Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. has announced a year-end operational update confirming major progress on its projects in Namibia, Angola and Gabon. The Canadian group stated it is preparing to conduct production tests on the Kavango West 1X well, located in the Damara Fold Belt, after identifying significant hydrocarbon reservoir zones.
Hydrocarbons detected at Kavango West 1X well
Recent analyses on the well revealed an 85-metre net reservoir section with 64 metres of hydrocarbon-bearing reservoir in the Huttenberg formation. The deeper Elandshoek formation showed a high gas saturation, with an average concentration of 20% over a drilled section of 560 metres. Visible oil signs were also observed at surface during drilling operations.
The well reached a total depth of 4,260 metres before drilling was halted due to technical limitations. ReconAfrica chose to avoid Drill Stem Testing (DST) in favour of a more controlled production testing programme targeting up to eight distinct zones. Equipment is being sourced, and testing is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2026, lasting four to eight weeks.
Strengthening position in Angola and Gabon
Simultaneously, ReconAfrica has expanded its activities in Central Africa. In Angola, the company signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Agência Nacional de Petróleo, Gás e Biocombustíveis (ANPG) in April 2025 for joint exploration in the Etosha-Okavango basin. This initiative covers 5.2 million acres adjacent to the 6.3 million acres already held by the company in Namibia. Geochemical sampling is set to begin in the first quarter of 2026.
In Gabon, ReconAfrica signed a Production Sharing Contract with the Republic of Gabon and Gabon Oil Company for the offshore Ngulu block. The company plans to launch a seismic reprocessing project in January 2026, based on 3D data expected by the end of December. A third-party resource report is expected following this phase to assess the block’s potential.
Local partnerships and technical progress
ReconAfrica operates licence PEL 73 in Namibia with a 70% working interest, alongside BW Energy (20%) and the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR, 10% carried). In Angola, the entry was made at low cost with minimal initial commitments. In Gabon, the company holds 55% of the Ngulu block, partnered with Record Resources (20%), Gabon Oil Company (15%) and the Gabonese State (10% carried).
The results recorded in Namibia have drawn the interest of local authorities, and recognition from the Namibian Presidency highlights the potential impact of onshore development on the country’s energy security.
