By: Dwight Links
Industry, Mines and Energy Minister Modestus Amutse submitted a bill to amend the current Petroleum Act. This happened in the first full session of the National Assembly after its opening last week.
Amutse stated that the submission of the Petroleum (exploration and production) Amendment bill of 2025 was that of “strategic importance to the management and governance of Namibia’s petroleum resources.”
He noted that “Namibia stands at a transformative moment in its economic and energy journey. The recent world-class oil discoveries in our offshore basins have positioned our country as an emerging energy hub on the African continent. This moment calls for a robust, modern, and transparent legal framework that can guide our upstream petroleum sector responsibly and efficiently,” as the aim is to modernise and strengthen the existing Act of 1991.
Much of the changes will happen in the draft document seen by The Villager, which reiterates the changes that President Nandi-Ndaitwah announced at the 21 March 2025 unveiling of her Cabinet.
The draft speaks of the transfer of ‘certain’ powers from the Minister of Industries, Mines & Energy to the President. This is where the changes state that the word ‘Minister’ will be substituted with ‘President.’
