ReconAfrica announces first onshore Namibia hydrocarbon flow from Kavango well

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 announced that it has produced hydrocarbons to the surface from its Kavango West 1X discovery well in Namibia, marking what the company says is the first onshore hydrocarbon flow recorded in the country. The preliminary results come from production testing that began on June 8, 2026, targeting the Elandshoek formation.

ReconAfrica’s breakthrough in Namibia
The Canadian oil and gas explorer reported that testing of three zones in the Elandshoek formation yielded natural gas flows to the surface during multiple tests. Samples have been collected for laboratory analysis in the United States, while remaining hydrocarbons were flared.

The company noted that the well produced gas and liquids intermittently over roughly 24 hours of flow testing, with tubing pressure rising to about 2,300 psi, an indicator of hydrocarbon deliverability. However, it cautioned that equipment limitations prevented precise measurement of flow rates, making the results preliminary.

CEO Brian Reinsborough described the development as a milestone, stating that naturally fractured carbonate rocks in the formation are supporting production. He added that the company is evaluating a horizontal or deviated sidetrack to potentially increase flow rates by accessing a wider fracture network.

Testing shifts to Huttenberg formation
Following the Elandshoek tests, ReconAfrica is moving equipment to evaluate three additional zones in the shallower Huttenberg formation. These zones cover about 182 metres of reservoir section, including approximately 76 metres of identified net hydrocarbon pay based on well log analysis.

The company estimates that testing could take around 10 days per zone, with the next operational update expected by late August 2026.

To support the testing program, the entire 1,657-metre Otavi section, covering both formations, has been cased and cemented, enabling targeted evaluation of six identified zones. While this configuration allows controlled testing, the company noted it may limit access to natural fractures, which could be improved through future drilling techniques.

What’s next for ReconAfrica?
ReconAfrica, which operates across Namibia, Angola, Botswana, and offshore Gabon, is now focused on confirming the commercial potential of its discoveries. The company holds rights to approximately 13 million contiguous acres in the Kavango Rift Basin and surrounding regions.

While the early results confirm the presence of hydrocarbons, the company emphasized that short-term test flows are not indicative of long-term production performance or reserves. Further analysis, including laboratory results and extended testing, will be required to determine the well’s economic viability.