Tanzania has announced a new natural gas discovery estimated at 223 billion cubic feet in the Mnazi Bay area in the south of the country, marking its first major find in a decade.
Energy Minister Juma Homera attended a ceremony at the Kasa-1X ST2 well to mark the discovery. The well is jointly owned by the state-run Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) and French energy company Maurel & Prom.
Homera described the discovery as a “major milestone” for Tanzania’s energy industry, saying it could help meet rising demand for reliable and affordable power as industrial activity expands.
The gas reserve is estimated at 6.3 billion cubic metres. Authorities expect the new well to begin production early next month, with its output intended primarily for the domestic market.
“The discovery is important in ensuring the country has reliable, clean and safe energy at affordable costs, particularly at a time when demand is increasing due to industrial growth and other economic activities,” Homera said.
The additional supply is expected to support electricity generation, industrial operations and the use of natural gas as a vehicle fuel.
Tanzania already holds estimated natural gas reserves of 57.54 trillion cubic feet, placing the latest discovery within a broader effort to develop the country’s energy resources and strengthen domestic supply.
Natural gas is central to Tanzania’s electricity system. Government statistics for 2024 indicate that it accounted for nearly 80 per cent of the country’s electricity generation sources.
