Oregen Energy Strengthens Board with Michael Simpson Appointment to Boost Government Relations and Energy Strategy

Oregen Expands Board to Support Growth of Namibian Oil and Gas Portfolio

On July 16, 2026, Oregen Energy Corp announced the expansion of its board with Michael Simpson’s appointment, a strategic move aimed at enhancing governance and stakeholder engagement as the company advances its primary investment: a 33.95% net interest in Block 2712A, located offshore in Namibia's Orange Basin.

CEO and Director Mason Granger emphasized Simpson's appointment as a valuable addition, citing his blend of public sector leadership, private sector operational experience, and deep expertise in government relations. Granger highlighted Simpson’s background in energy transition, indigenous affairs, and regulatory strategy—particularly his senior roles within Alberta’s government—as critical to progressing Oregen’s Namibian assets and strengthening stakeholder relationships.

Michael Simpson’s Extensive Experience in Energy and Regulatory Affairs

With over 25 years in public relations, regulatory strategy, and market development, Michael Simpson serves as Principal of SCG, providing specialized advisory services to domestic and international clients on government and investor relations, regulatory compliance, indigenous affairs, and clean-tech project execution. His expertise in navigating complex regulatory and political landscapes is increasingly vital for international energy projects.

Simpson’s public sector tenure includes roles as Assistant Deputy Minister at Alberta’s Department of Energy and COO of the Canadian Energy Centre, where he gained direct experience in policy development, regulatory oversight, and strategic energy planning. In the private sector, he has held operational roles at Canadian Natural Resources Limited and Devon Energy Canada. Additionally, he co-founded AugurWell AI, a platform integrating advanced wellbore data mining with predictive regulatory and political risk assessment, and currently holds an Independent Board Member position at Abound Energy (CSE: ABND).

Simpson’s Outlook on Oregen’s Strategic Partnerships and Shareholder Value

In his statement, Simpson expressed strong confidence in Oregen’s asset portfolio and strategic direction, describing Block 2712A as a "truly compelling asset" in "one of the world’s most exciting emerging petroleum jurisdictions." He endorsed the company’s strategy to secure a major partner to advance the project, calling it "the right one."

Simpson’s remarks underscore his commitment to leveraging his expertise in government relations, regulatory affairs, and energy strategy to help Oregen navigate upcoming operational and strategic challenges, aligning with the company’s goal of delivering shareholder value amid promising exploration potential demonstrated by recent discoveries in the Orange Basin.

Oregen’s Focus on Oil and Gas Assets in Namibia’s Emerging Orange Basin

Oregen Energy Corp is an investment company concentrating on African oil and gas assets, with its flagship holding being a 33.95% net interest in Block 2712A offshore Namibia’s Orange Basin. This basin has garnered international attention due to multiple significant discoveries by major global oil and gas operators, establishing it as an emerging world-class petroleum province.

The company actively explores additional investment opportunities within the Orange Basin and adjacent regions, emphasizing African upstream oil and gas development. Simpson’s appointment, given his regulatory and government relations expertise, indicates management’s intent to enhance stakeholder engagement capabilities as it pursues partnerships and regulatory approvals critical to asset development.

Regulatory Approval Pending for Board Appointment

The announcement clarifies that Simpson’s appointment is subject to customary Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) approval and regulatory requirements, indicating the appointment is conditional and pending formal authorization. Oregen trades on the CSE under the ticker ORNG.

These approval processes are standard for director appointments at CSE-listed companies, involving evaluation of candidate qualifications, independence, and potential conflicts of interest to ensure governance standards align with the company’s development stage and operational context.

Oregen’s Multi-Exchange Listings Enhance Investor Accessibility

Oregen Energy Corp maintains listings on multiple exchanges to broaden investor access, trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) as ORNG, the U.S. Over-the-Counter Markets as ORGEF, and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange as A1S0. This multi-exchange presence facilitates share accessibility across diverse geographic markets.

The company actively engages investors through dedicated communication channels, including an investor relations webpage and social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, YouTube, and Facebook, distributing corporate updates and asset development news.

Corporate Evolution from Metals to Energy Sector Focus

Formerly Supernova Metals Corp, Oregen Energy Corp transitioned its focus to oil and gas assets in Africa, reflecting a strategic realignment from metals exploration to energy sector investment. Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, this transformation underscores management’s commitment to upstream petroleum opportunities in emerging African jurisdictions.

Simpson’s appointment aligns with this strategic repositioning, bringing relevant energy sector and government relations expertise to support asset development and corporate governance enhancements.

Board Enhancement Amid Evolving Energy Sector Dynamics

Simpson’s appointment occurs against the backdrop of ongoing energy sector evolution, including energy transition priorities and changing regulatory frameworks for petroleum development. His expertise in energy transition, indigenous affairs, and regulatory strategy addresses the complex multi-stakeholder environment typical in emerging upstream oil and gas regions.

Modern energy sector board appointments increasingly emphasize stakeholder engagement, regulatory navigation, and strategic partnership development—skills essential for advancing projects in emerging petroleum provinces where governance and permitting are critical. Simpson’s combined public and private sector experience equips him to contribute significantly to strategic discussions on project advancement, risk management, and stakeholder relations.

Forward-Looking Strategy Focused on Partnerships and Asset Development

Oregen’s announcement highlights an active strategy to secure major partnerships to progress its Namibian assets. Simpson’s expertise in government relations, regulatory affairs, and energy strategy is expected to support the company’s ongoing negotiations and strategic initiatives with potential partners.

The oil and gas industry in emerging African markets involves complex negotiations among host governments, international operators, and development finance institutions. Simpson’s senior Alberta government roles and advisory experience position him to provide valuable insights into partnership structuring, regulatory engagement, and stakeholder management as Oregen advances its asset development plans.