustain the industry.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah continued to advocate for Namibia's participation in the sector through skills development, technology transfer, and opportunities for local expertise.