Sintana plans NSX debut
Canadian explorer Sintana Energy has initiated plans to list on the Namibia Securities Exchange (NSX), a landmark move designed to grant local investors direct exposure to the nation’s rapidly accelerating offshore energy sector. By seeking a primary or secondary listing, the company aims to bridge the gap between international capital and local participation, allowing Namibians to secure a tangible stake in the country’s burgeoning oil and gas discoveries.
The company confirmed this week that it has appointed IJG Securities as its sponsor and corporate adviser and has commenced formal discussions with the NSX regarding admission to trading. If successful, Sintana intends to explore mechanisms to enhance market liquidity for Namibian investors, signalling a strategic commitment to deepening local involvement in the industry.
Building Generational Wealth Sintana’s Namibian director, Knowledge Katti, stated that the planned listing reflects a long-standing ambition to ensure Namibians benefit more directly from the country’s natural resource wealth. He described the move as a critical opportunity, particularly for young people, to build generational wealth and take ownership stakes in an industry that has hitherto been dominated by international players.
Chief Executive Robert Bose noted that Namibia has been central to the company’s growth strategy since offshore opportunities materialised in 2022. He added that the listing would allow local investors to participate in what he described as a "pivotal period" for both the company and the country’s energy landscape.
NSX Chief Executive Tiaan Bazuin welcomed the development, noting that the local bourse is positioning itself as a conduit for broader ownership of Namibia’s natural resources. He emphasised that expanding participation in listed companies remains essential for deepening and diversifying the national investment landscape.
The Orange Basin Oil Boom
The planned listing coincides with intense global interest in Namibia’s Orange Basin, following a string of high-profile discoveries by major international energy firms. Sintana holds indirect interests in several offshore petroleum licences through joint venture structures, including exposure to the Mopane field, where contingent resource estimates have surged following recent appraisal work.
While these discoveries have fuelled significant optimism, production remains a long-term prospect, with "first oil" from major projects expected only towards the end of the decade or the early 2030s.
Expanding the Local Footprint
Sintana’s local presence is largely facilitated through its association with Giraffe Energy—a firm co-owned by Katti—which has positioned itself as an early entrant in the emerging sector.
Earlier this year, Giraffe Energy announced a memorandum of understanding to allocate a 10% equity stake from Katti’s personal shareholding to a youth empowerment trust in the //Kharas Region, alongside a N$1 million cash contribution. The initiative aims to provide young people with a stake in petroleum assets, specifically those linked to Petroleum Exploration Licence 79 in the Orange Basin, while offering exposure to technical aspects of exploration and production.
