EVOLEN scouts energy frontier
A delegation of leading French energy and industrial companies has arrived in Namibia for a five-day business mission organised by EVOLEN, the French energy sector business association, running from 13 to 17 April 2026.
The mission, supported by the Embassy of France in Namibia and the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), brings together companies from across the energy and industrial sectors to explore opportunities in Namibia's fast-growing oil and gas market.
The delegation began its programme in Walvis Bay, where participants received a strategic briefing from NIPDB and held meetings with key logistics and infrastructure players, including the Namibia Port Authority (NamPort). The group then travelled to Windhoek for a series of engagements with major institutions, including the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor) and the ministry of indutries, mines and energy.
Participants also met with energy companies and contractors actively involved in Namibia's oil and gas sector, among them TotalEnergies, Galp, Rhino Resources, SBM Offshore, Saipem, Subsea7, and TechnipFMC.
Gaétan Mandagot, Business Development Director at EVOLEN, said the mission was about more than deal-making.
"Namibia is emerging as one of the most exciting new frontiers in the global energy landscape. Through this mission, we are not only creating direct access for our members to high-value opportunities, but also actively shaping long-term industrial partnerships. Our role at EVOLEN is to connect ecosystems, anticipate market shifts, and ensure that our members are positioned at the forefront of strategic developments in energy," he said.
The programme also featured key networking events, including a reception at the French Ambassador's Residence and a breakfast with the Contractors Oil and Gas Association of Namibia (COGANAM) and the Namibia France Business Association (NFBA).
French Ambassador to Namibia, Cécile Vigneau, said the mission reflected France's broader ambitions in the country.
"This business mission clearly demonstrates the interest of French economic players in Namibia, as well as France's desire to place the energy sector at the heart of its partnership with Namibia," she said.
