Galp Energia, the current operator of the Mopane oil and gas complex offshore Namibia, has appointed Saave Nakashole as deputy country manager for public and operational affairs in Namibia. Nakashole, a former executive of state oil company Namcor, brings extensive experience to the role, having spent 14 years at Namcor where she served as principal geoscientist in 2023 and new ventures manager in mid-2024. Her background includes geology degrees from the University of Namibia and Rhodes University, a master's in petroleum geoscience from Heriot-Watt University, and prior work with mining companies Teck Resources and Swakpo Uranium.

Galp's upstream director for Africa, Bruno Oliveira Melo, highlighted that Nakashole's deep understanding of the Namibian upstream sector will strengthen the team as Galp develops its activities in the country. He emphasized Galp's commitment to building local capabilities, working with partners and stakeholders, and contributing to Namibia's energy sector's sustainable development. Nakashole noted that her relationships and shared experiences at Namcor with government institutions, operators, joint venture partners, and industry colleagues will guide her commitment to collaboration, responsible development, and value creation for Namibia.

This appointment comes as Galp awaits government clearance for a multi-layered farm-out deal with TotalEnergies. Under this agreement, TotalEnergies will assume operatorship of the Mopane complex, while Galp will take a minority stake in TotalEnergies' Venus project. The deal underscores ongoing strategic shifts in Namibia's upstream energy sector, with international players positioning for development of major offshore discoveries.