Tanzania is poised to increase its natural gas reserves following the completion of three wells in the Mnazi Bay Block in Mtwara Region, with the government expected to announce the volume of the latest discovery next week.
Energy Minister Juma Zuberi Homera said on Sunday, October 18, 2026, that the wells had been drilled by the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) in collaboration with M&P, comprising two development wells and one exploration well.
The country’s natural gas reserves currently stand at 57.54 trillion cubic feet, with the latest discovery expected to strengthen the resource base and support future investment in the energy sector.
Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam, Dr Homera said the government planned to officially launch the wells in Msimbati Village, Mtwara Region.
He said the development was part of efforts to increase the availability of natural gas for domestic consumption and expand investment opportunities in the sector.
TPDC is also continuing exploration activities in several areas, including Eyasi-Wembere, Lindi-Mtwara, Songo Songo West, North Mnazi Bay and Ntorya.
Ntorya gas production targeted for 2027
Meanwhile, preparations are underway to begin natural gas production at the Ntorya Block in early 2027, as construction of infrastructure required to transport the resource progresses.
Dr Homera said preparations for drilling a production well and installing gas-processing equipment were ongoing, while construction of a 35-kilometre pipeline connecting Ntorya to Madimba had reached 70 per cent completion.
The pipeline is expected to be completed in December 2026, paving the way for production to begin early next year and eventually reach 40 million cubic feet per day.
The government is also working with private companies to expand the distribution of natural gas to households and vehicles through the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) system.
As of September 2026, 22 CNG stations had been completed and were operational, according to the minister.
He added that the government planned to sign and hand over new Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) licences for oil and natural gas exploration to TPDC next week.
Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi is expected to officiate at the ceremony, which is intended to enable the corporation to continue exploring, producing and developing the country’s petroleum resources.
Electricity capacity reaches 4,646MW
Beyond natural gas, Tanzania is expanding its electricity generation capacity to meet growing demand driven by industrial development and investment.
Dr Homera said the country’s installed electricity generation capacity had reached 4,646 megawatts, with the government targeting 8,000MW by 2030.
Peak electricity demand has risen to 2,400MW, particularly during the night, prompting continued investment in hydropower, natural gas and solar energy.
On solar power, the minister said the 50MW Kishapu project had been completed and was operational, while a contract for an additional 100MW project in the same area had been signed.
Other solar projects with a combined capacity of 600MW are at different stages of negotiations and feasibility studies.
The government is also investing in electricity transmission infrastructure to improve supply and expand access to the national grid.
Dr Homera said the Chalinze-Dodoma transmission line was completed in September 2026, while the Iringa-Tunduma-Sumbawanga line was expected to be switched on in November.
The latter project will connect the areas to the national grid and create an opportunity for Tanzania to export electricity to Zambia.
He said the Chalinze-Kinyerezi-Mkuranga transmission line was expected to be completed in February 2027, improving electricity supply in Dar es Salaam and industrial areas in Mkuranga.
Construction of the Songea-Tunduru-Masasi-Maumbika transmission line is also underway to connect Lindi and Mtwara regions to the national grid.
The developments come as Tanzania seeks to strengthen its energy infrastructure, increase domestic gas production and diversify electricity sources to support industrialisation and growing demand.