Preparations for the drilling of three new natural gas wells at the Mnazi Bay Block in Mtwara Region have surpassed 90 percent, clearing the way for a major increase in domestic gas production expected to support power generation, industry and household use.
The progress was confirmed on February 3, 2026, by Engineer Felista Ndabita of the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) during an inspection visit by the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA), which was conducted to assess implementation and readiness ahead of the drilling phase.
Ms Ndabita said the drilling rig has already been installed and is ready for operations, while associated equipment and enabling infrastructure are in their final stages of completion.
She noted that all key technical preparations are on schedule, with drilling activities expected to commence on February 9, 2026.
She explained that the project forms part of ongoing efforts to raise gas output from the Mnazi Bay Block in response to growing demand, particularly from power plants and industries, as the government continues to prioritise reliable and affordable energy as a catalyst for economic growth.
PURA geologist Mr Ebeneza Mollel said the regulator was satisfied with the progress achieved so far, adding that close oversight would continue throughout the drilling phase to ensure compliance with technical, safety and environmental standards.
He said the authority remains focused on ensuring that the project delivers its intended objective of increasing production while maintaining operational integrity and environmental protection.
Currently, the Mnazi Bay Block has five producing wells, generating an average of between 90 and 100 million cubic feet of natural gas per day.
The drilling of the three additional wells is expected to significantly enhance production capacity and strengthen the stability of gas supply.
The anticipated increase in output will support electricity generation, industrial processes, household consumption and the use of natural gas in transport.
It is also expected to help reduce dependence on more costly energy sources, lower operating costs for businesses and reinforce national energy security.
Mnazi Bay remains one of Tanzania’s strategic gas assets, playing a central role in meeting the country’s energy needs and supporting the government’s broader industrialisation agenda.
