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namib times
SERVING THE COASTAL COMMUNITY SINCE 1958 NO 7131 FRIDAY 29 AUGUST 2025 Tel: +264 64 - 205854 / +264 64 - 461866 /Fax: +264 64 - 204813 / 064 - 461824 / Website: www.namibtimes.net
Walvis Bay on the Radar for Landmark Namibia–Botswana Oil Refinery Eileen van der Schyff
Walvis Bay could soon take centre stage in Southern Africa's energy ambitions. Feasibility studies are currently underway for a proposed $4 billion joint oil refinery between Namibia and Botswana, with the coastal town and Ghanzi in Botswana under consideration as potential sites, Namibia Mining & Energy reports. The refinery project, still in its early stages, aims to strengthen regional energy security and reduce dependence on imported fuels. Should Walvis Bay be selected, it would leverage its deep-water port, established logistics infrastructure, and coastal access to export markets, making the town a hub for crude oil processing and distribution. Namibia and Botswana
are exploring a model in which Namibia hosts the refinery while Botswana potentially acts as a storage and distribution hub for inland fuel transport. Experts note that such a setup would allow both nations to capitalise on recent oil discoveries in the Orange Basin, where companies like TotalEnergies and Shell have led exploratory successes. “Namibia and Botswana are jointly ex-
ploring the development of a regional oil refinery. The project is currently at the feasibility study stage, with locations such as Walvis Bay and Ghanzi under consideration, although no final decision has been made,” said Carlo McLeod, Deputy Head of the Upstream Unit. The refinery is expected to process between 60 000 Continues on page 2
MTC Rolls Out Fifth-Generation (5G) Rudi Bowe
Namibia's premier digital enabler, Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC), has announced the deployment and availability of the fifth-generation (5G) mobile services, marking a significant and historic milestone in the country's digital transformation journey. This leading telecommunications company is the first operator in Namibia to roll out the nextgeneration wireless technology. Currently, 5G services available in Walvis Bay, Ongwediva, Swakopmund and Windhoek. This “soft launch” was made during the annual Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair (OATF) is just the beginning of an “aggressive deployment” plan over the coming
months. 5G is the fifth generation of wireless mobile and internet technology, building on the advancements of previous generations like 4G, 3G, and 2G. It offers faster speeds, lower latency, enhanced connectivity and higher capacity compared to 4G, enabling a wider range of applications and connecting more devices which are expected to benefit individuals, businesses, and government Continues on page 2