Chevron is set to drill the Nabba-1X exploration well in Namibia’s Petroleum Exploration Licence 90 (PEL 90) in the Orange Basin in the fourth quarter of 2026, as the energy major advances its offshore exploration programme.
The campaign will be led by Harmattan Energy Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Chevron, which holds a 52.5% operating stake in the licence. QatarEnergy International E&P LLC holds 27.5%, while NAMCOR and Trago Energy each hold 10%.
Chevron Namibia Country Manager Beatrice Bienvenu said the company is moving into the next phase of exploration.
“I am excited to share that Chevron is moving into the next phase of our exploration programme. Building on those insights, we expect to drill the Nabba-1X well in PEL 90 in late 2026. This next step is a testament to our confidence in Namibia’s offshore potential and our commitment to thoroughly testing our portfolio. We are here for the long term, and every well we drill strengthens our partnership with this country,” she said.
Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Modestus Amutse said the decision reflects growing investor confidence in Namibia’s resource base.
“Chevron’s decision to proceed with a second well in Namibia signals strong confidence in our resource base. The ongoing exploration activities reflect Namibia’s growing standing as a credible and competitive destination for responsible investment. The Namibian Government remains committed to constructive engagement with investors to ensure developments align with national interests and deliver meaningful benefits to our economy and our people,” he said.
NAMCOR Acting Managing Director Mtundeni Ndafyaalako said the well is a key step in unlocking the basin’s potential.
“NAMCOR is proud to be part of the joint venture group in PEL 90. The planned Nabba-1X well is a key step in our mission to secure Namibia’s energy future and unlock the full potential of the Orange Basin,” he said.
The planned drilling forms part of Chevron’s broader effort to test its exploration portfolio in Namibia, as activity in the Orange Basin continues to intensify.
The move adds to growing momentum in Namibia’s upstream oil and gas sector, which continues to attract international investment as companies seek to unlock commercial reserves.
The Orange Basin, which stretches along Namibia’s southern coastline into South African waters, has become a global exploration hotspot, with operators racing to appraise discoveries and move towards development.
