By Our Reporter
Tanzania is seeking Chinese investment in oil and gas exploration, electricity generation and clean cooking technologies as the government looks to expand energy infrastructure and improve access to affordable energy.
Energy Minister Juma Zuberi Homera said on Thursday that the country needed investors and technical partners to develop oil and natural gas resources, build compressed natural gas (CNG) refuelling stations and support plans for an oil refinery in Tanga Region.
He made the remarks during talks with Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Chen Mingjian at the Energy Ministry’s offices in Dar es Salaam on October 22, 2026.
Dr Homera said cooperation was needed to develop oil and gas exploration blocks, including Eyasi-Wembere and Mnazi Bay.
“On oil and natural gas exploration and production, we need cooperation in developing various blocks, including Eyasi-Wembere and Mnazi Bay,” he said.
Tanzania is also seeking technical expertise and technology for the construction, operation and management of oil refineries as it advances preparations for the proposed facility in Tanga.
In electricity generation, Dr Homera identified the 222-megawatt Rumakali and 358MW Ruhudji hydropower projects as among the investments requiring support.
He also cited planned solar power projects in Zuzu, Kititimo and Same, alongside opportunities to develop wind power generation.
The government is looking to diversify electricity sources as demand for power grows, with investment in generation and transmission infrastructure remaining important to expanding supply.
Clean cooking was another area highlighted during the talks, with Dr Homera calling on Chinese manufacturers to consider establishing local assembly plants for efficient electric cookers and induction stoves.
He said local production could help lower equipment costs and make clean cooking technologies more affordable for households.
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Investment is also needed in environmentally friendly alternative energy sources and in improving the availability and distribution of clean cooking equipment.
Dr Homera said other potential areas of cooperation included environmentally friendly nuclear energy technologies, modern electricity generation and transmission equipment, and training programmes to strengthen the skills of Tanzanian professionals.
For Tanzania, such cooperation could provide access to technology and expertise while creating opportunities to develop local technical capacity. However, the impact will depend on how proposed investments translate into implemented projects, affordable energy and opportunities for domestic businesses and workers.
Mr Chen said China and Tanzania had maintained longstanding cooperation that continued to expand, particularly in the energy sector, where Chinese companies had participated in various projects, including electricity transmission.
He said China was ready to continue supporting Tanzania’s energy projects and strengthening the capacity of local professionals through training and the exchange of experience.
The ambassador added that China provided about 2,000 training opportunities to Tanzanians in various fields in 2025 as part of efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation and develop professional skills.
The talks highlight potential areas for expanding energy ties between the two countries, spanning natural gas, electricity generation, clean cooking and technology transfer.