Namibia's government has publicly criticized the recent deal made between TotalEnergies and Petrobras for an offshore exploration license, asserting that the authorities had not been properly notified, contrary to legal obligations. The announcement of the deal was made by the two oil companies, which indicate they have acquired stakes in an exploration license within Namibia's territorial waters. The Namibian government has emphasized that any agreement or transfer of licenses operates under regulations requiring prior ministerial approval, which they claim has not been adhered to in this case.

The exploration license is situated in the Luderitz Basin and covers a substantial area of approximately 11,000 square kilometers. Interest in offshore oil and gas exploration in southern Africa has seen a significant uptick in recent years, especially following various major discoveries off the Namibian coast. The involvement of foreign oil companies like TotalEnergies and Petrobras signals a growing interest in tapping into Namibia’s untapped energy resources, which holds potential implications for the country’s economy.

The Namibian government's response raises questions about regulatory compliance and the process of managing natural resource extraction in the region. As nations compete for energy resources, transparency in such agreements becomes crucial to ensure that local laws are followed and that the government retains oversight of its natural assets. This situation could set a precedent for future dealings in hydrocarbon exploration, influencing investor relations and the operational dynamics of foreign companies in Namibia.