Reconnaissance Energy Africa (ReconAfrica) has kicked off drilling operations for the Kavango West 1X exploration well, located within Petroleum Exploration Licence 73 in northeastern Namibia.
The company confirmed that drilling is expected to reach a depth of approximately 3,800 meters by late November 2025, targeting over 1,500 meters of Otavi carbonate reservoir, the key focus within the Damara Fold Belt.
This is the second well aimed at unlocking the Damara Fold Belt, a large subsurface fold structure spanning about 22 kilometers in length and three kilometers in width, identified through recent 2D seismic data.
ReconAfrica has mapped more than 19 potential prospects within the Damara Fold Belt and recently expanded its footprint by securing an additional 5 million acres in neighboring Angola through a new Memorandum of Understanding.
President and CEO Brian Reinsborough explained that while the Kavango West 1X was not the next well initially planned, the company shifted focus following insights gained from the earlier Naingopo well.
He noted that although this change caused a slight delay, the decision was driven by the company’s commitment to selecting the most technically sound and commercially promising locations.
Reinsborough emphasized that Kavango West 1X offers the strongest chance so far to prove the potential of the Damara Fold Belt, with drilling results anticipated before the end of 2025.
Senior Vice President for Exploration Chris Sembritzky added that the site stood out due to its size, well-established hydrocarbon migration pathways, and a clearly defined four-way structural trap—factors that emerged from lessons learned during previous drilling.
He expressed confidence in the team’s ability to deliver a safe and effective operation, citing enhanced geological understanding, a skilled crew, and optimized drilling tools.
The planned 3D seismic survey, which had been scheduled for late 2025, has now been deferred to 2026 to prioritize ongoing drilling efforts.
ReconAfrica also revealed it is evaluating further investment opportunities, including potential acreage acquisitions, joint ventures, and deals aimed at accelerating production and generating cash flow.
The company continues to explore the Damara Fold Belt and Kavango Rift Basin across northeastern Namibia, southeastern Angola, and northwestern Botswana, covering a total licensed area of 13 million acres.
Listed on the TSX Venture Exchange in Canada, OTCQX in the US, and Frankfurt Stock Exchange in Germany, ReconAfrica also joined the Namibian Stock Exchange in November 2024, becoming the country’s first publicly traded oil and gas exploration firm.
source: www.marketscreener.com
African Energy Council