Namibia and Botswana Explore Joint Oil Refinery Project Amid Feasibility Studies-ISSUE # 73☕

REVOLOX MEDIA | TODAY’S ISSUE

Welcome to Revolox Media — where Namibia’s progress meets global shifts in energy, tech, and governance.

Here’s what’s making headlines today:

• Namibia and Botswana consider a joint oil refinery, with feasibility studies underway to explore regional energy security.

• Namibia’s mining sector gears up for strong growth, backed by rising investment and global demand for resources.

• Microsoft dismisses four employees following protests over the company’s ties to Israel, spotlighting tensions between corporate policy and activism.

• South Korea ramps up government spending at its fastest pace in four years, prioritizing AI-led economic growth and innovation.

• Namibia extends the deadline for the National Youth Fund pilot phase proposals to September 4, giving young innovators more time to seize the opportunity.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

Namibia and Botswana Explore Joint Oil Refinery Project Amid Feasibility Studies

Namibia and Botswana are conducting feasibility studies for a proposed regional oil refinery, with Walvis Bay in Namibia and Ghanzi in Botswana emerging as potential sites. Although preliminary cost estimates suggest a price tag near $4 billion, no official budget has been confirmed pending the study outcomes, according to Carlo McLeod, deputy head of the upstream unit.

Project Scope and Potential Capacity

If realized, the refinery would process between 60,000 and 100,000 barrels of oil per day, producing key fuels including petrol, diesel, kerosene, and jet fuel. Both governments anticipate that the facility could reduce regional reliance on imported fuels, strengthen supply chains, and boost economic growth.

Regional Cooperation and Future Expansion

The initiative is seen as a strategic move to enhance regional cooperation and sustainable energy development. There is also potential for the project to expand involvement to other Southern African countries based on their interest and participation.

Oil Exploration Momentum in Namibia

The refinery discussions come as Namibia’s oil sector gains momentum, with companies like Rhino Resources targeting first oil production. TotalEnergies and BW Energy are expected to make final investment decisions by late 2026.

On the onshore front, Reconnaissance Energy Africa started drilling the Kavango West 1X exploration well in the Damara Fold Belt on July 31, aiming for a depth of 3,800 meters. Results are anticipated by the end of 2025.

Source: The Namibian

Namibia’s Mining Sector Set for Strong Growth Amid Rising Investment

Namibia’s mining industry is poised for significant expansion over the next five to ten years, driven by growing investment inflows, according to Anthony Viljoen, CEO of Andrada Mining Limited. In a recent interview, Viljoen highlighted mining’s enduring importance alongside emerging sectors like oil, gas, and green hydrogen.

Mining in Conservancy Areas Drives Revenue

Viljoen noted that approximately 75% of all mining operations in Namibia are located within conservancy areas rich in both mineral resources and flora. These regions currently account for three-quarters of the country’s mining revenue, with ongoing exploration efforts expected to continue in these zones.

Strategic Ore Supply Partnership

In June 2025, Andrada’s flagship Uis Tin Mine in the Erongo region signed a five-year ore supply agreement with Goantagab Tin Mine. Under this deal, Andrada will process 240,000 tonnes of ore from Goantagab at its newly commissioned N$100 million milling plant, with an option to acquire full ownership of Goantagab Mine for US$15 million (approximately N$300 million).

Legal Dispute Surrounding Goantagab Mine

The future of the Goantagab Mine, located in the Sorris Sorris conservancy in Kunene region, is currently clouded by a legal dispute. The conflict involves local conservancies Uibasen Twyfelfontein and Doro !Nawas, tourism operator Ultimate Safaris, and mining claim owners Timoteus Mashuna and Ottile Ndimulunde. The Namibia Competition Commission has also been involved in the matter.

Source: The Namibian

TECH

Microsoft Fires Four Employees Over Protests Against Company’s Ties to Israel

Microsoft has terminated four employees who participated in protests on company premises criticizing its ties to Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Two of those involved took part in a sit-in at the office of Microsoft President Brad Smith earlier this week, according to the protest group No Azure for Apartheid.

Protests and Terminations

Anna Hattle and Riki Fameli were first notified of their dismissal via voicemail, with two additional employees, Nisreen Jaradat and Julius Shan, fired later after they established encampments at Microsoft’s headquarters. Microsoft cited serious breaches of company policies and cited significant safety concerns caused by the on-site demonstrations.

