Tanzania is intensifying the use of natural gas in electricity generation as part of its national strategy to ensure reliable, affordable and sufficient power supply across the country, with the Government targeting a total production capacity of 8,000 megawatts by the year 2030.
The Minister for Energy, Deogratius Ndejembi, said the ongoing investments in the energy sector are designed to support industrial development, improve electricity access, and strengthen the overall economy.
He made the remarks in Washington D.C., United States, during the 2026 Spring Meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, where global leaders and energy stakeholders discussed energy security, financing, and development priorities.
Speaking in a panel discussion on gas-based power generation in Sub-Saharan Africa under the theme “Gas in Sub-Saharan Africa’s Energy Sector,” Minister Ndejembi said Tanzania has placed strong emphasis on natural gas as a key source of electricity production.
He said the Government of Tanzania has already made significant progress, with more than 1,200 megawatts of electricity currently being generated from natural gas and fed into the National Grid.
This achievement, he noted, has improved the stability and reliability of electricity supply across the country, benefiting households, businesses, and industries.
According to him, the use of natural gas has helped reduce reliance on more costly energy sources while supporting growing demand for electricity in key sectors of the economy.
He further explained that efforts are ongoing to increase natural gas production in order to sustain and expand electricity generation capacity.
Among key projects is the drilling of three new wells in the Mnazi Bay Block in Mtwara Region, which is expected to increase gas availability and strengthen power production.
The Minister said increased production will play a crucial role in supporting industrial growth, attracting investment, and creating economic opportunities within the energy value chain.
He also reaffirmed that Tanzania continues to welcome investors in the natural gas sector, particularly in exploration, production, and power generation, noting that the Government is continuously improving the investment climate to attract both local and international partners.
During the discussions, development partners, including the World Bank, encouraged African countries to expand the use of natural gas as a transitional energy source to support industrialisation and improve energy access.
Tanzania was highlighted as one of the countries making notable progress in integrating gas into its national energy system.
Minister Ndejembi was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy responsible for Oil and Gas, Dr. James Mataragio, along with technical experts from institutions under the Ministry of Energy, who participated in technical and policy engagements aimed at strengthening cooperation and advancing Tanzania’s long-term energy development goals.
