Staff Writer
The National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor), through its upstream unit Namcor Exploration and Production, has welcomed the start of production testing at the Kavango West-1X discovery well in PEL 73, onshore Namibia.
PEL 73 is operated by ReconAfrica with a 70% stake, alongside BW Kudu with 20% and NAMCOR E&P with 10%. The joint venture is focused on developing the Kavango Basin. Regulatory approvals have been secured and work crews are on site preparing the well for testing.
The Kavango West-1X well has shown encouraging data. Updated analysis indicates about 75 metres of net hydrocarbon pay in the Huttenberg formation, higher than earlier estimates.
Testing will cover six zones across the Huttenberg and Elandshoek formations, with about 345 metres to be tested.
Production testing is expected to continue through the second quarter of 2026. Results will be released as operations progress.
Namcor said the milestone supports national value creation and marks a step in developing Namibia’s upstream oil and gas sector.
Acting managing director Mtundeni Ndafyaalako said, “The commencement of production testing at Kavango West marks another important step in Namibia’s upstream journey. As Namcor, our role is to ensure that Namibia maintains a strategic seat at the table in these developments while creating long-term value for the country. We are particularly encouraged by the integration of local suppliers into these operations, as building Namibian capacity remains central to sustainable industry growth.”
Namcor said it will continue working with partners, regulators and stakeholders to ensure exploration activities are carried out safely and in line with national priorities.
Caption
The National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia has welcomed the start of production testing at the Kavango West-1X well in PEL 73.
- Photo: Contributed
