By: Niall Kramer - National Spokesperson, Offshore Petroleum Association of South Africa (OPASA)

Offshore oil and gas exploration in Namibia's Orange Basin has resulted in a number of significant discoveries totalling ~10 billion barrels, according to a study conducted by FTI Consulting for the EnerGeo Alliance. Notably a significant portion of the Orange basin extends into South Africa’s own coastline and multiple offshore basins, including Outeniqua and Durban basins too, each carrying untapped oil and gas potential. The question is no longer simply whether resources exist, but whether we can act on and capitalise on the opportunity before the window narrows.

Offshore exploration and development depend on the alignment of several enabling conditions, from specialised skills, industrial capability to regulatory certainty and a competitive fiscal framework. When one of these is missing, investment decisions can be delayed and capital flows elsewhere. Global investors have options, and they move towards the jurisdictions best prepared to receive them. 

Billions of dollars in global capital are competing across multiple jurisdictions Where the policy environment is clear, and the development pathways are credible, investment follows. And with it come tangible benefits of infrastructure development, energy security, employment and a growing local supply chain. South Africa has the resource potential. We have an established industrial base, engineering capability, mining-adjacent expertise and a deep education system to build on. The work now is to put the enabling conditions in place. 

Skills readiness is one of our most significant opportunities. Offshore oil and gas production is highly technical, and while some specialised capabilities can only be developed once projects are launched. Our industrial depth and qualified candidate pool mean we can ramp up local participation faster than many frontier markets. Targeted education and training programmes, paired with apprenticeships and partnerships with local institutions can position South Africa to secure jobs as projects progress from exploration and appraisal into development and production

Infrastructure, supply chains and industrial capacity

Where local suppliers can meet global operator standards, provide reliable services and operate competitively, developers will have every reason to use them. South Africa already has ports, fabrication yards and industrial facilities that support maritime and offshore activity. These will need targeted upgrades and investment to meet the specific demands of offshore oil and gas development, but the foundation is there. The industry stands to gain, as do the communities and businesses that can provide skills, infrastructure and services required.

Realising this opportunity will take early coordination. Service providers, fabrication yards and ports will need clear line of sight into operator requirements and, where necessary, the relevant certifications. Government, potential suppliers, educational institutions and the offshore oil and gas industry have a shared interest in mapping the capabilities that already exist, the gaps that need to be closed and where the industry can contribute through knowledge transfer, training and supplier development.

The exploration and appraisal phases provide a window to build that readiness before large-scale development begins. Used well this period can help South Africa prepare a supplier base that is commercially credible, technically capable and ready to participate when projects move forward.

Positioning South Africa in a regional energy ecosystem

South Africa’s offshore potential extends well beyond its share of the wider Orange Basin energy ecosystem. Our coastline is extensive, spanning multiple underexplored basins, including the Outeniqua and Durban basins. As Namibia  moves closer to sanctioning its first project and builds local capability around offshore activity, South Africa remains well-positioned in this emerging resource story despite a five to seven year gap in development progress.  

What South Africa can offer in the near term, draws on our existing ports, maritime services, engineering expertise, and specialised technical capability  that regional operators may draw on as the basin develops. Our skills base across engineering, maintenance and specialised services for Floating Production, Storage and Offloading vessels (FPSOs) and subsea infrastructure does not need to wait for domestic production to be put to use. By supporting regional operations now, we can create jobs, support local firms, earn foreign currency and build practical readiness for future discoveries in our own waters.

Enabling meaningful participation in the regions energy future demands deliberate action now to remain competitive, alongside identifying where collaboration and regional integration can strengthen the entire Basin.

Where opportunity meets preparation

When development begins in earnest, the economic footprint extends well beyond the rig. A functioning offshore industry supports a wide ecosystem of businesses, from engineering and logistics to catering, equipment supply and maintenance services. South Africa’s industrial base, infrastructure and education system mean that local firms and workers can capture a meaningful share of that activity, provided the groundwork is laid now.

Will South Africa become a leader within the Basin or miss the opportunity altogether? Success would mean greater energy security, reduced import exposure, stronger local supply chains and broader economic participation. Failure would mean leaving investment, jobs and economic growth on the table. Policy certainty, infrastructure readiness, skills pipelines and competitive suppliers will all shape whether projects move forward and where investment ultimately flows

Exploration and appraisal are not only about identifying resources and determining commercial viability. They also offer a period of deliberate preparation. We should use that time to align government, industry, suppliers and training institutions. When discoveries are made, we must be ready to participate fully in the opportunity for the benefit of all South Africans.