NAMCOR Confirms Significant Hydrocarbon Find at Kavango West 1X Exploration Well

NAMCOR Confirms Significant Hydrocarbon Find at Kavango West 1X Exploration Well. The National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR), together with joint venture partners Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. (ReconAfrica) and BW Energy, has announced a significant hydrocarbon discovery from the Kavango West 1X exploration well under Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) 73 in onshore Namibia.

NAMCOR confirmed that the well encountered a gross hydrocarbon interval of approximately 400 metres within the Otavi carbonate formation. Wireline logs and mud log analysis revealed 64 net metres of hydrocarbon pay, indicating the presence of substantial accumulations. An additional 61 metres of hydrocarbon shows were recorded in deeper sections, where natural fractures in the limestone reservoir are expected to enhance potential hydrocarbon flow.

ReconAfrica, the operator of PEL 73, concluded drilling operations on 29 November 2025, reaching a total depth of 4,200 metres. Following the initial evaluation, the well has been temporarily suspended. The joint venture partners plan to re-enter the site in the first quarter of 2026 to conduct a production test aimed at determining flow rates, reservoir productivity, and overall commercial viability.

NAMCOR Acting Managing Director, Maureen Hinda-Mbuende, welcomed the results and emphasised their importance for the country’s growing energy landscape. She noted that each successful well strengthens the outlook for Namibia’s oil and gas sector and supports the national objective of developing the industry in a responsible and sustainable manner.

The Kavango West 1X discovery adds to the increased exploration activity taking place across Namibia, which has attracted global attention in recent years due to promising geological prospects. Stakeholders say the upcoming production testing phase will provide critical data needed to understand the resource’s potential and support future development planning.

The joint venture partners will continue evaluating the findings as Namibia advances its broader energy ambitions.