THE Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) has announced plans to increase production and expand natural gas exports to neighbouring countries.

The targeted countries include Uganda, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Zambia.

TPDC acting managing director Ahmad Massa unveiled this in Dar es Salaam over the weekend during a capacity-building workshop aimed at enhancing understanding of the oil and gas sectors.

Massa stated that the corporation has already signed preliminary agreements with the aforementioned countries to supply natural gas via pipelines, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Mini LNG systems.

“We have entered into initial agreements with Uganda, Kenya, the DRC and Zambia for the sale of natural gas. This positions Tanzania as a major supplier of cooking energy in the region,” said Massa.

He further said TPDC is actively working on infrastructure projects, including the construction of mini LNG plants in collaboration with companies such as ROSETTA, Africa 50, and KS Energy. Once operational, these plants will facilitate the efficient transportation of natural gas to neighbouring markets.

Massa emphasised that these efforts will reinforce Tanzania’s role as a key player in energy provision across East and Southern Africa, particularly as energy demand continues to rise.

He added that TPDC’s objective is to utilise natural gas resources not only to meet Tanzania’s energy needs but also to help neighbouring countries reduce their reliance on external energy suppliers.

Massa also highlighted TPDC’s role in Tanzania’s agricultural sector through the production of urea fertiliser.

“TPDC is partnering with the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) and the Tanzania Fertiliser Regulatory Authority (TFRA), which have signed a memorandum of understanding with Indonesia’s ESSA Group to build a fertiliser plant in the Lindi Region worth 3.5 trillion (approximately 1.4 billion).

He added: “This facility will be a breakthrough for Tanzania’s agricultural industry and will position the country as a key supplier of fertiliser in Southern Africa.”

Additionally, TPDC is exploring oil and gas fields across the country, including in Mnazi Bay, Ruvuma, Songo Songo, and the Eyasi Wembere block, which spans Arusha, Singida, and Simiyu regions. The goal is to boost domestic energy production for both local use and export.

Anthony Karomba, TPDC Senior Gas Engineer, stated that the Corporation will continue connecting households and factories to natural gas to drive development. He noted that this initiative aligns with the national goal of ensuring that 80 percent of Tanzanians use clean cooking energy by 2034.

Karomba added that Tanzania has substantial gas reserves for power generation and industrial and domestic use. TPDC is dedicated to increasing exploration and production to foster development.

“So far, a total of 1,511 households have been connected and are using natural gas, thanks to TPDC’s infrastructure in Dar es Salaam (877), Mtwara (425), and Lindi (209),” he said.

He further explained that natural gas is also utilised in the operations of over 50 factories in Dar es Salaam, the Coast, and Mtwara regions.