Chevron expresses interest in Tanzania’s oil, gas subsector

London, United Kingdom: American energy giant Chevron Corporation has signalled interest in investing in Tanzania’s oil and natural gas exploration activities, underscoring growing investor confidence in the country’s energy sector.

The development emerged today (May 12, 2026) in London during a meeting between company executives and the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA), held alongside the ongoing Africa Energies Summit 2026 in the United Kingdom.

During the meeting, Chevron Vice President for oil and gas exploration activities, Kelvin McLachlan, said the company is continuing to seek new strategic investment destinations across Africa, with Tanzania emerging as one of the countries offering significant opportunities due to its political stability, investor-friendly business environment, and abundant natural gas resources.

He explained that Chevron has extensive experience in oil and gas exploration and production activities in several African countries, including Nigeria, Angola and Equatorial Guinea, and that the company intends to expand its investments into the East African region.

On his part, PURA Director General, Engineer Charles Sangweni, said Tanzania has continued to establish a favourable and stable investment climate in the energy sector, particularly in the oil and natural gas subsector, through strong legal, policy and regulatory frameworks aimed at safeguarding the interests of both investors and the country as a whole.

Engineer Sangweni noted that Tanzania has numerous investment opportunities in onshore and offshore oil and natural gas exploration blocks, while the government continues strengthening sector oversight to enhance competitiveness and attract international investment.

ALSO READ: Mtwara gas projects thrill Zanzibar House committee 

He further explained that preparations are ongoing for another licensing round for oil and gas exploration blocks, alongside efforts to improve the availability of petroleum data through geological and geophysical surveys and data acquisition initiatives aimed at demonstrating the potential for further oil and gas discoveries in the country.

He also stressed that the availability of natural gas transportation and processing infrastructure, Tanzania’s strategic geographical location, political stability and favourable investment environment make the country an attractive destination for major investors such as Chevron.

PURA Director General added that Tanzania continues to open new investment opportunities through implementation of major strategic projects, including the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project, which is expected to increase the value of the energy sector and position Tanzania as a key natural gas trading hub in East Africa and globally.

During the meeting, both sides emphasised the importance of continued dialogue and close cooperation to stimulate investment, technological advancement and sustainable growth in Tanzania’s oil and natural gas exploration activities.