International Oil Companies (IOCs) Call for Regulatory Interventions to Streamline Upstream Investment in South Africa

International oil companies operating in South Africa have called for government intervention to streamline regulations and address appeal-related licensing delays constraining investment in the country's upstream sector. Speaking during a panel discussion sponsored by the South African National Petroleum Company at African Energy Week 2026, industry leaders highlighted the need for predictable policy, infrastructure investment and faster project approvals. Magali Pailhé, Managing Director of TotalEnergies EP South Africa, identified regulatory appeals as a major obstacle to offshore exploration, contrasting South Africa's limited drilling activity with neighbouring Namibia. She said blocks offshore in the Orange Basin proven by TotalEnergies in Namibia are blocked in various stages of appeal and need to be unblocked so their potential can be realised.

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