Tanzania Announces Fifth Round of Oil Exploration Licenses

President Samia to Open Major Oil and Gas Conference

Dar es Salaam, March 2, 2025

In just two days, the 11th East Africa Oil and Gas Conference (EAPCE'25) will commence in Dar es Salaam, bringing together key stakeholders from the energy sector across East Africa. The conference, scheduled to take place on March 5, 2025, promises to be one of the most influential events in the region's oil and gas industry, setting the stage for discussions that will shape the future of energy in the region.

The opening of the conference will be led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who is expected to unveil Tanzania's fifth round of oil and gas exploration license bids. This initiative targets the attraction of investors to critical energy zones, including the Mnazi Bay North, West Songo Songo, and Eyasi Wembere fields.

Regional Investment Push and Sectoral Growth

Over 1,000 participants from across the globe are anticipated to attend the event, where Tanzania aims to solidify its position as a key player in the regional energy landscape. Energy Secretary, Felchesmi Mramba, remarked that while Tanzania focuses on its latest licensing round, neighboring Kenya is keen to attract new investments through its South Lokichar Basin oil projects. Additionally, Rwanda is preparing to formally enter the oil and gas sector for the first time.

“These developments are expected to increase investment appeal and stimulate energy production across East Africa,” Mramba said, highlighting the growing regional momentum. He noted that natural gas remains a cornerstone of East Africa's energy sector, with countries in the region ramping up investment in infrastructure, local consumption, and gas trade.

Harnessing Gas for Sustainable Growth

Tanzania, Mramba explained, is already showing how natural gas can serve as a catalyst for development. He noted that 34% of the country’s electricity generation is derived from natural gas, demonstrating its pivotal role in the nation’s energy mix. The focus, he said, will continue to be on using gas as a means to promote industrial growth, energy accessibility for all, and economic development throughout East Africa.

The upcoming discussions will center on key topics such as the growth of LNG, local gas markets, and regional commercial cooperation. These will be highlighted in the conference as part of efforts to drive the energy transition.

Regional Cooperation and Policy Coordination

In discussions ahead of the event, an industry expert emphasized the need for robust policies and enhanced regional cooperation to maximize the potential of East Africa’s oil and gas sector. Countries like Tanzania and Mozambique have already introduced specialized legislation to govern gas extraction, while Kenya and Uganda are fast-tracking policy reforms to attract more investments.

Mramba acknowledged the importance of policy coordination within the East African Community (EAC), noting that the goal is to create a stable investment environment and ensure the sustainable development of the oil and gas industry.

In addition to the exploration of oil and gas matters, the conference will also address strategies for the transition to clean energy, the role of natural gas as an alternative energy source, and how East Africa can actively participate in the global energy market. Mramba concluded by expressing optimism about the conference's potential to secure critical agreements and announce new investment projects, ultimately leading to significant developments for the region’s energy sector.