Could Tanzania’s Gas Lift Citizens Out Of Poverty

Across Tanzania, the abundant natural gas  is underway. New exploration, new discovery. And Tanzania’s gas have become a powerful magnet for foreign investment. Luck has definitely struck Tanzania. And this represents huge opportunities to improve citizens’ lives.

Tanzania is poised to emerge as a major exporter of natural gas. And the bottom line is that, the region surrounded by countries with heavy energy needs. It is indefensible that Tanzania stands to harvest abundance from its natural gas.

But How can natural gas resources contribute to general citizen uplift and power economic growth.

Natural gas means solving energy’s problem. Electricity to everyone. And clean cooking facilities that  do not pollute household  and change climate through deforestation.

Writer’s recommendation to transform new found resources wealth into permanent breakthrough in human development.

Strengthen transparency.
Transparency is good for business. It reduces opportunities for corruption. Build trust with local communities. And encourage both companies and citizens that system is fair.It encourages long term success because it show companies have nothing to hide and the deal is fair.
Create More Jobs
In reality, oil, gas and mining create a small share of jobs because it is capital intensive. But generate employment is critical issue for Tanzania to reduce jobless growth especially youth unemployment. And bring hope to the future generation. Country could not sustain growth while extractive and exploration projects operate within our border without value added
Tax avoidance:
Either from oil majors or foreign investment. But to tackle tax avoidance is vital as it reduces the loss of money and citizens see the benefit

Conclusion

We have all seen in New petroleum act, Government, requires extractive companies to procure goods and services locally. And commitment from multinational to contribute to society and infrastructure improvement.

In Essence the government cannot resolve all of these challenges on their own, private sectors and stakeholders must also shoulder responsibility.

                                                                    Hussein Boffu

                                                   Husseinboffu@Tanzaniapetroleum.com

                                                                  0655 37 65 43