CHAMWE KAIRA
Exploration opportunities are already lining up beyond the Mopane development, with TotalEnergies planning to begin appraisal activities as early as the second half of 2026 and targeting a final investment decision (FID) on the project in 2028.
The company said the Mopane discovery would undergo a three-well appraisal campaign as it works to establish the resources required to advance the development.
“Exploration opportunities are already lining up beyond the Mopane development, which we will start appraising as early as the second half of 2026, aiming at taking the FID of the project in 2028, after a three-appraisal-well campaign,” TotalEnergies said.
The comments come as TotalEnergies completes its entry as operator of Petroleum Exploration Licence 83 (PEL 83), which contains the giant Mopane discovery offshore Namibia.
TotalEnergies announced the completion of its transaction with Galp, concluded in December 2025, through which it acquired operatorship of PEL 83 and a 46.67% participating interest in the licence.
The transaction strengthens TotalEnergies’ position in Namibia’s emerging offshore oil and gas sector, with Mopane forming a key part of its plans to assess the commercial potential of the country’s discoveries.
The company has previously described Mopane as a significant discovery, with appraisal work expected to provide further information on the size and quality of the resource and support decisions on its potential development.
The planned appraisal programme and 2028 FID target mark the next major steps towards determining whether Mopane can progress into a full-scale development.
“We would like to thank the Namibian authorities for their swift approval of this strategic transaction with Galp, our new partner in Namibia. TotalEnergies’ entry as operator of the giant Mopane discovery marks a key milestone in our journey to establish a major production hub in Namibia”, said Patrick Pouyanné, chairman and chief executive officer of TotalEnergies.
“This transaction positions TotalEnergies as the operator of Namibia’s two largest oil discoveries and strengthens its position in the Orange Basin, supporting the long-term value creation from prolific licenses. Exploration opportunities are already lining up beyond the Mopane development, which we will start appraising as early as the second half of 2026 aiming at taking the FID of the project in 2028, after a 3 appraisal well campaign”.
TotalEnergies has been present in Namibia since 1964 and employs around 70 people. TotalEnergies is also the 3rd largest fuel distributor in the country, with 43 service stations.
In line with its multi-energy strategy, the company is looking for local opportunities to develop low carbon projects in the country. The company operates PEL56, PEL83 & PEL91 and is progressing the completion of its entry as operator into PEL104.
