Reconnaissance Energy Africa (ReconAfrica) has commenced horizontal sidetrack drilling at its Kavango West 1X (KW1X) exploration well in northeastern Namibia, targeting flow test results before the end of 2026 to assess the well’s potential to produce hydrocarbons.
The Canadian oil and gas explorer said drilling resumed after it secured the necessary regulatory approvals, including an Environmental Clearance Certificate and an amended permit authorising horizontal drilling.
The programme will target a horizontal wellbore of up to 1,000 metres within the upper zone of the Huttenberg Formation, with drilling expected to take approximately one month.
The horizontal section is designed to intersect natural fractures within the Kavango structure, potentially increasing contact with the reservoir and allowing the company to assess its hydrocarbon flow potential.
ReconAfrica said the well could intersect thousands of vertical or near-vertical natural fractures, which are considered important pathways for fluid movement within the formation.
“The horizontal well bore could potentially transect thousands of vertical, or near vertical, natural fractures. The well will be completed ‘open hole’, without casing or cement, to maximize the flow rate from the natural fracture system,” the company said.
The open-hole completion is intended to allow hydrocarbons to flow directly from the exposed formation into the wellbore without restricting access to the natural fracture network.
Following drilling and completion, ReconAfrica plans to conduct flow testing for up to one month to determine whether the reservoir can deliver sustained production rates.
The testing programme will measure flow rates, reservoir pressure response and the volume and composition of liquids produced alongside gas.
Additional fluid and gas samples will be collected for laboratory analysis to provide further information on the reservoir’s characteristics.
“Flow testing is intended to establish sustained flow rates, reservoir pressure response and the liquid yield and composition in the production flow stream. Additional fluid and gas samples will be collected for laboratory analysis. Testing could take up to one month with flow test results expected to be disclosed prior to year-end,” the company said.
ReconAfrica said the wellbore would first be swabbed to remove drilling mud and cuttings before testing begins.
Initial flow testing will take place before an acid wash, allowing the company to assess the well’s performance following drilling and completion.
The results will be important in determining the commercial potential of the KW1X well and informing the company’s next exploration and appraisal decisions.
However, the planned tests have yet to establish whether the well can sustain commercially viable hydrocarbon flow rates.
ReconAfrica is undertaking the programme alongside its partners BW Energy, which holds a 20% working interest, and the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR), which holds a 10% carried working interest.
The company’s exploration activities are focused on Namibia’s Damara Fold Belt and Kavango Rift Basin, with additional interests extending into southeastern Angola and northwestern Botswana.
The KW1X drilling and testing programme forms part of ReconAfrica’s efforts to evaluate the hydrocarbon potential of Namibia’s onshore basins and determine whether further appraisal and development activities are warranted.
