ReconAfrica says downhole testing operations at the Kavango West 1X well in Namibia are expected to commence before the end of May as the company moves closer toward one of the country’s first large-scale onshore production tests for hydrocarbons.
The company said equipment and technical services required for the programme continue arriving at the site, with procurement involving both Namibian and international companies.
ReconAfrica, which operates the project alongside partners NAMCOR and BW Energy, said the programme will test six optimised zones across 420 metres of hydrocarbon-bearing intervals identified at the Kavango West 1X well.
The company said on-site technical operations will be conducted by global oilfield service companies SLB and Halliburton.
ReconAfrica said it will first conduct a cement bond log to verify casing and cement integrity ahead of production testing, describing this as standard industry procedure before downhole operations begin.
The company also confirmed that a third-party service provider is finalising a transport and storage permit required before testing can proceed.
ReconAfrica said it remains committed to conducting all operations in line with Namibia’s laws, regulations and permitting requirements.
According to the company, testing a single zone could take up to 10 days, while the full production testing programme is expected to run for up to 60 days across all targeted intervals.
ReconAfrica expects to release production test results around mid-to-late July 2026.
The production test is viewed as a significant milestone in determining the commercial viability of the Kavango discovery. It could provide important data on reservoir quality, hydrocarbon flow rates and future development potential in the broader Kavango Basin.
The company also confirmed that preparations for future appraisal drilling continue progressing, with site selection and permitting work currently underway for the next appraisal well.
ReconAfrica currently holds petroleum licences and exploration rights covering approximately 13 million contiguous acres across Namibia, Angola and Botswana, as well as offshore interests in Gabon.
