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TPDC, Nigerian firm sign MoU for Mnazi Bay gas exploration
What you need to know:
- The MoU is a strategic step towards unlocking Tanzania’s natural gas potential and expanding energy access across the region
Dodoma. The Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nigeria’s FIRST Exploration & Petroleum Development Company (FIRST E&P) to assess and potentially develop the gas-rich Mnazi Bay North Block in southern Tanzania.
Signed in Dodoma, the MoU marks a strategic step towards unlocking Tanzania’s natural gas potential and expanding energy access across the region.
Under the agreement, FIRST E&P will fully fund the technical assessment phase, signalling confidence in the block’s potential and the company’s long-term interest in Tanzania’s upstream sector.
TPDC Managing Director Mussa Makame said the MoU allows both parties to review existing data, conduct new studies, and explore potential gas development and production opportunities.
“The MoU is valid for nine months but could conclude earlier or be extended depending on the findings. The full cost implications will become clearer after the assessment phase,” he said.
Mr Makame emphasised the significance of developing domestic gas resources, noting the impact on energy access, environmental protection, and public health across Africa, where many households still rely on biomass for cooking.
He also commended African-owned companies like FIRST E&P for driving transformation from within the continent by promoting local value chains and sharing technical expertise.
FIRST E&P Managing Director Ademola Adeyemi-Bero said the company’s move into Tanzania aligns with its long-term strategy of expanding operations across Africa.
“Tanzania presents an opportunity not just for exploration, but as a gateway to regional energy trade,” he said. “With the right policy and investment environment, the country can become a key energy hub for Sub-Saharan Africa.”
Mr Adeyemi-Bero added that the company’s strategy is built on technical excellence, a high-performance team, and entrepreneurial drive.
Commenting on the deal, Petroleum and Gas Commissioner Mr Godluck Shirima said the MoU reflects the spirit of the 2015 Petroleum Act, which empowers TPDC to co-develop petroleum assets.
He described the Mnazi Bay North Block as a strategic national asset and noted that the agreement is the first of its kind under Tanzania’s upstream development framework.
