Ndejembi orders Energy Ministry to advance youths’ participation in oil and gas projects
DAR ES SALAAM: VICE President Deogratius Ndejembi, has directed the Ministry of Energy, through the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA), to develop a strategic plan to build the capacity of young people and Tanzanian companies to participate fully in oil and natural gas projects.
He issued the directive on October 28, 2026, in Dar es Salaam during a ceremony to sign oil and gas exploration licences.
During the event, the Vice-President invited Mwizegwa Rusibamanyila, a young Tanzanian entrepreneur who left a job abroad and returned home to establish a company operating in the Mnazi Bay gas block in Mtwara Region.
The company employs more than 50 Tanzanians, 80 per cent of whom come from a village surrounding the project. Among the employees is a young woman who was recruited while still a student, supported to further her education and has since risen to become one of the project’s supervisors.
“If the local content unit is properly managed, we can develop many more entrepreneurs like Rusibamanyila, who will go on to employ fellow Tanzanians in oil and gas projects,” Ndejembi said.
He stressed that preparations to equip young people with the necessary skills should begin now, before major projects, including the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project in Lindi Region, are completed. This would enable Tanzanians to participate as professionals, service providers and suppliers of goods.
The Vice-President also advised the Minister of Energy to establish a special award to recognise Rusibamanyila for his significant contribution to the sector.
