Tanzania lifts the lid on issuance of 4 gas exploration licences to TPDC

**DAR ES SALAAM: **THE Tanzanian government has said the issuance of four natural gas exploration licences to the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) will strengthen the corporation’s capacity to manage and develop oil and gas resources, improve energy availability and drive industrial development in the country.

Speaking at the signing ceremony for the licences in Dar es Salaam, Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi said the move aims to enable TPDC to participate fully across the oil and gas value chain, rather than relying largely on a minority partner role in exploration and production projects.

Ndejembi explained that Tanzania began oil exploration in the 1970s, but subsequent exploration activities in the Mnazi Bay and Songo Songo areas helped establish the presence of natural gas. The use of the resource later expanded, particularly in electricity generation, while the gas pipeline from Mtwara to Dar es Salaam helped improve energy availability and reduce reliance on hydropower during droughts.

He added that natural gas is now used beyond electricity generation, including in households, vehicles through the compressed natural gas (CNG) system, and industrial operations. He noted that the resource also has the potential to support the production of fertilisers and industrial chemicals.

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Ndejembi stressed that TPDC should strengthen local expertise, project management and efficient capital utilisation while ensuring that all operations comply with the law, licensing conditions, safety standards and environmental protection requirements.

He further noted that partnerships with investors possessing adequate financial resources and technological expertise are essential, given the high costs associated with natural gas exploration.

However, he urged TPDC and other stakeholders in the sector to ensure that communities surrounding project areas benefit from the investments through social services, including education and healthcare.

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