Tanzania has announced a major natural gas discovery, marking its first such find in more than ten years. The discovery could strengthen the country’s energy supply and support its industrial development.
First, the gas was found in Mnazi Bay, in southern Tanzania, at the Kasa-1X ST2 well. The project is jointly operated by the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) and French energy company Maurel & Prom.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Energy estimates the newly discovered reserves at 223 billion cubic feet, equivalent to approximately 6.3 billion cubic metres. Officials described the discovery as an important step towards strengthening domestic energy security.
Meanwhile, production from the new well is expected to begin next month. The find will add to Tanzania’s existing natural gas reserves, which exceed 57 trillion cubic feet, according to the report.
In addition, natural gas already plays a major role in the country’s electricity sector. In 2024, it accounted for nearly 80% of Tanzania’s electricity generation, highlighting its importance in meeting national energy needs.
Finally, the discovery could help Tanzania meet rising energy demand while supporting economic growth and industrial expansion. However, its long-term impact will depend on the development of production infrastructure and the effective management of the resource. The announcement marks a potentially important development for Tanzania’s energy sector after more than a decade without a comparable discovery.
