Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd said it expects to complete production testing at its Kavango West 1X discovery in Namibia by the end of June, a key milestone that could underpin a potential development decision as the company accelerates exploration across southern and West Africa.
The oil and gas explorer said optimized zone production testing at the discovery well is set to begin in early-to-mid May, with six hydrocarbon-bearing zones to be evaluated sequentially over roughly 420 metres of reservoir.
Each interval could take up to 10 days to test, with results aimed at determining hydrocarbon phase and deliverability, ReconAfrica told shareholders.
The company is also preparing a follow-up appraisal well a few kilometres from the discovery, which, if successful, would support reserve booking and move the project closer to a final investment decision.
“2025 was another transformational year for ReconAfrica as we progressed all aspects of our strategic goals,” CEO Brian Reinsborough said, highlighting its farm-down agreement with BW Energy and expansion into new jurisdictions.
In Namibia, ReconAfrica now operates Petroleum Exploration Licence 073 with a 70% interest, alongside BW Energy and state oil company NAMCOR, positioning the company to advance appraisal activity while sharing development risk.
Beyond Namibia, ReconAfrica is working to mature its newly acquired offshore Gabon asset, where it has begun reprocessing 3D seismic data over the Loba oil discovery and surrounding acreage.
The updated seismic dataset, expected in the fourth quarter of 2026, will be used to refine resource estimates and identify appraisal drilling locations, potentially unlocking another development pathway.
The company is also laying groundwork in Angola after signing a memorandum of understanding for exploration in the Etosha-Okavango basin, extending its footprint across the Damara Fold Belt ahead of further drilling in Namibia.
ReconAfrica said its multi-basin strategy is designed to build a portfolio of high-impact exploration and appraisal opportunities, with near-term focus on testing results from Kavango West and advancing drill-ready prospects in Gabon.
On the corporate front, the company renewed its base shelf prospectus, providing flexibility to raise capital as it progresses its drilling and seismic programs, and reported proceeds from warrant exercises so far in 2026.