[PRESSWIRE] MTWARA, Tanzania — 8th February, 2026 – 8 February, 2026 — The United Republic of Tanzania (URT) is preparing to drill three additional natural gas wells at its Mnazi Bay Block in the southern Mtwara region, a move expected to lift output from one of the country’s key producing assets, officials said.
Preparations for the project are more than 90% complete, with drilling scheduled to begin on Feb. 9, 2026, according to the state-owned Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation.
Engineer Felista Ndabita of TPDC said the drilling rig has been installed and critical infrastructure is in its final stages, clearing the way for operations to begin.
The project is being implemented under regulatory supervision by the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority, which said it is closely monitoring progress to ensure production targets are met.
The Mnazi Bay Block currently has five producing wells, delivering between 90 million and 100 million cubic feet of natural gas per day. Officials expect output to rise once the new wells are brought online, strengthening supply to domestic power producers and industrial users.
Increased gas availability is expected to support electricity generation, manufacturing, household consumption and compressed natural gas use in transport, reinforcing the role of natural gas in Tanzania’s energy transition and industrialisation strategy.
Gas from Mnazi Bay feeds power plants and industries in southern and coastal regions, and expanded production could help stabilise supply as demand rises alongside new industrial projects and grid expansion.
PURA geologist Ebeneza Mollel said the regulator would continue oversight to ensure the development contributes to efficient resource utilisation and long-term production growth.
Natural gas remains central to Tanzania’s energy mix and investment outlook, underpinning power generation, reducing reliance on imported fuels and supporting government efforts to attract capital into downstream gas infrastructure and value-added industries.
· Tanzania is preparing to drill three additional natural gas wells at the Mnazi Bay Block in Mtwara Region, with drilling scheduled to begin on February 9, 2026.
· Preparations for the project are over 90% complete, including installation of the drilling rig and supporting infrastructure, according to the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC).
· The Mnazi Bay Block currently operates five producing wells, generating between 90–100 million cubic feet of natural gas per day.
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