French energy giant TotalEnergies SE is preparing to launch a fresh offshore drilling campaign in South African waters by 2026, expanding its footprint in the resource-rich Orange Basin that spans both South Africa and Namibia.
The move marks a strategic continuation of its efforts in the basin following the company’s landmark Venus oil discovery in Namibian territory.
The new drilling initiative is still subject to environmental approvals, a process that has proven lengthy and complex under South African regulation.
However, TotalEnergies remains optimistic about its prospects in the region, which could hold significant untapped hydrocarbon reserves.
“We have some attractive licenses just across the border, and we have actually two or three prospects. “We are working in South Africa. The process to get all the authorizations is a little long, but we hope to begin to drill South Africa targets in 2026.”
TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné
The Orange Basin, which stretches from southern Namibian waters into South Africa’s west coast, has become one of the most sought-after exploration frontiers globally after major oil finds by both TotalEnergies and Shell.
The Venus discovery, announced by TotalEnergies in early 2022, is believed to be one of the largest ever in sub-Saharan Africa, dramatically shifting the region’s energy outlook.
Shell, another major player in the basin, recently received environmental clearance to drill up to five deepwater wells off South Africa’s west coast.
This development has underscored growing international interest in the area, despite South Africa’s slow progress in building a viable domestic exploration and production sector.
While the Namibian portion of the basin is seeing rapid advancements toward commercial development, South Africa’s side remains mired in legal and bureaucratic delays.
Environmental concerns and court challenges from local communities and civil society groups have repeatedly hampered offshore exploration efforts, creating uncertainty for energy investors.
Orange Basin Ambitions
Nevertheless, TotalEnergies appears committed to navigating the regulatory landscape. Its long-term view of South Africa’s offshore potential, coupled with strategic investments already made in licensing and seismic data, suggests the company sees considerable upside.
Meanwhile, in Namibia, TotalEnergies is engaged in advanced discussions with the government over terms to develop the Venus discovery.
“We are in talks with the Namibian authorities for terms to develop the Venus prospect.
“The negotiations take time due to Namibia being new to the oil industry and TotalEnergies being the first firm out of the gate to have plans for a project developed in the country.”
TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné
Namibia, recognizing its potential to become a regional energy hub, is considering additional incentives and financing options to support global energy companies in transforming discoveries into production.
The government’s collaborative approach and openness to new investment stand in stark contrast to South Africa’s more rigid and litigious environment.
Yet, despite the contrasting regulatory dynamics, both nations are now at the center of what many analysts describe as Africa’s most promising new offshore oil frontier.
The success of Venus and other recent finds has heightened expectations that the Orange Basin may yield further world-class discoveries, especially as exploration shifts southward into South African waters.
For South Africa, the implications of a successful drilling campaign by TotalEnergies could be transformative, offering not just potential energy security but also investment, employment, and economic growth.
However, the path forward will depend heavily on how swiftly the government can streamline environmental authorizations and provide clarity for investors.
As energy markets continue to pivot toward securing long-term supply amid geopolitical shifts and growing demand, the Orange Basin is shaping up to be a critical arena in Africa’s energy future, and TotalEnergies is poised to play a leading role in unlocking its potential.
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