oil exploration

Interview: Investigative Researcher Challenges ReconAfrica’s Oil Discovery Claims

Investigative researcher Rob Parker has issued a strong warning regarding recent media headlines suggesting that Canadian oil company ReconAfrica has discovered oil in the Kavango region. Parker, who has monitored the company’s activities for years, says the public should treat such claims with caution. According to him, the company “has a long-established pattern of using cherry-picked information” to present a narrative of discovery, even when the technical evidence does not […]

9 December, 2025

Business / Economics

Oil & Gas industry gathers momentum at 3rd NOGC conference

Robin Sherbourne (Photo: Economic Association of Namibia via LinkedIn) The third Namibia Oil & Gas Conference (NOGC) kicked off yesterday in Windhoek, attracting industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from Namibia and beyond. The event places a strong emphasis on aligning the burgeoning oil and gas sector with national development priorities, particularly as the industry shifts from exploration to production. Economist Robin Sherbourne addressed attendees, highlighting the potential economic dividends and […]

13 August, 2025

Interview Transcripts

Interview: Activist Questions ReconAfrica’s Oil Claims and Namcor Share Deal Silence

Social justice advocate Roob Parker is demanding answers over what he calls a troubling lack of transparency surrounding ReconAfrica’s operations in Namibia. In an interview, Parker questioned why a 2022 letter of intent — which proposed the sale of 5% of Namcor’s shares in ReconAfrica — never materialized into a completed transaction. “The shares were supposed to be sold at roughly $4 to $4.50 each, but here we are, years […]

23 July, 2025

Business / Economics

Parker Slams Lack of Clarity in ReconAfrica Oil Venture

Rob Parker, a prominent social justice activist, has cast doubt on the legitimacy of ReconAfrica’s operations, citing broken commitments and suspicious share activity. He demands full disclosure, especially on Namcor’s continued involvement in a project he claims lacks any tangible oil findings.

23 July, 2025

Business / Economics

27 February-6 March 2025 Weekly Economics Wrap: Insights from Global to Local Markets

Offshore Ecosystem and the Risks of Overexploitation U.S.-based marine scientist, Dr. Vincent Pieribone, has sounded the alarm over the increasing risk of pollution and overexploitation of Namibia's offshore ecosystem. The marine expert raised concerns that ongoing activities such as oil and gas exploration, fishing, and diamond mining threaten the delicate marine environment. Dr. Pieribone warned that these industries, while economically beneficial, could lead to irreversible damage to the country’s rich […]

6 March, 2025

Business / Economics

NAMCOR Completes Drilling of Sagittarius-1X Well

The National Petroleum Corporation and its partners have completed drilling the Sagittarius-1X exploration well in Block 2914 of the Orange Basin. NAMCOR’s Manager of Marketing, Communications, and Public Relations, Paulo Coelho: indicates that drilling began on 18 December 2024 using the Noble Venturer drillship and reached total depth on 6 February 2025.

19 February, 2025

Business / Economics

Namcor reports on operational progress of Venus wells

Exterior view of the NAMCOR (National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia) offices The National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor) has made significant progress in its post-well studies for the Venus oil wells. The studies, which include analysing core samples, logging data, and fluid samples, form part of Namibia’s growing oil exploration activities in the Orange Basin. Ongoing collaboration and operational updates Namcor’s latest operational update indicates […]

27 January, 2025

Business / Economics

Immanuel Mulunga Highlights Low Odds of Finding Viable Oil in Namibia

Former petroleum commissioner, Immanuel Mulunga, estimates a 25–35% chance of companies discovering commercially viable oil in Namibia. Speaking with local media, the ex-Namcor managing director commented on Chevron’s recent announcement about failing to find hydrocarbons in the Orange Basin. Mulunga emphasized that oil exploration remains a high-risk endeavor.

17 January, 2025

Business / Economics

Shell’s challenges may reflect wider issues for oil drilling companies

Shell used the Deepsea Bollsta rig, formerly known as West Bollsta for its drilling campaign in Namibia's Orange Basin; Source: Odfjell Drilling Energy lawyer Shakwa Nyambe has cautioned that the challenges Shell is facing in the Orange and Walvis Basins may soon affect other oil drilling companies operating in these regions. His remarks follow the UK-headquartered energy giant's recent write-down of US$400 million in the Orange Basin. Speaking to […]

13 January, 2025