Protesters’ Demands

No Azure for Apartheid, named after Microsoft’s Azure software, demands that the tech giant sever its ties with Israel and pay reparations to Palestinians. Protesters accuse Microsoft of enabling Israel’s military operations, with Hattle stating the company provides “tools to commit genocide” while misleading its workers.

Background and Context

Seven protesters, including Hattle and Fameli, were arrested following their occupation of Smith’s office. Microsoft leadership has emphasized respect for lawful freedom of expression.

A recent joint media investigation revealed that Israeli military agencies utilize Microsoft Azure’s cloud services to store extensive surveillance data on Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. In response, Microsoft initiated an independent legal review of its technology's use.

Ongoing Worker Activism

This is the latest in a series of employee-led protests against Microsoft’s role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Earlier this year, two employees were fired after interrupting Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman’s remarks at the company’s 50th-anniversary event over similar concerns.

Broader Repercussions

Companies and educational institutions worldwide have faced escalating protests due to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza following the October 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel, which resulted in substantial casualties and hostages.

Source: Reuters

South Korea to Boost Government Spending at Fastest Rate in Four Years, Prioritizing AI-Led Growth

South Korea plans to increase its government budget by 8.1% in 2026, marking the steepest rise in four years as the new liberal administration aims to stimulate economic growth through expanded investment in artificial intelligence (AI). The Finance Ministry announced the total expenditure would reach 728 trillion won ($524.44 billion), significantly outpacing the 2.5% increase seen this year.

Expansionary Fiscal Policy Under New Leadership

Since taking office in June, President Lee Jae Myung has pledged an expansionary fiscal approach, reversing the previous conservative government’s focus on fiscal restraint. The priority on AI investment was reaffirmed last week amid revised, lowered economic growth projections due to higher U.S. tariffs and demographic challenges.

“Fiscal policy needs to prime the pump to grow the spark of recovery,” said Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol.

Economic Context and Challenges

Asia’s fourth-largest economy grew at its fastest pace in over a year during Q2, supported by strong tech exports and consumer rebound. However, new U.S. tariffs introduced in July represent a headwind. The central bank maintained interest rates but signaled potential easing to offset these growth risks.

Budget Breakdown and Fiscal Outlook

South Korea’s fiscal deficit is projected to widen to 4.0% of GDP in 2026, up from 2.8% in 2025, as tax revenue is expected to rise modestly by 3.5% to 674.2 trillion won. Public debt-to-GDP is forecast to increase from 48.1% to 51.6%. Over 2025-2029, spending growth is planned to moderate to an average 5.5% annually, with debt rising further to 58.0% by 2029.

Social welfare outlays will climb 8.2% to 269.1 trillion won, focusing on reversing the country’s record low birthrate. Research funding will see a record 19.3% boost to 35.3 trillion won, with major allocations to AI development and industrial policies growing 14.7% to support exporters impacted by tariffs. The cultural sector will benefit from an 8.8% rise to 9.6 trillion won amid a global entertainment boom.

Defense spending will increase by 8.2% to 66.3 trillion won, representing about 2.4% of GDP, addressing growing U.S. calls for enhanced military investment.

Financing and Legislative Approval

To finance the budget, the government will issue 232 trillion won in treasury bonds in 2026, including 110 trillion won to cover the fiscal deficit. The issuance limits for foreign exchange stabilization bonds are set at $1.4 billion and 13.7 trillion won. The plan awaits approval by the ruling Democratic Party-controlled National Assembly.

Source: Reuters

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Namibia Extends Deadline for National Youth Fund Pilot Phase Proposals to September 4

The Ministry of Finance has announced an extension of the deadline for submitting proposals under the National Youth Fund pilot phase to September 4, 2025. During this phase, applications are to be submitted at regional governor’s offices.

Transition to Regular Application Process

Following the official launch in September, the fund will transition into its regular application process. Applicants will then submit proposals directly to key Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), including the Development Bank of Namibia, Environmental Investment Fund, and AgriBank.

Normalization of Application Submissions

The ministry emphasized that daily submissions to the DFIs will become operational, normalizing and streamlining the application process beyond the pilot stage. It also clarified that this phase is not intended to exhaust the available fund resources.

Commitment to Youth Empowerment

The Ministry of Finance reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to empowering Namibian youth and promoting development across multiple sectors through the National Youth Fund initiative.

Source: The Namibian