The Government of Tanzania has granted the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) four oil and natural gas exploration licences. The licences were awarded at a ceremony in Dar es Salaam on 28th October 2026. This marks the first time TPDC has received petroleum exploration licences directly as the sole licensee. The licences cover the Eyasi Wembere, Mnazi Bay North, West Songo Songo, and Lindi Mtwara blocks.
The Eyasi Wembere block spans approximately 5,797 square kilometres across Tabora, Singida, Arusha, Simiyu, and Shinyanga regions. Airborne gravity gradiometry and 2D seismic surveys have been conducted to assess its hydrocarbon potential. The Mnazi Bay North block, located in Mtwara Region, includes onshore and offshore areas with water depths ranging from zero to 980 metres. Initial 3D seismic analysis indicates an estimated natural gas potential of 968 billion cubic feet across three main reservoirs.
The West Songo Songo block covers approximately 500 square kilometres in Kilwa District, Lindi Region. Interpretation of 2D seismic data has identified gas-bearing potential. TPDC is procuring a contractor to conduct a 3D seismic survey before exploration drilling. The Lindi Mtwara block spans approximately 322 square kilometres in the Ruvuma Basin, across Lindi and Mtwara regions. The block’s 2D seismic analysis has been completed, and 3D seismic data collection is ongoing.
Tanzania’s Vice President, Deogratius John Ndejembi, stated that the licences were granted to implement the national energy plan and achieve the goal of expanding electricity access to 100% nationwide by 2030. The government aims to strengthen the energy sector by creating an enabling environment for business and investment. President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration is committed to utilizing the country’s resources for development.
Tanzania’s Minister for Energy, Dr. Juma Zuberi Homera, confirmed that the licences were issued in accordance with the Petroleum Act of 2020. The discovery is expected to increase the country’s available natural gas reserves, currently estimated at 57.54 trillion cubic feet. As of September 2026, there are 22 operational CNG stations, 20 vehicle gas system conversion workshops, and over 20,000 motor vehicles powered by natural gas.
The Permanent Secretary of Tanzania’s Ministry of Energy, Dr. James Peter Matarajio, announced that TPDC would become the operator of the Songo Songo gas field on 29th October 2026. This follows the conclusion of the development licence previously held by PanAfrican Energy after 20 years of commercial production. TPDC’s Managing Director, Mussa Mohamed Makame, stated that the corporation is preparing to procure a contractor to acquire 3D seismic data and drill the first exploration well.
The Director General of the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA), Eng. Charles Sangweni, stated that PURA will oversee operations in the four blocks to ensure compliance, transparency, and local content participation. Tanzania’s natural gas exploration dates back to 1974, with the discovery of the Songo Songo gas field. Commercial production began at Songo Songo in 2004 and Mnazi Bay in 2006. The Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) was established in 1969 to oversee the exploration and development of the country’s petroleum resources.
Key points
- The Government of Tanzania has granted TPDC four oil and gas exploration licences, marking the first time TPDC has received licences directly as the sole licensee.
- The licences cover the Eyasi Wembere, Mnazi Bay North, West Songo Songo, and Lindi Mtwara blocks, with estimated natural gas potential of 968 billion cubic feet in Mnazi Bay North.
- TPDC will take over operations of the Songo Songo gas field on 29th October 2026, following the conclusion of the development licence previously held by PanAfrican Energy.
