ACC formally probes Ithete over expired oil block renewal

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is investigating the circumstances surrounding the renewal of Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) 37 linked to the dismissal of former deputy prime minister and mines and energy minister Natangwe Ithete in October 2025.

ACC director general Paulus Noa confirmed the probe to Namibian Sun this weekend, saying the investigation centres on how the licence was renewed after it had previously been rejected.

According to Noa, summons have already been served on some officials involved in the matter, including Ithete.

“I confirm that ACC is investigating the circumstances and justification of the renewal of the PEL 37, especially after the former minister rejected it,” Noa said on Sunday.

"Several summons were served on officials, including the former deputy prime minister," he confirmed.

Noa added that former mines and energy minister Tom Alweendo will also be asked to assist the investigation regarding the earlier decision to reject the renewal.

“The investigation is in progress. We need sound explanations from every official who was involved in the renewal process,” he said.

Ithete, however, denied any knowledge of the probe.

“There is no truth in this. Maybe they will reach out to me soon, but as of now I have not been contacted,” he told Namibian Sun over the weekend.

Namibian Sun also understands that one of those served is Maggy Shino, the ministry’s petroleum commissioner, in order to assist with the enquiry.

Licence history under scrutiny

In October 2025, Namibian Sun reported that Ithete had authorised the renewal of PEL 37 despite President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah placing the oil and gas sector under direct presidential oversight in March 2025.

PEL 37 was first awarded in 2011 to Pancontinental and Paragon Oil & Gas. Tullow Oil later acquired a stake in the licence and became the operator.

By 2018, the licence interests were publicly reported as Tullow 35%, ONGC Videsh 30%, Pancontinental 30% and Paragon 5%.

The block entered a new phase in March 2021 when Tullow relinquished its interest at the end of the second renewal period and did not seek a third renewal.

A memo, reported on by The Namibian, said Paragon then failed to respond within the stipulated timeframe, and the licence was considered lawfully cancelled.

Another internal ministry memo seen by Namibian Sun shows that the ministry invited Paragon to indicate within 30 days whether it intended to assume operatorship or apply for renewal.

Alweendo declined to renew the licence at the time, effectively blocking the application. That earlier rejection is part of the sequence now under review.

Reversal

After Ithete took office, Alweendo's decision was reportedly reversed, a move central to the ACC investigation.

The licence had expired, and Ithete is alleged, according to earlier reporting, to have authorised its renewal without securing the president’s required approval.

Ithete was appointed deputy prime minister and minister of industry, mines and energy in March 2025, replacing Alweendo.

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah dismissed him on 27 October 2025 with immediate effect.

Public reporting says she then temporarily took charge of the portfolio before appointing Frans Kapofi in an acting capacity.

Despite the controversy, PEL 37 has continued to attract investor interest.

In January, Sintana Energy paid a US$1 million deposit, reported locally as about N$16.44 million, to secure exclusive rights to assess an investment that would give it an indirect interest in PEL 37 through Paragon.

The exclusivity period runs until 30 April 2026 for technical, commercial and legal due diligence.