TZ fuels region’s energy ambitions
UGANDA: TANZANIA is steadily emerging as a key player in regional energy integration, with the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) citing progress in natural gas development and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) ambitions as central to the country’s economic transformation.
TPDC Board Chairman, Ambassador Ombeni Sefue, said on Tuesday that Tanzania’s approach, anchored in consistency, discipline and long-term vision, is now evolving beyond national boundaries into a broader regional growth platform.
He explained that the natural gas pipeline from Tanzania to Uganda and the White Products Pipeline from Tanzania are both at advanced stages of implementation, as strategic investments, which are expected to deepen regional integration. Ambassador Sefue made the remarks during the 11th Annual Oil & Gas Convention (OGC) held at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala, Uganda.
The convention, themed; ‘First Oil: Fulfil the Promise, Forging the Future,’ brings together stakeholders from the oil, gas and renewable energy sectors to strengthen collaboration, investment and sustainable development.
“First Oil should not be viewed as a milestone alone, but as a commitment to deliver results, deepen integration and strengthen leadership in the sector,” he said.
According to him, the planned projects will enhance energy access, improve supply reliability and reduce operational costs across East Africa, while reinforcing cross-border economic cooperation and industrial competitiveness.
He added that the developments built on the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), described as a strong demonstration that infrastructure cooperation can translate into wider economic opportunity.
“The EACOP stands as a powerful symbol of what is possible when countries work together. It is more than a pipeline it is a corridor of cooperation that demonstrates how trust creates opportunity, resilience and shared prosperity,” he said.
Ambassador Sefue noted that similar momentum is visible across the continent. In Mozambique, LNG developments are expanding Africa’s footprint in global energy markets, while in Namibia, frontier discoveries are opening new opportunities with potential to reshape the continent’s energy future.
He stressed that the challenge is no longer resource availability, but whether the countries will fulfil it together to convert potential into impact.
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“Energy security today demands more than production; it requires integration of infrastructure, markets, policies and partnerships,” he said.
He emphasised that effective integration must transform resources into industries, investments into jobs and major projects into long-term economic platforms that deliver tangible benefits to citizens.
Ambassador Sefue further noted that energy security goes beyond oil and gas, encompassing economic stability, opportunity creation and improved livelihoods.
Looking ahead, he called for stronger regional ambition, urging stakeholders to position Uganda as a catalyst for transformation, Tanzania as a pillar of integration, and Mozambique and Namibia as strategic anchors in a shared continental energy future.
