Strategic oil and natural gas projects underway in Tanzania are strengthening the country’s energy sector, improving energy security and opening employment opportunities for young people, according to the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC).
Speaking to journalists in Dodoma on March 11, 2026, TPDC Managing Director Mussa Mohammed Makame said the projects are part of the broader development agenda of the sixth-phase government led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
He said the initiatives aim to boost natural gas production, attract investment and expand the use of cleaner energy across different sectors of the economy.
Among the major projects is the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), in which TPDC holds a 15 percent stake. The project, which involves the construction of a crude oil pipeline from Hoima in Uganda to the port of Tanga, has reached about 81 percent completion.
Makame said the pipeline project is already generating benefits for Tanzanians through employment opportunities, procurement contracts and technology transfer.
Construction of the pipeline is expected to be completed in July 2026.
He said the government is also in the final stages of negotiations for the implementation of the Tanzania Liquefied Natural Gas Project (LNG), which is estimated to cost about $42 billion.
According to him, the LNG project is one of the largest investments in Tanzania’s energy sector and is expected to position the country as a major hub for natural gas trade in the region and globally.
TPDC, he said, has already begun institutional and technical preparations for the project, including strengthening human resources, systems and infrastructure management to ensure its successful implementation.
Makame also said the corporation is implementing a project to drill three new natural gas wells in the Mnazi Bay gas fields.
Drilling of the first well began on February 6, 2026 and the work has reached about 27 percent completion.
The project is expected to increase natural gas production by about 45 million cubic feet per day, helping to meet growing domestic energy demand.
He added that TPDC is also carrying out drilling activities in the Ruvuma Basin (Ntorya) alongside the construction of a pipeline that will transport gas to the Madimba gas processing plant in Mtwara.
Once completed, the project is expected to increase gas production by about 60 million cubic feet per day, further strengthening the country’s energy supply.
Makame said the corporation is also conducting 3D seismic surveys in the Lindi–Mtwara exploration block to identify potential areas with oil or gas resources. The project is estimated to cost about TZS 107 billion.
In addition, TPDC is carrying out oil exploration activities in the Eyasi Wembere Basin, which covers the regions of Singida, Tabora, Simiyu, Arusha and Shinyanga.
The corporation is currently collecting 2D seismic data, with the exercise expected to be completed by June 2027.
Makame also said TPDC is expanding natural gas distribution projects for industrial, domestic and transport use in several regions.
So far, 14 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) filling stations have been completed and are already providing services to vehicles.
He noted that the use of natural gas in transport will help reduce dependence on imported petroleum products and lower operating costs for motorists.
Expansion of gas use in households is also part of the government’s implementation of the National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy.
According to Makame, more than 2,500 households have already been connected to the natural gas pipeline network.
He added that the projects are also creating employment and training opportunities for young people, noting that about 79 percent of TPDC’s workforce are youth.
Through these initiatives, young people are benefiting from direct and indirect employment, practical training and opportunities to participate in tenders and service contracts related to the oil and gas sector.
On fuel supply, Makame assured the public that petrol and diesel remain readily available in the country despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
He said the main challenge that could arise is a possible increase in fuel prices due to fluctuations in the global market, but the government, through the Ministry of Energy (Tanzania), has already put in place contingency measures to cushion citizens from potential impacts.
