By Our Reporter
Tanzania is seeking to attract Chinese investment in oil and gas exploration, natural gas infrastructure and renewable energy as the government looks to expand the energy sector and support industrial development.
Deputy Minister for Energy Salome Makamba held talks with representatives of two Chinese companies on October 23, 2026, to explore investment opportunities and review progress on a natural gas pipeline project expected to supply industries in Chalinze and surrounding areas.
In a meeting at the Ministry of Energy’s offices in Dar es Salaam, Ms Makamba met ChuanQing Drilling Company director Liu Chang Xu to discuss potential investment in oil and natural gas exploration, downstream petroleum infrastructure and renewable energy, particularly solar and geothermal power.
The discussions focused on opportunities for the Chinese company to participate in developing Tanzania’s energy resources and infrastructure. However, details of specific investment commitments, financing arrangements or implementation timelines were not disclosed.
Ms Makamba also met Kwala Industries chairman Janson Huang to discuss progress on a natural gas pipeline project linking Kinyerezi in Dar es Salaam with Chalinze in Coast Region.
The project, which is being overseen by the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), is expected to improve access to natural gas for industries in Chalinze and neighbouring areas.
Access to reliable natural gas supplies could help industries meet their energy needs, attract new investment and stimulate economic activity in the area. The project's contribution will depend, however, on timely completion and the ability of businesses to access and use the gas infrastructure.
The discussions reflect efforts toengage foreign investors in developing Tanzania’s energy sector, including petroleum exploration, gas transportation infrastructure and renewable energy projects.
Investment in these areas could help expand energy options for businesses and support industrial growth, although the scale of the benefits will depend on the projects that move from discussions to implementation.
The meetings were attended by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy responsible for oil and gas, Dr James Mataragio, and technical experts from TPDC.
No details were provided on the value of potential investments discussed with the two Chinese companies or the expected completion date of the Kinyerezi–Chalinze pipeline.