Get ready as Tanzania nears launch of gas exploration blocks auction

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PURA Director General at Africa Energies Summit in London

LONDON, UK: The Director General of the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA), Engineer Charles Sangweni, has said key preparations for the auction of open natural gas exploration blocks have been completed, urging stakeholders to prepare to seize various opportunities in the strategic energy sector.

Engineer Sangweni made the remarks at Africa Energies Summit in London, United Kingdom, today (May 14, 2026), while presenting on investment opportunities in Tanzania’s oil and natural gas sector during the Africa Energy Forum.

“What is currently pending is the approval of the Model Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA). Once the MPSA is approved, the process for auctioning the exploration blocks will begin immediately,” Sangweni said during the meeting attended by stakeholders from different parts of the world.

The PURA chief noted that Tanzania’s oil and natural gas sector presents vast and attractive investment opportunities, urging stakeholders in the sector to take advantage of the available prospects.

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He explained that various data related to the open blocks are available for investors to review and purchase for evaluation and investment purposes.

According to Engineer Sangweni, such data include information on magnetic forces, gravity data, 2D and 3D seismic surveys, as well as well data.

Apart from that, Engineer Sangweni said there are opportunities for investors to collaborate with the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) in developing the Lindi–Mtwara, Eyasi-Wembere, North Mnazi Bay, and West Songo Songo blocks, where TPDC has continued carrying out oil and natural gas exploration activities.

He added that the ongoing implementation of various upstream petroleum projects, including the natural gas production drilling project in the Mnazi Bay Block in Mtwara Region, has continued to boost investor and stakeholder confidence in Tanzania’s energy sector.

“The government has continued taking various measures to improve the investment environment in the country, a move that has further strengthened confidence among local and foreign investors to invest in Tanzania across various sectors, including oil and natural gas,” said Sangweni.