PURA’s role in driving community benefits through CSR in oil, gas
LINDI: The efforts made by the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA) in overseeing various matters, including corporate social responsibility (CSR), are continuing to bear fruit and create positive impacts in communities, especially those surrounding oil and gas resources.
Through PURA’s guidelines, directives, and oversight, companies involved in the exploration, development, and production of oil and natural gas in the country are now actively participating in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, which have significantly improved the lives of communities surrounding energy project areas.
Under the CSR policy, a total of 23 youths from Lindi Region have secured sponsorships from Equinor Tanzania and Shell Exploration and Production Tanzania Ltd for the 2024/25 academic year. This support enabled them to pursue and complete vocational training programmes offered by the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) at level III.
The beneficiaries were trained in various fields, including electrical installation, fashion design and textile technology, welding and metal fabrication, air conditioning and refrigeration, motor vehicle mechanics, and masonry.
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Since the program’s launch in 2022/2023, the total number of beneficiaries and graduates has reached 71.
In addition to sponsoring their training, the companies also provided startup toolkits to the graduates to help them apply their acquired skills and become self-employed.
The graduation and certificate awarding ceremony took place on June 10, 2025, at VETA Lindi, and was graced by Lindi District Commissioner Victoria Mwanziva as the guest of honor.
Alongside commending Equinor and Shell for their sponsorship, DC Mwanziva also praised PURA for taking the lead in ensuring that communities living near oil and gas exploration and production areas benefit from the ongoing activities.
Mwanziva further encouraged Lindi youth to seize the opportunity offered in the 2025/26 sponsorship program by Equinor and Shell Tanzania, noting that the application deadline is June 13, 2025.
