
TotalEnergies has expressed increasing confidence in Namibia, referring to it as a "new anchor country" as the company moves towards a final investment decision for its Venus project by July. During the TotalEnergies first quarter earnings call on April 29, chief executive Patrick Pouyanné stated that discussions with Namibian authorities indicate a mutually beneficial partnership. Pouyanné noted that the war in the Middle East has affected the company's operations, making exploration in Namibia a way to diversify. The company expects to make a final investment decision on the Venus project before the end of July and is currently finalizing paperwork with the Namibian government. Pouyanné mentioned that a compromise has been reached on terms for the Venus project, acknowledging that ultra-deep water projects require amendments to standard terms. He described engagements with the government as generally positive, highlighting talks with president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah in January, after which TotalEnergies announced its stake in Galp Energia’s Mopane project. Pouyanné anticipates TotalEnergies and its partners will focus on drilling in Mopane over the next two years to assess its resource base, with a final investment decision for Mopane expected in 2028.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Must ReadA letter from president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to Namibian Police inspector general Joseph Shikongo cites the State House naked man incident as the reason for his removal. Nandi-Ndaitwah announced on Tuesday night that she had replaced Shikongo with deputy inspector general for administration, major general Anne-Marie Nainda. The announcement came days after a naked man was found inside the presidential residence. A senior government official familiar with the letter confirmed that the security breach was specifically named as the grounds for removal. The letter was dispatched late on Tuesday after meetings of the country’s top security and political decision-makers. Another reason cited for Shikongo's removal is his alleged refusal to fire ex-presidential security chief commissioner Andreas Nelumbu and head of the VIP Protection Unit at State House Michael Abraham, with Shikongo reportedly insisting that labor laws did not allow arbitrary action without cause. Namrights executive director Phil ya Nangoloh suggests Shikongo is a sacrificial lamb, arguing that no one can enter State House without security clearance and passing through multiple security layers. However, Popular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani stated that the president has the constitutional authority to appoint and dismiss senior officials at her discretion and is not required to explain her decision. Affirmative Repositing leader Job Amupanda suggests the decision is not valid, claiming the security

Jannik Sinner has urged Grand Slam tournaments to show tennis players more respect regarding prize money, though he stopped short of advocating a boycott. Last year, most top players sent letters to the four Grand Slam organizers, demanding increased prize money, contributions to a player welfare fund for retirement and maternity benefits, and involvement in decision-making. They aimed for a 22-percent share of tournament revenue, aligning with ATP and WTA 1000-level events. Sinner stated at the Italian Open that players are no closer to an agreement with Wimbledon, French, US, and Australian Open organizers. He emphasized that the issue is about respect, feeling players contribute more than they receive, and expressed disappointment that no resolution has been reached after a year. His comments follow women's world number one Aryna Sabalenka's readiness to boycott Grand Slams to pressure organizers. Players also criticized the French Open's 9.5-percent prize money increase, noting a 14-percent revenue rise only led to a 5.4-percent increase in the total prize purse, reducing the players' share to 14.3 percent. Sinner indicated he understands discussions about boycotts, acknowledging it might be a necessary step given the prolonged lack of progress.

Jonas Vingegaard is set to make his Giro d’Italia debut on Friday, aiming to win both the Italian Grand Tour and the Tour de France in the same year, a feat previously achieved by his rival Tadej Pogacar. Vingegaard, a two-time Tour winner, is considered the favorite for the Giro, with Pogacar not participating this year. The 29-year-old, riding for Visma-Lease a Bike, has had a strong season, winning stage races in Paris-Nice and the Tour of Catalonia. His climbing abilities are well-suited for the challenging three-week route. Vingegaard also seeks to become the eighth man to complete the triple crown of the Giro, Tour, and Vuelta a Espana, a goal he stated would "make a little bit of history." The field for the Giro is strong, though it will be missing last year's podium finishers and other notable riders like Richard Carapaz and Joao Alemeida. The race will feature seven summit finishes and a crucial individual time trial in stage 10. Giulio Pellizzari, the Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe leader, is expected to provide strong competition on home turf, offering Italian fans hope for a local winner. Pellizzari, who finished sixth in the Giro and Vuelta last season, has shown promising form this year, including a stage race win at the Tour of the Alps.

Roma is closing in on a return to the Champions League, with their hopes reignited after a strong run of form. Following a significant loss to Inter Milan a month ago, Roma has secured 10 points from their last four matches, placing them just one point behind fourth-placed Juventus and three points behind third-placed AC Milan. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini emphasized the need for continued focus, stating that the team cannot afford mistakes in their remaining three matches. Gasperini's position has been solidified after a public disagreement with Claudio Ranieri, who was subsequently dismissed from his role as senior advisor to Roma's American owners, the Friedkin family. Roma has not participated in Europe's top club competition since being eliminated in the last 16 seven years ago. AC Milan's recent struggles, including only seven points from their last two months and the absence of midfielder Luka Modric due to injury, have further boosted Roma's prospects. Roma's upcoming fixtures include matches against Parma and Verona, with a crucial Rome derby against Lazio sandwiched in between. Donyell Malen, on loan from Aston Villa, has been a key player for Roma, scoring 12 goals since January.