In The Spotlight
Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd continues to deliver drilling operations ahead of schedule in the shallower section of the Kavango West 1X exploration well
This, however, caused a deferral of operations for several weeks at the current casing depth as the company waited on casing strings for the final section of the well to be delivered to location. Operations have resumed and drilling remains on the original expected schedule. Recon anticipates being at total depth (TD) in the second half of November. The Kavango West 1X well is expected to penetrate approximately 1,500 metres of potential reservoir before reaching TD at approximately 3,800 metres. Once at TD, an extensive logging programme will commence with results anticipated around year-end.
Brian Reinsborough, president and CEO, said, “Drilling of the Kavango West 1X well is proceeding on schedule and I wish to thank our entire operations team for doing a great job on executing our drilling plan. The final casing string has been set at a depth of approximately 2,300 metres, just above the targeted Otavi reservoir. Currently, the well is drilling ahead into the Otavi carbonate reservoir, which is the primary target in the Damara Fold Belt. We anticipate drilling an extensive section of the potential reservoir, which will be followed by a full evaluation of the Otavi section. The Kavango West 1X well is testing a very large structural closure in the Otavi section measuring almost 20 kilometres long by 3 kilometres wide.”
Communications from the company regarding the Kavango West 1X drilling details from this point until reaching TD will be under “tight hole” status, meaning that Recon will not provide indications of well results prior to final logging of the Otavi reservoir section. Strict adherence to tight hole status prior to the company obtaining logging results should not be interpreted as being either negative or positive. Any drilling updates provided between now and the completion of logging of the Otavi reservoir zone will only include an updated drilling depth.
A pre-requisite to the grant of production right in Block 11B/12B offshore South Africa, Africa Energy Corp has obtained approval of its request for a deadline extension for the submission of a new Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) to 4 May 2026
Operator of 11B/12B, Africa Energy Corp holds interest on the block through its investment in Main Street 1549 Pty Ltd.
The extension to the ESIA has been granted in light of the recent decision by the Western Cape High Court in South Africa to set aside an environmental authorisation for offshore exploration operations in Block 5/6/7 (held by an unrelated party) so that additional, new and amended environmental assessments can be conducted and placed before the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources for reconsideration.
An application for leave to appeal this decision to the Supreme Court of Appeal has been launched by the unrelated party. The company is therefore engaging with its advisors, including legal counsel, to determine the amendments and additions which may be required to its ESIA as a result of the High Court decision. Due to the High Court decision, which is pending appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeal, there is no certainty on the timing of the grant of the environmental authorisation after the submission of the amended ESIA. To navigate the challenges, the company is continuing to gather information and work with applicable regulators.
Main Street currently holds a 10% participating interest in Block 11B/12B, offshore South Africa. Subject to all relevant regulatory approvals by South African authorities in respect to the withdrawal of the joint venture partners in Block 11B/12B and completion of the restructuring of Main Street, the company expects to hold a 75% direct interest in Block 11B/12B. Both the assignment of the withdrawing parties' interest in Block 11B/12B to Main Street and the completion of the Main Street restructuring require grant of the production right in relation to Block 11B/12B.
Driven by its African identity, Nigerian independent Heirs Energies operates with an in-house development approach, partnering largely with indigenous contractors
Following its inspiring success story with OML 17, the company is ready to take on further challenging projects, now eyeing the Republic of Congo.
Heirs Energies CEO, Osa Ighiehon, reveals to Oil Review Africa what it takes to thrive as an African independent in today's energy industry and much more:
What according to you does Nigeria’s oil and gas industry need right now to attain its full potential?
Nigeria is at a critical moment. We possess the resources and the human capital to be a global energy leader, yet we are constrained by a few critical but addressable challenges. To unlock our full potential, we must act decisively on three fronts.
First, we must establish unwavering policy certainty. The lifeblood of our industry is investment, and capital flows to jurisdictions that offer predictability and stability. We need a clear, consistent, and transparent regulatory framework, one where fiscal term are stable and approvals are streamlined. Without this foundational trust, we risk ceding competitive advantage and watching investment capital migrate to more predictable markets. There has been a lot of progress on this front in the past few years with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and Presidential Directives.
