Tanzania grants TPDC four oil and gas exploration licences
State-owned corporation takes over Songosongo operations as it seeks to boost domestic resource development.
Tanzania has awarded the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) four independent licences to explore for oil and natural gas in the Mnazi Bay North, West Songo Songo, Eyasi-Wembere, and Lindi-Mtwara blocks. The licences, signed on October 28, 2026, in Dar es Salaam, mark the first time TPDC has received such permits in its own name, signalling a greater state role in the nation's petroleum industry.
Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi stated the licences enable TPDC to fulfil its responsibilities under the Petroleum Act of 2015, which mandates a central role for the corporation in the sector. Permanent Secretary James Mataragio added that this move will accelerate exploration by allowing TPDC to seek financially and technologically capable investors.
The government is also preparing TPDC to take over operations at the Songosongo gas field, where the development licence previously held by PanAfrican Energy Tanzania has expired. This initiative aims to maximise Tanzania's estimated 57 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, building on the over 301 billion cubic feet produced between March 2021 and March 2025.
Why it mattersTanzania's state-owned TPDC will now have direct control over oil and gas exploration in four blocks and operations at the Songosongo gas field, aiming to increase the nation's energy production and revenue.