TotalEnergies plans to invest multi-billion dollar investment

By: Envaalde Matheus

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has welcomed TotalEnergies’ plan to invest in the country’s energy sector.

CEO Patrick Pouyanné asked Nandi-Ndaitwah to start formal discussions on large-scale oil, gas, and renewable energy projects.

The President’s State of the Nation Address on Thursday emphasised the importance of foreign investment in driving national progress.

Nandi-Ndaitwah described the TotalEnergies plan as timely and aligned with the nation’s development goals.

“The sector in which you are involved is a critical one. It’s not new in the world, but it’s new in Namibia,” said Ndaitwah.

“Namibians are excited, and their expectations are high. We are looking forward to good discussions that will shape our future.”

Pouyanné said these projects are part of a medium- and long-term investment strategy to integrate local employment, skills development, and infrastructure.

“It’s not a matter of a few expatriates — it’s about national staff, training, education, and real participation,” Pouyanné stated. “Our strategy is to be local in each country — we work for the local economy and people.”

He added that TotalEnergies is evolving into a broader energy company, with a strong emphasis on electricity generation from both gas and renewables.

“Total changed its name in 2020 to reflect our new direction,” he said. “We’ve built a portfolio of 28 gigawatts of electricity capacity — 60% to 70% of that is renewables. That’s a direction we’re excited to explore here in Namibia as well,” he said.

TotalEnergies has operated fuel stations in Namibia since 1964, but potentially the company’s first project in the country.