Namibia and Botswana are advancing feasibility studies on a planned cross-border oil refinery, with Walvis Bay and Ghanzi under review as potential locations.
Preliminary reports have placed the investment at about US $4Bn, though Carlo McLeod, deputy head of Namibia’s upstream unit, noted that official figures will only be confirmed once the studies are completed.
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Scope of work
The refinery, if approved, would process between 60,000 and 100,000 barrels of oil daily, producing a range of fuels including petrol, diesel, kerosene and jet fuel. According to both governments, the project could reduce dependence on imports, improve energy security, and boost regional economic activity. Officials have also signaled that the facility could be scaled into a broader regional venture, should other southern African countries express interest in participation.
The initiative aligns with Namibia’s growing profile in the energy sector. International operators such as Rhino Resources are progressing toward first oil, while TotalEnergies and BW Energy are expected to take final investment decisions in late 2026. Onshore, Reconnaissance Energy Africa spudded its Kavango West 1X exploration well in July, aiming for a target depth of 3,800m, with drilling results anticipated by the end of 2025.
