Sonangol and Angola’s National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency (ANPG) have confirmed that the Katambi-2 appraisal well intersected two productive intervals and encountered good-quality reservoirs in Block 24 of the Benguela Basin, offshore Angola, in a result that strengthens the commercial case for developing the country’s pre-salt gas resources.
Initial flow tests at Katambi-2 recorded a stabilised rate of 41 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd) of gas and 1,160 barrels per day of condensate. Officials highlighted that the absence of water and hydrogen sulphide in the reservoir further improves the project’s economics, reducing both technical complexity and potential processing costs.
The result is significant because it supports continued appraisal of a pre-salt discovery that could materially expand Angola’s upstream portfolio, particularly on the gas side, as the country works to diversify its hydrocarbon output beyond crude oil.
Preliminary tests indicated the well carries potential of more than 100 MMscfd, according to a joint statement from Sonangol and ANPG. That figure suggests the reservoir may be capable of underpinning a development considerably larger than the current stabilised test rate implies.
Katambi-2 is located close to Katambi-1, a BP exploration well drilled in 2014-2015. BP subsequently relinquished its stake to the Angolan state, concluding at the time that the discovery was not commercially viable. In 2016, Sonangol estimated the pre-salt accumulation could hold approximately 1.7 billion barrels of oil equivalent, predominantly gas and condensate.
Katambi-2 therefore represents a new commercial assessment of the field. Sonangol and ANPG said quality metrics from the latest well were superior to those recorded at Katambi-1. ANPG also noted a historic dimension to the result: this was the first full flow test ever conducted on a non-associated gas reservoir in Angola.
The broader strategic context is unambiguous. Angola remains one of Africa’s most significant oil producers, but the country needs new gas-linked developments to sustain and diversify its upstream base. A successful reservoir appraisal at Katambi-2 would contribute to both objectives — broadening production mix and improving the overall economics of offshore exploration in the Benguela Basin.
Investors and industry observers will now focus on the next appraisal steps, the eventual development concept, and whether Sonangol and ANPG can translate these reservoir quality results into a sanctioned commercial project. The central question is how swiftly Katambi-2 can progress from encouraging test data to final investment decision and commercial delivery.
Source: FurtherAfrica / Original article: https://furtherafrica.com/2026/08/07/katambi-2-appraisal-boosts-angolas-offshore-gas-development-prospects/
