Tanzania has discovered an estimated 223 billion cubic feet of natural gas in the southern Mnazi Bay region, marking its first gas discovery in more than 10 years.
Energy Minister Juma Homera announced the discovery on Tuesday, saying the state-owned Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) and French energy company Maurel & Prom found the reserves at the Kasa-1X ST2 well.
The discovery followed drilling at three wells: MB-5, MS-2 and Kasa-1X ST2.
The joint venture aims to expand Tanzania’s domestic gas supply and strengthen its energy sector.
Maurel & Prom said initial gas production could begin as early as next month.
The new discovery adds to Tanzania’s existing natural gas reserves, estimated at approximately 57.5 trillion standard cubic feet.
Homera said TPDC was already in negotiations with four potential investors to develop small-scale liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects.
The proposed projects could help the country expand its gas processing capacity and make better use of its domestic resources.
The discovery is also expected to strengthen Tanzania’s energy infrastructure and improve its appeal to international investors.
With production potentially beginning soon, the development marks a significant step in Tanzania’s efforts to expand its natural gas industry and increase domestic supply.
