ReconAfrica Begins Surface Sampling in Angola’s Damara Fold Belt to Unlock Onshore Oil Potential
Reconnaissance Energy Africa (ReconAfrica) has announced the deployment of a technical team to Angola’s Damara Fold Belt to conduct surface sampling in areas of potential oil seeps.
The move marks the company’s first on-the-ground exploration activity in Angola and represents a significant milestone in its regional growth strategy.
The announcement was made by Brian Reinsborough, CEO of ReconAfrica, during a technical session titled Best Practice Strategies for Successful Exploration in the Okavango Basin, sponsored by the company at the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2025 Conference and Exhibition.
“These structures are quite large, up to 25 km long and 5 km wide,” Reinsborough explained. “Our company has really focused on this fold belt, largely because of the size of the prize.”
ReconAfrica’s activity in Angola follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in April 2025 with the National Oil, Gas & Biofuels Agency (ANPG) and Sonangol, Angola’s national oil company. Under the agreement, ReconAfrica holds an 80% operating interest in a 5.2-million-acre onshore license, with Sonangol retaining the remaining 20%.
The acreage lies within the Etosha-Okavango Basin and forms part of the Damara Fold Belt, which stretches across Angola, Namibia, and Botswana.
ReconAfrica’s internal geological models suggest that the hydrocarbon potential confirmed in Namibia extends into Angolan territory, making this a promising frontier for exploration.
Early-Stage Studies Underway
Initial exploration efforts in Angola will include:
Geological and geochemical analysis.
A regional sweep survey.
Preparations for a 2D seismic acquisition campaign.
These surface studies are expected to provide crucial data that will guide well placement and exploration drilling in the coming years.
Linking Angola and Namibia Exploration
ReconAfrica is currently drilling the Kavango West 1X well in Namibia, located just 40 km from the Angola border.
Earlier exploration in Namibia confirmed reservoir rocks and hydrocarbon indicators within fold structures, reinforcing the company’s belief in the cross-border potential of the Damara Fold Belt.
By combining Angola’s surface sampling program with ongoing drilling in Namibia, ReconAfrica and Sonangol aim to build a regional geological model that will unlock new opportunities across Southern Africa.
This integrated approach underscores Angola’s growing appeal as a destination for frontier exploration while strengthening regional cooperation in developing one of Africa’s most promising onshore basins.
