By Advent Shoko
HARARE, Zimbabwe – Australian-listed energy company Invictus Energy has awarded a major well-services contract to global oilfield services company SLB as preparations accelerate for the drilling of the Musuma-1 exploration well in Muzarabani, northern Zimbabwe.
Invictus said on September 11 that Musuma-1 remains on track to be drilled in November 2026, marking another major step in its search for commercially viable oil and gas resources in Zimbabwe’s Cabora Bassa Basin.
The development matters for Zimbabwe because a successful exploration programme could strengthen the country’s energy security, reduce reliance on imported energy and potentially create new investment and economic opportunities.
However, Musuma-1 is still an exploration well. The latest announcement does not mean Zimbabwe has made a new commercial gas discovery.
SLB Brings In Well Services
Invictus has selected SLB, formerly known as Schlumberger, to provide specialised services, technology and operational support for the Musuma-1 drilling campaign.
The company said planning for equipment preparation, logistics and mobilisation has already started.
Invictus Managing Director Scott Macmillan said securing SLB was an important part of getting the drilling campaign ready.
“Securing SLB completes another critical component of the Musuma-1 campaign and significantly advances operational readiness ahead of drilling,” Macmillan said.
He said SLB would bring technical expertise and equipment, while also providing continuity from the company’s previous Mukuyu-2 drilling campaign.
That experience could be important as Invictus moves into another high-impact exploration programme in the Cabora Bassa Basin.
Wellpad And Road Work Underway
Preparatory work is also progressing at the Musuma-1 site.
Invictus said construction of the wellpad, access roads and other supporting civil infrastructure is underway ahead of the arrival of the drilling rig and associated equipment.
The company said cultural ceremonies were conducted with local traditional leaders before the latest construction activities began, describing this as part of its approach to incorporating local cultural knowledge and respect into its operations.
The next phase will involve completing the site infrastructure and preparing the location to receive the drilling equipment.
Drilling Rig Readies For Mobilisation
Exalo S.A. has also started maintenance and inspection work on Rig 202, the drilling rig earmarked for Musuma-1.
The work is intended to ensure the rig is ready before it is transported to the wellsite.
Once maintenance is completed, the rig will be moved to Musuma-1, where it will be assembled, commissioned and inspected before drilling begins.
Invictus said final rig acceptance and other pre-drilling activities will take place before the well is spudded — the industry term for the start of drilling.
Why Musuma-1 Matters For Zimbabwe
Musuma-1 forms part of Invictus’ broader exploration programme in the Cabora Bassa Basin, an area the company considers highly prospective for hydrocarbons.
Invictus holds a portfolio covering about 360,000 hectares in the basin, including areas containing the Mukuyu Gas Field and several other prospects.
The company has previously reported a significant gas discovery at Mukuyu, but Musuma-1 will test a separate exploration target.
For Zimbabwe, the significance of the November drilling campaign will ultimately depend on what the well finds and whether any resources can later be developed commercially.
A successful result could increase investor interest in Zimbabwe’s upstream energy sector and potentially support future domestic gas development. It could also contribute to employment, local contracting and related economic activity if exploration progresses into commercial development.
But exploration carries risk. Invictus itself cautions that prospective resources are unrisked, meaning they have not been adjusted for the probability of discovering the resources or successfully developing them commercially.
𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀
The immediate focus is therefore on execution.
Invictus expects to complete the wellpad and civil works, finish Rig 202 maintenance, mobilise SLB equipment, transport drilling materials and move the rig to the site before commissioning and final pre-spud checks.
“Musuma-1 remains firmly on track to spud in November 2026,” Macmillan said.
For Zimbabwe, the next important question is not simply whether drilling starts on time, but what the drill bit ultimately finds beneath the Cabora Bassa Basin.
That answer could determine whether Musuma-1 becomes another exploration milestone or a much more significant step towards Zimbabwe developing its own domestic gas resources.
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