ReconAfrica begins Namibia oil testing, advances Gabon exploration drive

Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. (ReconAfrica), the Vancouver-based oil and gas company working collaboratively with national governments to explore the potential for oil and gas resources in Northeast Namibia, has begun production testing at its Kavango West 1X oil discovery in Namibia, marking a critical step toward commercial development as it scales its African upstream portfolio.

The company, which holds exploration rights to roughly 13 million acres across southern Africa, is executing the campaign alongside oilfield giants Halliburton and Schlumberger to determine flow rates, reservoir quality, and economic viability.

The testing milestone underscores growing investor focus on the Kavango Basin as a potential new hydrocarbon frontier, with results expected to shape the company’s valuation trajectory and long-term production outlook.

Namibia testing signals commercial progress
Operations commenced following regulatory approvals, with equipment installed and crews mobilized on-site. ReconAfrica has structured the testing program across six optimized zones spanning the Huttenberg and Elandshoek formations.

Updated petrophysical analysis has increased the estimated hydrocarbon pay in the Huttenberg formation to 75 meters, up from 64 meters previously disclosed.

In total, the company has identified 345 meters of prospective intervals, strengthening confidence in the discovery’s scale and commercial potential. The data gathered during testing is expected to provide clarity on production rates and reservoir continuity, key determinants for full-scale development.

Expanded resource profile boosts outlook
The improved reservoir characterization marks a significant upgrade to the Kavango West 1X asset, positioning it as a cornerstone of ReconAfrica’s Namibia portfolio. By leveraging global service providers and local supply chains, the company is optimizing operational efficiency while advancing toward potential first production scenarios.

Gabon exploration adds growth pipeline
Beyond Namibia, ReconAfrica is accelerating its offshore strategy in Gabon through the reprocessing of 3D seismic data over the Ngulu block, which includes the Loba discovery. The block spans 1,214 square kilometers in shallow waters along a proven hydrocarbon trend, with more than 28 identified prospects across pre- and post-salt formations. The company aims to define an appraisal drilling location and commission an independent resource report by 2026, adding a second growth pillar to its portfolio.

2026 shapes as catalyst year
ReconAfrica’s dual-track strategy across Namibia and Gabon highlights its ambition to build a diversified African energy platform.

With multiple exploration and testing milestones ahead, 2026 is emerging as a pivotal year that could redefine the company’s resource base, unlock commercial production pathways, and strengthen its position in Africa’s evolving oil and gas landscape.