Tanzania Strikes 223 Billion Cubic Feet of Gas in Major Discovery
Tanzania has discovered an estimated 223 billion cubic feet of natural gas in Mnazi Bay, southern Tanzania, marking its first major gas discovery in more than ten years.
The discovery was made at the Kasa-1X ST2 well during exploration involving the state-owned Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) and French energy company Maurel & Prom.
Energy Minister Juma Homera announced the discovery, revealing that the companies had drilled three wells, MB-5, MS-2 and Kasa-1X ST2, to increase the country’s domestic gas supply.
Production from the latest discovery could begin as early as November 2026, according to Maurel & Prom, potentially providing additional fuel for electricity generation and industrial activities.
The development comes as Tanzania intensifies efforts to expand its energy industry, attract foreign investment and maximise its natural resources to support economic growth.
Homera also disclosed that the energy ministry was engaging four investors interested in developing small-scale liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects to increase commercial use of the country’s gas resources.
Before the latest discovery, Tanzania’s proven and discovered natural gas reserves stood at approximately 57.5 trillion standard cubic feet, according to a Reuters report.
The discovery coincides with Tanzania’s plans to advance a proposed $42 billion liquefied natural gas project, which could strengthen its position in the international energy market.
Led by Norwegian energy company Equinor and British energy giant Shell, the proposed project is expected to unlock approximately 47.13 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and attract substantial international investment.
Other companies involved include ExxonMobil, Pavilion Energy, Medco Energi and TPDC, reflecting significant international interest in Tanzania’s energy sector.
Although most of the gas from the proposed LNG project is intended for export, a portion is expected to meet Tanzania’s domestic energy needs.
Tanzania is also strengthening its regional energy position as neighbouring Uganda prepares to begin its first oil exports through Tanzania’s port of Tanga in early 2027.
The planned exports could increase the importance of Tanzania’s ports and transportation infrastructure in connecting East African energy producers to international markets.
The latest gas discovery could further support Tanzania’s ambitions to increase production, strengthen domestic energy supplies, attract foreign investors and expand the contribution of natural resources to economic growth.
