Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd (TSX-V:RECO, OTCQX:RECAF, FRA:0XD) said on Thursday it has begun production testing at its Kavango West 1X discovery well in Namibia, while advancing seismic work and appraisal planning on its offshore Ngulu block in Gabon as part of a catalyst-rich 2026 program.

The oil and gas explorer said it has received all regulatory permits required to proceed with testing at Kavango West, with crews now on site preparing the well.

A production liner sourced from North America has been delivered, and the company has contracted Halliburton and Schlumberger Oilfield Services to provide equipment and services.

Updated petrophysical analysis, incorporating additional rock and log data, indicates 75 metres of net hydrocarbon pay in the Huttenberg formation, up from a previously reported 64 metres, the company said.

ReconAfrica said it plans to conduct production testing across six zones, including three in the Huttenberg formation and three in the deeper Elandshoek formation. In total, 345 metres of prospective interval will be isolated and perforated during the testing program.

In Gabon, the company is reprocessing 3D seismic data over key areas of the offshore Ngulu block, including the Loba oil discovery. Upon completion, ReconAfrica expects to select an appraisal drilling location and commission an independent resource report, targeted for delivery by the end of 2026.

The Ngulu block spans about 1,214 square kilometres in shallow waters offshore central Gabon and lies near several established producing oil fields. The company said the block hosts the Loba discovery and more than 28 identified exploration prospects across pre- and post-salt plays.