ReconAfrica’s Naingopo well signals major oil discovery in Namibia’s Damara Fold Belt

Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. (ReconAfrica) has reported a significant milestone in Namibia‘s oil exploration sector with the results of its Naingopo well, drilled in the Damara Fold Belt within Petroleum Exploration Licence 73 (PEL 73). The well, reaching a total depth of 4,184 metres, encountered over 50 metres of net reservoir in the Otavi Group, with multiple oil indications observed throughout the formation.

These findings confirm the presence of a working petroleum system, marking a critical step in derisking the Damara Fold Belt oil exploration. As a result, ReconAfrica is accelerating its drilling schedule, prioritizing Prospect I over the previously planned Kambundu well, now expected to spud in July 2025.

How does the Naingopo well impact future oil exploration in the Damara Fold Belt?

The Naingopo well results have provided crucial geological insights, reinforcing the Damara Fold Belt as a promising hydrocarbon play. Brian Reinsborough, President and CEO of ReconAfrica, underscored the significance of these findings, stating that the well confirms an active petroleum system within the region.

“The presence of over 50 metres of net reservoir with oil indications is highly significant. While seismic uncertainties prevented penetration of the primary Otavi objective above the main fault, oil was encountered at depth below the fault. This discovery further derisks Prospect I, which we now plan to drill ahead of Kambundu,” Reinsborough stated.

The Damara Fold Belt, a geologically complex region, has long been considered a high-risk, high-reward frontier basin. With oil indications observed at Naingopo, ReconAfrica now has stronger technical confidence in structural and stratigraphic targets for future drilling. The well results also validate the company’s seismic survey strategy, which has been critical in assessing reservoir continuity.

Why is the Damara Fold Belt significant for oil exploration?

The Damara Fold Belt forms part of Namibia’s Kavango Rift Basin, an emerging hydrocarbon frontier attracting increasing industry attention. Geological experts have long speculated on the region’s oil potential, but the confirmation of oil-bearing reservoirs at Naingopo represents a turning point in exploration efforts.

According to Chris Sembritzky, Senior Vice President of Exploration at ReconAfrica, the well has provided invaluable data for refining the company’s exploration model.

“The Naingopo well has played a key role in unlocking our understanding of the Damara Fold Belt play. The presence of oil in the Otavi Group and the overall reservoir quality significantly enhance the commercial viability of the play. Our team is now focused on incorporating this data into future drilling plans,” Sembritzky stated.

The well also confirmed that rock fluorescence, an indicator of hydrocarbon presence, was pervasive within the Otavi Group. Additionally, drilling mud analysis showed traces of oil at surface, further validating the prospectivity of the basin.

What are the next steps for ReconAfrica’s drilling and seismic program?

With Naingopo’s oil discovery providing key technical insights, ReconAfrica is pressing forward with its exploration strategy. The company is now prioritizing the drilling of Prospect I, which is considered a low-risk, high-potential target based on lessons learned from Naingopo.

Additionally, ReconAfrica is advancing its 3D seismic acquisition program, expected to begin in the second half of 2025. This survey will utilize vibroseis technology to improve subsurface imaging across both the Rift Basin and Damara Fold Belt, allowing for better well placement and resource estimation.

In parallel, the company is analyzing rock and fluid samples from Naingopo through third-party laboratories. These analyses will refine reservoir characterization, providing further clarity on the oil-bearing potential of the region.

How does ReconAfrica’s partnership with BW Energy shape its exploration efforts?

In a strategic move to strengthen its exploration capabilities, ReconAfrica recently completed the sale of a 20% working interest in PEL 73 to BW Energy. The $141 million transaction, originally announced in July 2024, received full regulatory approval from the Namibian Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) and Namcor Exploration and Production (NAMCOR).

Following the deal, ReconAfrica retains a 70% operating interest, while BW Energy now holds 20%, with NAMCOR maintaining a 10% stake. This partnership not only brings additional capital into the exploration program but also enhances technical collaboration, further supporting ReconAfrica’s drilling and seismic survey plans.

What does this mean for Namibia’s oil industry?

Namibia has rapidly gained attention as a high-potential oil exploration region, with recent discoveries positioning the country as a key emerging player in Africa’s energy sector. With ReconAfrica at the forefront, the Damara Fold Belt is now seen as a potential game-changer for Namibia’s oil and gas industry.

The success of the Naingopo well has already attracted increased investor interest, as companies seek to capitalize on Namibia’s hydrocarbon potential. As exploration activity intensifies, the country could see a surge in energy sector investment, driving economic growth and development.

What’s next for ReconAfrica and Namibia’s energy sector?

Looking ahead, ReconAfrica remains committed to its exploration strategy, with upcoming milestones including:

• Drilling of Prospect I, set to begin ahead of Kambundu.
• 3D seismic survey acquisition, enhancing subsurface understanding.
• Completion of Naingopo sample analysis, refining exploration models.
• Further partnership developments, leveraging industry expertise.

As Namibia’s oil potential continues to unfold, ReconAfrica is strategically positioned to lead the charge in uncovering new petroleum resources. The successful discovery of oil indications observed at Naingopo is just the beginning of what could be a transformational period for the country’s energy landscape.