Tanzania confirms major natural gas find in southern Mnazi Bay

Tanzania has confirmed its first new natural gas find in a decade, uncovering an estimated 223 billion cubic feet of reserves in the southern Mnazi Bay region.

The find occurred at the Kasa-1X ST2 well, a joint venture operated by the state-run Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation alongside French energy company Maurel & Prom. Officials anticipate that output from the site will commence early next month, directing fresh supplies toward the country's domestic market.

Speaking at an event marking the achievement, Tanzanian Energy Minister Juma Homera characterized the development as a major milestone for the country's expanding energy industry. He noted that the newly confirmed volume will help secure reliable and cost-effective power amid growing demand spurred by industrial expansion and broader economic progress.

Prior to the announcement, the East African nation held approximately 57.54 trillion cubic feet in proven natural gas reserves. The fuel plays a foundational role in the national energy mix, generating nearly 80 percent of Tanzania's electricity as of 2024, based on official government data.

Beyond electricity generation, authorities have sought to widen the domestic utility of natural gas by promoting compressed natural gas for transport. Infrastructure such as processing units and refueling depots has expanded, particularly throughout Dar es Salaam, the country's commercial hub. Many drivers have opted to install dual-fuel conversions in their cars to take advantage of lower domestic gas prices compared to imported petroleum fuels.

Tanzania's history with natural gas exploration dates back five decades. Its earliest deposits were identified at Songo Songo Island in the southeastern Lindi region in 1974, with Mnazi Bay's initial discoveries emerging in the Mtwara region in 1982. Commercial utilization of those fields started in 2004, setting off wider onshore and deepwater exploration campaigns, including a 2.7 trillion cubic foot reserve found in 2016.