Tanzania unveils one of Africa’s largest CNG hubs to accelerate green transition

Tanzania has 11 CNG stations but plans to increase the number of the facilities to 20 by June 2026, according to deputy Minister for Energy, Ms Salome Makamba who was speaking during the inauguration ceremony.

“The government will continue to create conducive environment to facilitate investment in the CNG infrastructure and accelerate the use of clean energy in Tanzania,” she said.

Tanzania is leveraging its 57.54 trillion cubic feet of natural gas to expand cleaner and more affordable mobility across the country. The government aims for the majority of vehicles to be CNG-fueled by 2050.

Located in Dar es Salaam, the state-of-the-art station will supply light vehicles, buses, and heavy-duty trucks, while serving as a central hub distributing CNG to “daughter” stations across the country via tube-trailers.

“This CNG mother station is more than just infrastructure; it is a symbol of our long-term confidence in Tanzania and our commitment to creating shared value,” said Managing Director of Puma Energy Tanzania, Ms Fatma Abdallah.

“We are proud to partner with the government to deliver a project that will power Tanzania’s progress for years to come,” she added.

The government is a shareholder in Puma Energy Tanzania.

Dr Nchemba described the project as a landmark example of public–private partnership under the Sixth Phase Government, noting its role in creating employment, contributing to national revenues, and strengthening strategic infrastructure.

“Puma Energy Tanzania stands out as a successful example of public–private partnership, delivering quality energy services while contributing to national priorities,” he said.

Dr Nchemba encouraged other investors to invest in the CNG infrastructure in attempt to protect the environment and ensure that Tanzania benefits from its resources.

“I believe we can achieve the global goals in clean energy considering the fact that Tanzania has natural gas resources. What we need is just innovation on how to utilize the resources,” he said.

Treasury Registrar Mr Nehemiah Mchechu highlighted the project’s ownership structure, saying it ensures commercial success translates directly into national returns.

“This joint venture proves that combining government participation with private-sector efficiency delivers vital infrastructure and high financial returns for Tanzanians,” he said.

The facility’s construction created more than 300 jobs for an entirely Tanzanian workforce, including 100 specialised positions for engineers and technicians.

The project also prioritised local contractors and small and medium-sized enterprises, injecting significant capital into the regional economy.

Once fully operational, the station is expected to provide sustained employment and facilitate skills transfer within the natural gas sector.

Over the past three years, Puma Energy has contributed more than Sh1.4 trillion in taxes and duties, and in 2025 declared a Sh21 billion dividend to shareholders.

Its compliance and transparency record has earned multiple awards from the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA).