France Intensifies Push for Namibian Oil Amid Europe’s Energy Diversification Efforts

France is intensifying its efforts to secure a share of Namibia’s growing oil industry despite a failed offshore stake deal in February, according to reports from Business Insider Africa and other verified sources.

The push comes as Europe seeks to diversify its energy sources amid global supply disruptions, with Namibia positioned as a key emerging oil producer in Africa.

A delegation of about 20 French energy and industrial firms concluded a business mission to Namibia on April 17, signaling Paris’ intent to anchor its partnership with the southern African nation around oil and gas.

“This business mission clearly demonstrates the interest of French economic players in Namibia, as well as France’s desire to place the energy sector at the heart of its partnership,” said French ambassador Cécile Vigneau.

The visit reflects a broader strategy by France to secure Namibian crude, particularly as TotalEnergies emerged as the leading bidder in December 2025 for a stake in Galp Energia’s Mopane field, one of the largest offshore discoveries in recent years.

The Mopane field is estimated to hold billions of barrels and is seen as a critical asset in Namibia’s development as a future oil producer.

However, progress faced a setback in February when Namibia’s government rejected an offshore deal involving TotalEnergies and Petrobras, citing procedural violations and a lack of prior approval from the energy minister.

Authorities stated they were notified only “a few minutes” before the announcement and emphasized that any such transaction requires formal application and ministerial approval to be valid.

Presidential spokesperson Jonas Mbambo added that without a proper application, “no transaction can be recognised or considered valid.”

Despite the rejection, France is not retreating but instead deepening its engagement through diplomacy and industry access, organizing meetings with Namcor, the energy ministry, and global contractors active in Namibia’s offshore sector.

The renewed effort underscores France’s continued interest in Namibia’s oil sector as part of Europe’s broader push to reduce reliance on unstable energy supplies.