ReconAfrica advances oil exploration in the Kavango basin
• By Veronica Amaral
Reconnaissance Energy Africa (ReconAfrica) and NAMCOR have identified five potential conventional reservoir zones in its initial wells in the Kavango basin, with over 650 ft. of net reservoir confirmed.
ReconAfrica stated that its progress in exploration activities in the Kavango basin in Namibia and Botswana endorsed wider growth in Africa’s oil and gas division, suggesting the potential for significant discoveries in the region.
Known for its innovative and data-driven approach to exploration, Canada has spudded the Naingopo-1 exploration well in the Damara Fold Belt in Namibia’s Kavango basin.
ReconAfrica and the National Corporation Petroleum of Namibia (NAMCOR) have drilled several test wells since 2020, targeting multiple oil and natural gas reservoirs.
Moreover, their most recent Naingapo-1 well is anticipated to be crucial to determining the basin’s probable depth and reach a total depth of about 3,800 m in 90 days.
In addition, ReconAfrica has completed approximately 30% of a 450-km seismic field acquisition program, which is on schedule and expected to guide future drilling locations.
Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, NJ Ayuk, expressed that the company’s mission is to determine and grow resources in Africa’s frontier markets.
“ReconAfrica’s exploration efforts in the Kavango basin affirm its commitment to discovering and developing new energy resources in Africa’s frontier markets, mainly focusing on the untapped onshore potential to unlock significant oil and gas resources.
The company’s efforts align with broader initiatives to enhance regional energy security and stimulate economic growth through sustainable resource development,” says Ayuk.
Furthermore, countries like Angola are set to launch a frontier licensing round in early 2025, offering underexplored prospects coupled with established production infrastructure.
The Lower Congo and Kwanza basins in Angola have demonstrated interesting geological structures similar to those in offshore fields, making them appealing for more research and development.
This adds to the country’s onshore exploration potential.
Similarly, Mozambique, Uganda, and Tanzania are opening new exploration frontiers, presenting attractive farm-in opportunities for independents like ReconAfrica.
Additionally, the oil reserves in Uganda’s portion of the Lake Albert basin, particularly in the Albertine Graben, are estimated at around 6.5 Bbl., indicating promising prospects within the onshore region.