Tanzania has discovered an estimated 223 billion cubic feet of natural gas in the country’s south, marking its first major gas discovery in more than a decade.
The discovery could strengthen Tanzania’s energy sector, increase domestic gas supplies and attract further international investment.
It comes as the East African nation advances plans for a $42 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) project.
Tanzania makes first major gas discovery in over a decade
The natural gas was discovered at the Kasa-1X ST2 well in the Mnazi Bay area of southern Tanzania.
The exploration project involves the state-owned Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) and French energy company Maurel & Prom.
Energy Minister Juma Homera confirmed the discovery, according to Business Insider Africa, citing Reuters.
He said three wells had been drilled as part of efforts to expand Tanzania’s natural gas production.
These include MB-5, MS-2 and Kasa-1X ST2.
Maurel & Prom indicated that production from the latest discovery could begin as early as November 2026.
If production begins as planned, the additional gas could support electricity generation and industrial activities.
New gas discovery could boost Tanzania’s energy supply
Tanzania has been working to expand its natural gas industry to meet growing domestic energy demand.
The latest discovery could provide an additional source of fuel for power generation and industrial development.
Natural gas already plays an important role in the country’s energy sector.
Increasing domestic production could help Tanzania strengthen energy security and support economic growth.
Meanwhile, the government is exploring opportunities to expand the commercial use of its gas resources.
Homera said the energy ministry is holding discussions with four investors interested in developing small-scale LNG projects.
These developments could create new opportunities for investment in gas processing, transportation and distribution.
Tanzania advances $42 billion LNG project
The discovery comes as Tanzania continues preparations for a proposed $42 billion LNG development.
The project is among the largest planned energy investments in East Africa.
Norwegian energy company Equinor and British multinational Shell are leading the development.
Other participants include ExxonMobil, Pavilion Energy, Medco Energi and TPDC.
The project aims to develop approximately 47.13 trillion cubic feet of natural gas resources.
Most of the gas produced under the proposed development is expected to be exported.
However, part of the supply would also be allocated to Tanzania’s domestic energy needs.
If completed, the project could strengthen Tanzania’s position in the international LNG market.
It could also generate export revenue and attract further investment in supporting infrastructure.
Tanzania holds significant natural gas reserves
Before the latest discovery, Tanzania’s proven and discovered natural gas resources were estimated at approximately 57.5 trillion standard cubic feet.
The additional 223 billion cubic feet highlights the country’s continued exploration potential.
However, the newly discovered volume represents a relatively small addition to Tanzania’s existing resource base.
Its immediate importance may lie in the possibility of bringing additional gas into production relatively quickly.
The discovery also demonstrates continued exploration activity in the Mnazi Bay area.
Further investment will be needed to develop Tanzania’s wider gas resources and expand production capacity.
Tanzania strengthens its role in East Africa’s energy sector
Tanzania’s growing natural gas ambitions coincide with wider energy developments across East Africa.
Neighbouring Uganda is preparing to begin exporting crude oil through Tanzania’s port of Tanga in early 2027.
The planned exports could strengthen Tanzania’s role as a regional energy transportation hub.
Meanwhile, the proposed LNG project could open new opportunities for international gas exports.
Together, these developments could increase Tanzania’s importance in Africa’s energy industry.
The government hopes that expanded gas production will attract investment, support industrial growth and create new economic opportunities.
However, the success of these ambitions will depend on financing, infrastructure development and the timely implementation of major energy projects.
For Tanzania, the latest discovery represents another step towards unlocking its substantial natural gas resources.