Secondly, we must secure our infrastructure and consolidate the gains we've made. The scourge of oil theft has been a direct drain on our national treasury. However, the solution that has been deployed needs to be sustained and the threat/vulnerabilities permanently mitigated. As demonstrated with OML 17, where we moved from a 3% terminal delivery to over 99%, it is possible to secure assets through a collaborative model that integrates community engagement, corporate strategy, and crucially, the strengthened security framework provided by the government. This proven model must now be scaled nationally to protect our vital revenue streams and restore investor confidence.
Lastly, and most critically, we must execute a strategic pivot to gas. While oil built our economy, gas is the undeniable key to our future. Sitting on the largest proven gas reserves in Africa, it is an economic paradox that we remain dependent on imported fuels. Gas is the catalyst that will power our industries, generate stable electricity, and drive sustainable economic diversification. At Heirs Energies, we have moved from rhetoric to action, increasing our gas production from 70 mn standard cu/ft to 125 mn standard cu/ft. This is not merely a business decision; it is a national imperative. By prioritising gas, we can finally unlock a new era of industrialisation and long-term prosperity for Nigeria.
While digitalisation is largely being considered the key to production optimisation, do you believe it’s the sole requisite to success?
Digital tools are important, but they are not a magic fix. Technology helps us work smarter, but it can't replace the need for strong leadership and skilled people.
We use technology at Heirs Energies for monitoring and efficiency. But our biggest breakthroughs have come from our teams. For example, our engineers developed a low-cost way to bring old gas wells back to life. That idea didn't come from a software programme; it came from deep understanding, out-of-the-box thinking and a solution mindset.
While digitalisation gives us better data, our success finally depends on our people - their expertise, ingenuity and commitment to safety. Its this human element that truly makes the most difference.
What is Heirs Energies’ future strategy with OML 17 and other oil and gas assets?
Our strategy is to build on the proof point that OML 17 represents. When we acquired it, many doubted whether a Nigerian independent could revive such a complex, underperforming asset. Today, we have doubled production, restored security, and brought new energy to the domestic gas market. That success gives us the confidence to look ahead with intent.
At OML 17, we are determined to keep pushing performance higher - optimising oil output, scaling gas production further, and embedding the community partnerships that have become a hallmark of our approach. But the bigger picture goes beyond one asset, we see opportunities across Nigeria and Africa to apply our Brownfield Excellence model - identifying underperforming fields, deploying innovation and discipline, and turning them into engines of growth.
What matters to us is creating long-term value for our investors, for the communities where we operate, and for the economies that depend on reliable energy. That means expanding carefully, investing responsibly, and ensuring that every molecule we produce helps to power Africa’s development. OML 17 was the beginning - but our ambition is to shape the model of how African companies can deliver world-class results and shared prosperity, consistently and at scale.
This is the second of a two-part interview
Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd continues to deliver drilling operations ahead of schedule in the shallower section of the Kavango West 1X exploration well
This, however, caused a deferral of operations for several weeks at the current casing depth as the company waited on casing strings for the final section of the well to be delivered to location. Operations have resumed and drilling remains on the original expected schedule. Recon anticipates being at total depth (TD) in the second half of November. The Kavango West 1X well is expected to penetrate approximately 1,500 metres of potential reservoir before reaching TD at approximately 3,800 metres. Once at TD, an extensive logging programme will commence with results anticipated around year-end.
Brian Reinsborough, president and CEO, said, “Drilling of the Kavango West 1X well is proceeding on schedule and I wish to thank our entire operations team for doing a great job on executing our drilling plan. The final casing string has been set at a depth of approximately 2,300 metres, just above the targeted Otavi reservoir. Currently, the well is drilling ahead into the Otavi carbonate reservoir, which is the primary target in the Damara Fold Belt. We anticipate drilling an extensive section of the potential reservoir, which will be followed by a full evaluation of the Otavi section. The Kavango West 1X well is testing a very large structural closure in the Otavi section measuring almost 20 kilometres long by 3 kilometres wide.”
Communications from the company regarding the Kavango West 1X drilling details from this point until reaching TD will be under “tight hole” status, meaning that Recon will not provide indications of well results prior to final logging of the Otavi reservoir section. Strict adherence to tight hole status prior to the company obtaining logging results should not be interpreted as being either negative or positive. Any drilling updates provided between now and the completion of logging of the Otavi reservoir zone will only include an updated drilling depth.

