Dar es Salaam. Tanzania will soon operate three active natural gas producing blocks following the launch of new production wells and a strategic gas transmission pipeline linking Ntorya to the Madimba Gas Processing Plant in Mtwara Region.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy responsible for Petroleum and Gas, Dr James Mataragio, said the milestone marks a significant expansion of the country’s upstream gas capacity and strengthens national energy security.
He made the remarks on February 27, 2026, during a working visit by the Minister for Energy, Mr Deogratius Ndejembi, to gas production sites in Mtwara, where the new infrastructure projects were officially commissioned.
Dr Mataragio commended the minister for presiding over the launch of what he described as a strategic project in the development of Tanzania’s petroleum and natural gas sector.
He said the initiative would substantially increase gas output and ensure a more reliable supply of energy for domestic consumption and industrial use.
“With the addition of Ntorya, Tanzania will now have three gas-producing blocks. This expansion will boost production volumes and enhance energy security, which remains central to our national development agenda,” he said.
He emphasised that completion of the Ntorya project would unlock new investment opportunities, particularly in energy-intensive industries.
Among the priority areas expected to benefit is fertiliser production, a sector that has faced persistent challenges due to limited access to natural gas.
Dr Mataragio said increased gas availability would stimulate broader utilisation across power generation, manufacturing, transport, public institutions, and households.
He added that the move would reinforce the government’s drive to promote clean energy use and reduce reliance on more polluting fuels.
“The anticipated rise in gas production will accelerate its adoption in electricity generation, industrial processes, transportation systems, and domestic use.
This will significantly advance the national agenda for clean and sustainable energy,” he said.
The Ntorya gas development project includes the drilling of additional production wells and the construction of a transmission pipeline connecting the field to the Madimba Gas Processing Plant.
The infrastructure will enable efficient transportation and processing of gas, ensuring stable supply to end users.
The project is being closely supervised by the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), which is deploying its in-house technical experts to oversee implementation.
Dr Mataragio said this reflects the tangible outcomes of sustained government investment in building local capacity and expertise within the oil and gas sector.
He noted that the reliance on domestic professionals underscores Tanzania’s growing technical competence and reduces dependence on external contractors.
It also supports long-term sector sustainability and knowledge transfer.
Energy sector analysts say the expansion of gas production capacity will strengthen Tanzania’s position as a regional energy hub.
It is also expected to enhance industrial growth, create employment, and support broader economic transformation.
Tanzania has invested heavily in developing its natural gas resources over the past decade, with major discoveries in the southern regions.
The country’s proven reserves are estimated at more than 57 trillion cubic feet, placing it among Africa’s leading gas-rich nations.
The government has prioritised domestic utilisation of natural gas to power industries, generate electricity, and promote cleaner cooking solutions.
Officials say the latest developments reaffirm the administration’s commitment to harnessing these resources for inclusive and sustainable development.
The Ntorya–Madimba pipeline project is expected to be fully operational within the coming months, further consolidating Tanzania’s natural gas value chain and supporting long-term energy resilience.
