Introduction: Tanzania as a Regional Energy Hub.
Tanzania has made significant strides in the energy sector, establishing itself as a major player in Africa with the discovery of vast natural gas reserves of over 57 trillion cubic feet (TCF). The Upstream sector, which includes exploration, drilling, and production. is the backbone of the country’s energy economy.
In 2026, the sector is dominated by strategic partnerships between the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation ( TPDC ) and major international oil companies (IOCs). This article analyzes seven (7) influential companies operating exploration and production projects in Tanzania.
1.Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC).
As the National Oil Company, TPDC is the mainstay of the upstream sector. Under the Petroleum Act of 2015, TPDC represents the government’s interests in all Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs)
Strategic Role: TPDC is not only involved as a manager, but is now focusing on being the operator of its own blocks. It owns the main gas pipeline infrastructure from Songo Songo and Mnazi Bay to Dar es Salaam.
Current Projects: Collaborates with IOCs in offshore and onshore blocks, while managing the large Madimba gas processing facility in Mtwara region. Currently TPDC are handling many activities including gas distribution projects such as CNG and virtual pipeline, discussion with potential industrial customers, discussion with Shell and Equinor etc
2.Equinor Tanzania AS.
Equinor (formerly Statoil), a Norwegian company, is a major player in the Tanzanian offshore sector. It operates in Block 2, where a 16 trillion cubic feet of gas has been discovered.
Investment: Equinor has invested billions of dollars in research and is expected to be the main operator of a large liquefied natural gas (LNG) processing project in the Lindi region.
Collaboration: Equinor is working closely with ExxonMobil in Block 2, with the aim of starting gas production for both the international and domestic markets.
3.Shell Exploration and Production Tanzania Ltd.
Shell is Equinor’s main competitor in Tanzania, leading operations in Blocks 1 and 4 located in the southern Tanzanian sea. Shell’s offshore gas discoveries of about 20 trillion cubic feet, boast larger reserves.
Influence: After buying BG Group, Shell has acquired a large stake in natural gas blocks. Along with Equinor, Shell is a key player in discussions on the Tanzania LNG Project, which is estimated to cost more than $42 billion.
Technology: Shell is bringing advanced deep-water drilling technology, which is critical to Tanzania’s offshore resources.
4.PanAfrican Energy Tanzania Ltd (PAET).
PAET, a subsidiary of Orca Energy Group, is the company with the longest history of natural gas production in Tanzania through Songo Songo Island in Lindi Region.
Production: Gas produced by PAET has been the backbone of electricity generation in the country for over 20 years. This company collaborates with TPDC and TANESCO to ensure reliable access to energy.
Expansion: In 2026, PAET continues to invest in compression technology to extend the production time of Songo Songo wells.
5.Maurel & Prom (M&P).
Maurel & Prom, a company headquartered in France, is a major player in the Mnazi Bay gas production project in Mtwara region. M&P at Mnazi Bay gas field known to be actively progressing both onshore and offshore drill this year.
Ownership: M&P took a majority ownership of the Mnazi Bay project after purchasing shares from Wentworth Resources. This has made it a major onshore gas producer.
Importance: Currently, Mnazi Bay Block has five production wells, with a total average production of 90 to 100 million standard cubic feet of natural gas per day. The company aims to increase natural gas production from Mnazi Bay Block by drilling three natural gas wells. Gas from Mnazi Bay is supplied to many customers while the main customers is Tanzania Electric Supply Company(TANESCO). Also the quantities of gas produced at Mnazi Bay constitute of 48% of total natural gas produced in Tanzania.
6.ARA Petroleum Tanzania Ltd (APT).
APT has become a much talked about company in recent years because Ntorya is crucially important strategic asset to Tanzania and the wider East African region .
Rapid Development: According to Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority(PURA) in 2026, APT will carry out the workover of the Ntorya-1 well and conduct testing of the Ntorya-2 wells. Both well will be production wells. In addition the company and its partner will drill the one appraisal well named Chikumi-1
Partner: APT is collaborating with Aminex (Ndovu Resources and TPDC) in this Ruvuma block
7.ARA Petroleum / Aminex (Ndovu Resources)
Ndovu Resources (Aminex) is an exploration company focused on onshore areas, particularly in the Ruvuma and Kiliwani North blocks. Amiex own 25% of the Ruvuma blok including Ntorya.
Exploration: Ndovu has been at the forefront of discovering onshore gas resources that are easier and cheaper to extract compared to offshore ones. Their discovery at Ntorya is considered a major economic boost for the Mtwara and Ruvuma regions
8.Helium One Global Ltd
Unlike other companies that explore for hydrocarbons (oil and gas), Helium One focuses on exploring for Helium gas .
Unique Discovery: Tanzania (specifically the Rukwa basin) is said to have the largest helium reserves in the world. Helium One is conducting scientific mapping and in-depth research, aiming to make Tanzania the world’s largest supplier of helium for medical technology (MRI) and aerospace
Challenges and Opportunities for the Upstream Sector (2026).
The upstream sector in Tanzania faces a competitive environment and high technical requirements:
LNG Project (Lindi): This is the “42 billion” project that will determine the future of Tanzania’s economy. The Host Government Agreement (HGA) negotiations involve almost all of the companies mentioned above (Shell, Equinor, and ARA Petroleum Tanzania Ltd).
Law and Taxation: The Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority ( PURA ) is responsible for ensuring that these companies comply with legal regulations while encouraging investment. Under the petroleum act 2015, PURA has a mandate to monitor and regulate petroleum upstream activities and Liquefied natural gas activities in Tanzania.
Local Content: The law requires these companies to give priority to products and services provided by Tanzanians. This is an opportunity for local companies to provide services in defense, transportation, food, and l engineering.
Conclusion: Tanzania as the World’s Largest Gas Exporter.
The presence of these major companies (Equinor, Shell, ARA Petroleum Tanzania Ltd, M&P, and PAET) in Tanzania is evidence of international confidence in the country’s resources. 2026 is the year of transition from research to the construction of large-scale production infrastructure.
If the LNG project begins construction as planned, Tanzania will transform into a major energy supplier to the world, while strengthening domestic gas consumption for power, industry, and the CNG trade .