Stryde’s technology offers true scalability for large-scale seismic acquisition. (Image source: Stryde)
Exploration services company, Argas, has purchased 30,000 Range+ STRYDE nodes and Stryde’s Nimble Seismic System, marking the first-ever deployment of nodal technology for onshore seismic acquisition in Egypt
The first deployment of the newly acquired Stryde system will be on a very large 2D seismic survey in Egypt. The technology will be used to acquire high-quality seismic data across highly prospective sedimentary basins, supporting oil and gas exploration efforts in one of Egypt’s most promising frontier regions.
Impressed by its cost-efficiency and operational agility, Argas made the strategic decision to integrate Stryde’s technology into its operations.
Stryde’s technology offers true scalability for large-scale seismic acquisition. Its ultra-lightweight Range+ nodes, coupled with a state-of-the-art, high-capacity charging, harvesting, and QC ecosystem, enable thousands of nodes to be rotated daily.
This ensures faster acquisition cycles and rapid delivery of high-quality seismic data, giving Argas a competitive edge in Egypt’s rapidly evolving energy sector.
“After working with Stryde’s system on previous projects, it became clear that this technology brings a significant advantage to both us and our clients,” said Soufiane Azzi, Director of Commercials and Collaborations of Argas.
“The system has proven to drastically reduce deployment time, reduce headcount and vehicles count, simplifies logistics, improve recording time window, and delivers excellent seismic data. We are proud to be the first to bring node technology to Egypt.”
“This is a major milestone, not only for STRYDE and ARGAS, but for Egypt’s energy sector as a whole,” said Mehdi Tascher, sales director at Stryde.
“ARGAS’s purchase is spot on, and reflects the growing demand for scalable and efficient seismic acquisition systems that enable high-density data capture for superior subsurface imaging, empowering more confident and informed exploration decisions. This sale underscores the global trust in STRYDE’s technology and its proven ability to transform seismic operations through operational excellence and data quality.”
A North African geophysical contractor has targeted large-scale 3D surveys in complex terrain with 75,000 of Sercel's DSU1-508 digital sensors
This was topped by 24 more Nomad 90 Neo broadband vibrators for an additional land seismic crew.
The contractor enjoyed an optimised survey performance with Sercel's set of value-added support services for Nomad with the Nomad Connect Asset Optimisation service, providing real-time insights into fleet performance and a complete overview of vibrator configurations. The Vibrator Auto-Guidance functionality enhanced operational accuracy and productivity in the field.
Jerome Denigot, CEO of Sercel, said, “We are pleased to continue building on our long-standing collaboration with this major North African customer. From project planning to delivery and field support, our team remains committed to providing the most advanced geophysical technology and services available. This latest milestone confirms Sercel’s position as the preferred technology partner for complex, large-scale seismic acquisition projects and highlights the growing demand for field-proven solutions that meet the evolving challenges of onshore exploration in North Africa and beyond.”
As Eni's Coral South project effectively continues to be in production, the major has now reached the final investment decision (FID) for the development of the Coral North FLNG project in Mozambique, with an aim for project delivery by 2028
The agreement was signed in Maputo by the Eni-led joint venture behind the project, in the presence of the President of Mozambique, Daniel Francisco Chapo, and Eni CEO, Claudio Descalzi.
While Eni is leading the venture with a 50% share, other partners include CNPC (20%), Kogas (10%), ENH (10%) and ADNOC-subsidiary XRG (10%). Eni will be investing on the development of a state-of-the-art floating LNG facility in the Rovuma Basin, where it will be generating gas volumes from the northern part of Area’s 4 Coral gas reservoir.
Eni CEO Claudio Descalzi commented: “Coral North project leverages Eni’s unmatched exploration skills, our trademark fast-track and capital disciplined development capabilities, Mozambique’s vast gas resources and its strategic geographic position. With Coral North we will contribute to supply the worldwide growing demand for LNG, doubling both Mozambique's contribution to global energy security, and the benefits for the country and its citizens in terms of economic and industrial growth”.
Coral North will be Eni’s second development in Mozambique and the second large-scale FLNG delivered in ultra-deep waters worldwide after Coral South.
With a production liquefaction capacity of 3.6MTPA, the newly built Coral North FLNG - coupled with its predecessor Coral South - will bring Mozambique’s overall LNG production to exceeding 7MTPA, making the country the third-largest LNG producer in Africa and further reinforcing its role in the global energy scenario.
