Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. (TSXV: RECO) has announced the resumption of operations at its Kavango West 1X Sidetrack discovery well in Namibia, with horizontal drilling potentially beginning as early as October 2026. Flow test samples have confirmed thermogenic gas with liquid potential in the Huttenberg and Elandshoek formations, a result the company describes as encouraging. The update also covers positive preliminary findings from an Angola soil sampling program and continued progress on 3D seismic reprocessing at the company's Ngulu block offshore Gabon, broadening the operational picture for investors.

Key Points

  • Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. (TSXV: RECO | OTCQX: RECAF | Frankfurt: 0XD | NSX: REC)
  • The Jarvie-1 rig has resumed operations at KW1X; all regulatory permit amendments have been submitted pending approval for horizontal drilling
  • Horizontal wellbore targeting up to 1,000 metres designed to measure deliverability, liquid yield, and formation pressure; flow testing to follow immediately upon well completion
  • Investors may be watching for regulatory approval of the horizontal well programme, October drilling commencement, and Gabon reprocessing results expected before year-end

KW1X Flow Test Samples Confirm Thermogenic Gas With Liquid Potential

IsoTube samples collected during vertical flow testing of the Huttenberg and Elandshoek formations at KW1X confirm that the natural gas present is thermogenic, with maturities ranging from late oil to early gas. The release states that this indicates a liquid-capable system, which the company views as a material data point. The upcoming horizontal well test is designed to establish sustained flow rates and enable collection of additional samples to determine liquid composition and measure liquid yields from the gas stream — information the company describes as essential for progressing toward a Final Investment Decision at the Kavango discovery.

Horizontal Drilling Programme Design and Regulatory Status at KW1X

Work in the vertical wellbore has begun with removal of casing and setting of a whipstock at approximately 2,500 metres. The horizontal wellbore is designed to reach up to 1,000 metres to intersect natural fractures across the Kavango structure and will be completed open hole — without casing or cement — to maximise flow from fractures and identified porosity zones. All regulatory permit amendments have been submitted, and subject to approval, horizontal drilling could commence in October, with the programme expected to take approximately one month. Required equipment has been procured and is on site or in transit.

Angola Soil Sampling Points to Active Petroleum System on MOU Acreage

Preliminary results from the soil sampling program conducted on ReconAfrica's MOU acreage in Angola during May and June 2026 suggest an active, thermogenic petroleum system with liquid content potential. The release states micro-seeps at surface indicate vertical migration from deep hydrocarbon accumulations, with characteristics described as similar to the plays on PEL 73 in Namibia. The company discloses that a 2D seismic program may follow, possibly in 2027, to outline the structural trend of the Damara Fold Belt — though that timeline remains subject to planning and approval processes.

Gabon Seismic Reprocessing on Track for Year-End Completion

At the Ngulu block offshore Gabon, 3D seismic reprocessing employing Full Waveform Inversion technology is progressing and is expected to be complete before year-end. Concurrently, a resource report will be commissioned and appraisal well locations to the Loba oil discovery will be selected. The release confirms well planning has commenced for an anticipated spud, though specific timing for that spud was not disclosed in the announcement. The Ngulu block covers 1,214 km² and is described as strategically located near producing oil fields and existing infrastructure.