Azule Energy is preparing to transition from an exploration-focused player to a committed operator in Namibia, with plans to build a local team and develop domestic supply chains as activity in the country’s upstream sector gathers pace.
Chief executive Joe Murphy said the company is advancing its strategy in Namibia through continued collaboration within the Petroleum Exploration Licence 85 (PEL 85) contractor group, alongside plans to establish a local office in 2026.
As part of this shift, Azule Energy has appointed Giovanni Aquilina as Country Managing Director for its Namibia operations. The appointment forms part of efforts to strengthen the company’s local footprint and signals a move towards a more permanent operational presence in the country.
Azule Energy, a joint venture between bp and Eni, operates as an independent oil and gas company with its own board and investment mandate, enabling it to engage directly with host governments and take standalone strategic decisions.
The company’s current focus is on PEL 85 in the Orange Basin, where it is part of a contractor group led by Rhino Resources. Exploration activity on the block has included three wells drilled to date — Sagittarius-1X, Capricornus-1X and Volans-1X.
Murphy said the company is now prioritising detailed analysis of data from these wells to inform the next phase of development.
The move to deepen its presence in Namibia comes as international interest in the country’s oil and gas sector continues to intensify, with operators positioning themselves in what is seen as one of the most promising emerging basins globally.
Rhino Resources and Azule Energy are targeting a provisional final investment decision on their Namibia developments between late 2026 and mid-2027.
