PURA propels local content to 85 pc

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA) has increased Tanzanian company participation in oil and gas exploration from under 55 per cent to 85 per cent.

Speaking at the 49th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), PURA Director General Engineer Charles Sangweni credited the rise to more local firms involved in data collection for identifying oil and gas reserves.

Engineer Sangweni recounted that the first drilling campaign took place in 2018 in the deep sea, where one well was drilled by a specialised vessel carrying 150 workers, 52 of whom were Tanzanians.

“For the first time, we are seeing a significant number of Tanzanians directly involved in drilling operations—roles previously dominated by foreign experts,” said PURA Director General, Engineer Charles Sangweni, during the 49th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF).

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“This has allowed locals to gain valuable hands-on experience in the sector.” He added that the current campaign includes drilling three wells in the Mtwara region, with all feasible tasks outsourced to Tanzanian companies to boost local participation.

Eng Sangweni also commended the government for investing in oil and gas education by introducing related courses at universities nationwide. This initiative aims to build a skilled local workforce for the growing industry.

Commenting on the public response at DITF, he noted a significant rise in visitors to PURA’s pavilion, reflecting increased awareness and interest in the oil and gas sector.

“Many visitors are asking key questions about oil and gas, which shows how much public understanding, has grown,” he said.

He further applauded national efforts to promote clean cooking energy, an agenda strongly supported by President Samia Suluhu Hassan both domestically and internationally.

PURA’s presence at the trade fair aims to educate citizens on its activities and highlight opportunities within the oil and gas sector for greater public involvement.