The results of an exploration drilling, released August 11, 2026 by Afentra, the UK junior, looks less exciting on paper than the prior announcement of an appraisal probe by Sonangol Exploração & Produção, the Angolan state hydrocarbon company.
But in terms of quick monetisation, the prospects look better for Afentra’s well than Sonangol’s.
Afentra reported “successful oil discovery, with net pay 136 metres”, in Pacassa SW, drilled in Block 3/05 offshore in the country’s prolific Lower Congo Basin. The probe penetrated gross hydrocarbon-bearing interval of 217 metres.
The company did not offer any Drill Stem Test details, but was sure enough to declare that “the reservoir quality supports pre-drill estimate of 5,000Barrels of Oil Per Day (BOPD) gross”.
Exploration drilling results are important in Angola, which, like most producing African petro states, currently struggle with the challenge of relentlessly depleting reserves and flat or declining output.
Which is why a comparison of Pacassa SW result with Sonangol’s report of drilling and testing operations of the Katambi-2 appraisal well, is in order.
The statement on Katambi-2, drilled in Block 24 of the Benguela Basin, noted an assessment of the test results, revealing that the well has the potential to produce more than 100 Million Standard Cubic Feet per Day (MMscf/d).
“The Katambi-2 well traversed two productive intervals, with a total thickness of approximately 331 metres, confirming the existence of good quality reservoirs, with an average porosity between 9% and 12% and good permeability, “superior to that recorded in the Katambi-1 well, drilled in 2014/2015”, ANPG the Angolan upstream petroleum regulator said.
“Initial tests recorded a stabilized production of 41 MMscf/d of gas and 1,160 barrels per day of condensate, with no presence of water or H₂S (hydrogen sulfide), reinforcing the economic viability of developing the discovery and its potential contribution to optimizing national production.
Katambi’s disadvantage is that it is located in a basin that has never experienced field development, and so has no advantage of near field facilities that Pacassa has. Indeed, Pacassa SW will now be completed as an oil production well and connected to the Pacassa production infrastructure. “Following the connection of the well to the production system first oil from the well will be delivered in third quarter 2026”, Afentra said. “Sustainable production rates will be established following well clean-up and flow-back operations”. The reservoir doesn’t eve appear to need help to deliver. “Our current analysis of the well data suggests that a Pacassa SW injection well is unlikely to be required at this time, a final decision will be made ahead of the completion of the current rig operations”.
