Windhoek: The National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR) has welcomed the start of production testing at the Kavango West-1X discovery well in Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) 73, marking a new phase in Namibia's onshore oil and gas exploration.
According to Namibia Press Agency, NAMCOR's Manager of Communications, Paulo Coelho, announced that this milestone is being achieved through its upstream subsidiary, NAMCOR Exploration and Production (Pty) Ltd, in collaboration with ReconAfrica and BW Kudu. ReconAfrica operates the licence with a 70 percent stake, while BW Kudu holds 20 percent. NAMCOR EandP retains a 10 percent interest.
Coelho explained that operations are currently underway at the Kavango West site, where crews are preparing the well for testing following the securing of all necessary regulatory approvals. The well has already shown promising technical results, with updated petrophysical analysis indicating approximately 75 metres of net hydrocarbon pay in the Huttenberg formation, an increase from earlier estimates.
The testing will focus on six zones across the Huttenberg and deeper Elandshoek formations, covering a total prospective interval of around 345 metres. This process is anticipated to continue through the second quarter of 2026, with results being released as they become available.
NAMCOR emphasized that this development is crucial in unlocking the hydrocarbon potential of the onshore Kavango Basin and enhancing Namibia's position in the global energy sector. NAMCOR Acting Managing Director, Mtundeni Ndafyaalako, remarked that the commencement of production testing signifies another important milestone in the country's upstream development, ensuring that Namibia maintains a strategic role in these advancements while creating long-term value for the nation.
Ndafyaalako also highlighted the importance of local participation, noting the integration of local suppliers into the operations as essential for sustainable industry growth. He affirmed that NAMCOR will continue collaborating with partners, regulators, and other stakeholders to ensure safe and efficient exploration aligned with national priorities.