Namibia is moving to bring its petroleum sector directly under presidential control, a step aimed at streamlining decision-making as the country prepares to enter commercial oil production, Bloomberg reported.

Under a proposed amendment to the Petroleum Act, key responsibilities from the energy ministry would shift to the office of the president and the newly strengthened upstream petroleum unit. A deputy director-general post would also be created to take over certain functions from the petroleum commissioner, Defence and Veterans Affairs Minister Frans Kapofi told Parliament on Tuesday.

The legislative changes come amid high-stakes negotiations with TotalEnergies SE over an offshore discovery, part of a wave of exploration that has also attracted Shell Plc and Galp Energia SGPS SA to Namibian waters. Analysts say the move reflects the government’s intent to accelerate approvals and secure stronger oversight of a sector poised for rapid growth.

“Elevating the upstream unit clarifies its role and legal authority,” said Graham Hopwood, special adviser at consultancy Horizon Engage. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has gradually increased direct oversight of the oil and gas sector over the past year, signalling a strategic pivot as Namibia positions itself among emerging African oil producers.