ReconAfrica says it has made an early hydrocarbon discovery at its recently drilled well in the Kavango Regions. 

This revelation by the Canadian oil and gas exploration company follows a briefing with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at State House, during which they outlined the latest developments in their exploration programme.

ReconAfrica's meeting included partners BW Energy and Amcor and focused on preliminary results from the well, which the company says was completed only weeks ago.

Its president, Brian Reinsborough, said the well was drilled efficiently and safely, leading to the discovery of hydrocarbons.

He revealed plans to return to the site to conduct tests to determine potential oil and gas output.

"It's early days, but we like what we see in this particular well. And our plans for this location will be to come back in a few months and do a production test on it to see how much oil and gas we can produce from this accumulation. But it's early days, and we're very happy with the results."

When asked whether any commitments were made during the discussions with the President, Reinsborough said the company pledged to advance the discovery methodically.

"We want to conduct a production test in the first quarter. Results of that will dictate our next steps; we would like to drill another well after that, potentially shoot some seismic, and hopefully be at a commercial decision point by the end of next year."

President Nandi-Ndaitwah reiterated her administration's resolve to work closely with the private sector in the area of economic development.

"And on Monday, I commissioned my three task forces, including the one on economic recovery. So I really want the public and the private sector to work as a team in order to address the challenge. I see the state-owned enterprises are also present in the room, so you are welcome."

ReconAfrica is exploring oil and natural gas potential in northeast Namibia and northwest Botswana.