As part of production optimisation strategy, the Republic of Congo is advancing investments on infrastructure development
With aims to expand the container terminal at the Port of Pointe Noire, a €230mn in financing has been generated to onboard freight forwarding service Africa Global Logistics (AGL) for the project.
The new 750-meter quay – scheduled for completion by 2027 – will double the terminal’s capacity to 2.3 million containers annually and support the country’s growing oil and LNG exports.
The Pointe Noire project is being executed by AGL’s subsidiary Congo Terminal in collaboration with engineering firm China Road and Bridge Corporation. Backed by both international and Congolese banks, the €400mn platform will include 26 hectares of quayside, a dredged 17-meter-deep basin, and the installation of 16 gantries. It forms a key part of Congo’s strategy to boost hydrocarbon production to 500,000 barrels of oil per day and LNG output to 3 million tons per annum within five years.
In Angola, AGL also launched operations at its Lobito Terminal in March last year. The terminal – Angola’s second-largest port hub – handles over one million tons of bulk cargo and more than 100,000 20-ft equivalent unit containers annually, with 730 employees operating deepwater berths and modern equipment. The project comes at a pivotal time for Angola, which is preparing to bring several major energy developments online between 2025 and 2028. These include the Cabinda Oil Refinery in 2025, the Agogo Integrated West Hub development in late-2025, the Quiluma and Maboqueiro gas fields in 2026 and the Kaminho Deepwater Development in 2028.
Meanwhile, in Ivory Coast, AGL is playing a vital role in Phase 2 of the Baleine offshore development - West Africa’s first net-zero emissions project. In partnership with engineering firm Saipem, AGL began manufacturing critical subsea structures for the Baleine field in April 2024 at its Carena shipyard in Abidjan. The works include anchoring systems and underwater fixtures totaling over 200 tons, to be deployed in ultra-deep waters. AGL has mobilized 100 skilled local workers – including certified welders, painters and crane operators – reinforcing its commitment to local content, capacity building and sustainable energy infrastructure in Ivory Coast’s rapidly growing oil and gas sector.
AGL’s recent activities in Africa align with its broader vision to support the continent’s energy infrastructure. In addition to the Republic of Congo, Angola and Ivory Coast, the company is currently modernising the Walvis Bay terminal in Namibia while playing a key role in major energy logistics across Mauritania, Senegal and Mozambique.

AOW:Energy 2025 will serve as a platform to spotlight Ghana’s strategic assets. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Ghana is set to host the 31st edition of AOW:Energy, the flagship event for Africa’s oil, gas, and energy sector, from 15th to 18th September 2025 in Accra, under the auspices of the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition and the Petroleum Commission
It is the first time in over three decades that the event will be held outside Cape Town, South Africa. As regulator of Ghana’s upstream petroleum industry, with a strategic vision of positioning Ghana as a competitive upstream petroleum hub, the Commission views the AOW: Investing in African Energy as a notable opportunity to further raise awareness of the country’s hydrocarbon potential on the global stage.
“We have an opportunity to present a dedicated national showcase, where His Excellency President H.E John Dramani Mahama will outline his vision for positioning the country as one of the most attractive upstream destinations with good geological prospects, through a progressive fiscal regime, regulations, investor-friendly incentives, and forward-thinking energy policies,” noted Emeafa Hardcastle, Ag. CEO of the Petroleum Commission. “AOW:Energy 2025 will serve as a platform to spotlight Ghana’s strategic assets, engage with global investors, build critical partnerships and offer regulators across the continent an opportunity to present emerging regulatory reforms that will shape the continent’s energy future.”
Paul Sinclair, CEO of AOW:Energy, expressed enthusiasm for the momentum building around the event, noting a record level of government and private sector participation. “We are excited about the strong support from the Ghana government in welcoming ministers, national oil companies, regulators and global investors to AOW:Energy 2025. Africa is quickly becoming a top destination for energy investment, and 2025 will be a year for the continent’s upstream sector. Ghana, I believe is ready to take the spotlight when AOW:Energy comes to Accra,” he said.
As AOW:Energy evolves, it continues to consolidate its founding mission of bringing together a powerful network of governments, national oil companies, regulators, energy agencies, and private sector players.
The 2025 edition is expected to open new doors to investment, innovation, and collaboration, providing direct access to emerging opportunities across Africa’s energy landscape.