- Tanzania has discovered an estimated 223 billion cubic feet of natural gas at Mnazi Bay, its first discovery in more than a decade.
- The new well is expected to begin production in early November, potentially strengthening domestic gas supplies for electricity generation and other energy needs.
Tanzania has discovered an estimated 223 billion cubic feet of natural gas at Mnazi Bay, marking its first discovery in more than a decade.
Energy Minister Juma Homera announced the discovery at the Kasa-1X ST2 well in southern Tanzania. The well is jointly owned by the state-owned Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) and French energy company Maurel & Prom.
Homera described the discovery as a major milestone for Tanzania’s oil and gas sector. He said the find could strengthen domestic gas supplies as industrial activity and energy demand increase.
“The discovery is important in ensuring the country has reliable, clean and safe energy at affordable costs, particularly at a time when demand is increasing due to industrial growth and other economic activities,” Homera said.
New Gas Well to Boost Domestic Supply
The new well is expected to begin production in early November. The additional gas could support electricity generation and other domestic energy needs.
Natural gas accounted for nearly 80 per cent of Tanzania’s electricity generation sources in 2024, according to government statistics.
Tanzania has also promoted compressed natural gas (CNG) as an alternative vehicle fuel. Gas infrastructure and filling stations operate mainly in Dar es Salaam, the country’s largest city.
Consequently, some motorists have converted their vehicles to dual-fuel systems. They can use locally available natural gas, which can cost less than petrol.
Tanzania Builds on Decades of Gas Exploration
Tanzania’s estimated natural gas reserves stand at 57.54 trillion cubic feet. The country first discovered natural gas on Songo Songo Island in the Lindi region in 1974.
A second discovery followed at Mnazi Bay, in the neighbouring Mtwara region, in 1982. Commercial production from these discoveries began in 2004, encouraging further exploration onshore and offshore.
In 2016, exploration yielded the country’s largest single natural gas discovery, estimated at 2.7 trillion cubic feet.
The latest find adds to Tanzania’s gas resources and could help meet rising domestic demand. Its longer-term contribution will depend on production performance and the infrastructure available to deliver the gas to consumers.