Tanzania celebrates first natural gas discovery in over 10 years
Tanzania has announced a natural gas discovery in the Mnazi Bay area, the first such find in a decade. Energy Minister Juma Homera attended the ceremony at the Kasa-1X ST2 well, which is jointly owned by the state-owned Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation and French oil firm Maurel & Prom. The discovery is estimated at 223 billion cubic feet (6.3 billion cubic metres). Homera called it a “major milestone” in developing the country’s small oil and gas sector. The well is expected to start production early next month, aimed at boosting domestic supplies.
Tanzania’s existing natural gas reserves stand at 57.54 trillion cubic feet. The minister said the new find is important for ensuring reliable, clean, and safe energy at affordable costs, especially as demand rises due to industrial growth. Natural gas accounts for nearly 80% of the country’s electricity generation, according to 2024 government statistics.
