Tanzania Uncovers 223 Billion Cubic Feet of Gas in Major Energy Breakthrough

Tanzania Uncovers 223 Billion Cubic Feet of Gas in Major Energy Breakthrough

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 through exploration involving the state-owned Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) and French energy company Maurel & Prom.

Energy Minister Juma Homera announced the discovery, explaining that the companies had drilled three wells, including MB-5, MS-2 and Kasa-1X ST2, to increase domestic gas supplies.

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 discovery comes as Tanzania intensifies efforts to expand its energy sector, attract foreign investment and maximise its natural resources to support economic development.

Homera also disclosed that the energy ministry was engaging four investors interested in developing small-scale liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects to broaden the 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 development coincides with Tanzania’s plans to advance a proposed $42 billion liquefied natural gas project expected to strengthen its position in the international energy market.

Led by Norway’s Equinor and Britain’s Shell, the proposed project is expected to unlock approximately 47.13 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, attract international investment and expand production.

Other companies involved include ExxonMobil, Pavilion Energy, Medco Energi and TPDC, highlighting the scale of international participation in Tanzania’s energy development plans.

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 role 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 strategic 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 efforts to increase production, attract investors, strengthen domestic energy supplies and expand the contribution of its energy resources to economic growth.