The Latest

UK Oil Company to Start Oil Exploration in Tanga, Tanzania

January 1, 2014
1 minute read

AFREN, a UK based oil company is preparing to start exploring for oil and gas in the Tanga Block, Tanzania.

The exploration is due to start in January 2014 and will be supervised by the Tanzania Petrol Development Corporation (TPDC.)

AFREN is listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange and acquired a 74% stake in the Tanga block, located in North-east Tanzania, on March 24, 2011 from Petrodel who still retain a 26% interest in the block.

Tanzania is one of several East African countries, others including Kenya and Mozambique, that is gaining the attention of investors due to its natural gas reserves.

Current natural gas resources in Tanzania are estimated to be 40 trillion cubic feet (tcf).

In light of a number of recent offshore natural gas discoveries, several other companies including Statoil, the BG Group and ExxonMobil are involved with exploration activities in the country.

Notably, Statoil and ExxonMobil who started a new drilling campaign in September 2013 also announced the discovery of an additional 2-3 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in the Mronge-1 well in December 2013. 

Want to know more about Energy in Tanzania? Our free Tanzania Business and Investment Guide 2026 covers Energy, plus regulations, key sectors, and investment opportunities — all in one place.

Download Free Guide
Tweet
Share
Share
Share
Related Posts
Songo Songo Offshore Gas
Read More

Tanzanian-Led Consortium To Take Full Control of Songo Songo Gas Field as Orca Energy Exits for USD 10

Orca Energy Group has signed a definitive agreement to sell its entire Tanzanian gas business—including the Songo Songo gas field—to Taifa Gas Tanzania and Amber Energy Investment for a nominal USD 10, citing significant contingent liabilities and uncertain license renewal prospects. The Songo Songo gas field divestiture transfers 100% of Orca's operating assets to a buyer group led by Taifa, one of Tanzania's leading LPG companies, pending regulatory and shareholder approvals.
EACOP April 2026 Update
Read More

East African Crude Oil Pipeline Reaches 82% Completion

The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) has reached 82% overall completion as of April 2026, with construction progressing across pipeline sections, pump stations, and the Chongoleani Marine Terminal in Tanga. The 1,443-kilometre pipeline is advancing steadily toward First Oil, with all line pipes delivered and the marine jetty at 88.1% completion.
Tanzania Mnazi Bay Gas Well
Read More

Tanzania Seeks Strategies to Revitalize Petroleum Exploration Activities

The Ministry of Energy instructed the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA) and Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) to seek strategies to revitalize petroleum exploration activities in Tanzania and add investment blocks. Officials highlighted the drop from 26 to 11 active Production Sharing Agreements and emphasized creating an enabling environment for exploration, including collaborations with Multi-Client Geophysical Companies.