Following a successful completion of drilling operations at Kavango West 1X (KW1X 1X well), located on Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) 73, onshore Namibia, on November 29 by Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd (ReconAfrica), reaching a total depth (TD) of 4,200 metres (13,800 feet) and conducting an extensive wireline logging program, Namibia is now yearning for a petro-dollar induced economy.
The well, which is now temporarily abandoned and will be re-entered once testing equipment arrives in the first quarter of 2026, is expected to produce crude oil in a commercial quantity following the encountered hydrocarbon pay in the Otavi reservoir section.
Extensive wireline logging indicates ~85 metres (~280 feet) of net reservoir with 64 metres (210 feet) of net hydrocarbon pay across a gross interval of ~400 metres (~1,300 feet) containing multiple limestone reservoir units. Mud and gas samples have been collected throughout the well and will be sent to the United States for analysis. No core samples were taken in this well.
The Company’s forward program will focus on testing the well to establish flow rates from intervals of interest. Testing will be conducted because of the positive indications of hydrocarbon-saturated reservoirs based on wireline logs and oil and gas shows in addition to interpreted natural fractures in the limestone reservoir units, which should enhance the deliverability of hydrocarbons.
Production Test (Tubing-Conveyed Perforating, TCP)
A production test will be conducted to determine the deliverability characteristics of the intervals of interest within the Otavi carbonate section. The production test will be run in a 5-inch production casing with Tubing-Conveyed Perforations (TCP) to selectively perforate interval ls based on where hydrocarbon pay has been identified on wireline logs and where significant oil and gas shows were encountered. Intervals of interest will be the 64 metres of hydrocarbon pay identified on wireline logs and an additional 61 metres of oil and gas shows identified in the deeper sections, where interpreted natural fractures in the limestone reservoir units should enhance the deliverability of hydrocarbons. Planning and logistics have begun for this test, which is anticipated to occur in the first quarter of 2026 and should run for approximately one month in duration.
“ReconAfrica is excited to announce that the Kavango West 1X well has encountered hydrocarbon pay in the Otavi reservoir section. The results from this well have allowed the Company to proceed to a successful case evaluation, which includes conducting a production test of prospective intervals to determine the well’s deliverability characteristics. We are excited about what the results mean for the future of the Damara Fold Belt play on ReconAfrica’s onshore Namibia lease position, which covers over six million prospective acres. I am also very proud of the ReconAfrica team who drilled this well safely, on schedule, and on budget with strong local stakeholder engagement,” Brian Reinsborough, President & CEO, said.
ReconAfrica is the operator of PEL 73 with a 70% working interest. Its partners are BW Energy (20% WI) and the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (“NAMCOR”, 10% carried WI).
