DODOMA (Tanzania), July 19 (NNN-DAILYNEWS) — THE Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) has entered into a strategic partnership with Nigeria’s FIRST Exploration and Petroleum Development Company Limited (FIRST E&P) to explore the Mnazi Bay North Block, marking a significant milestone in Tanzania’s upstream oil and gas sector.
The two entities signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Friday, laying the groundwork for collaboration in assessing and progressing hydrocarbon exploration and potential development in the Mnazi Bay North Block, located in the southern part of the country.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, the Commissioner for Petroleum and Gas at the Ministry of Energy, Goodluck Shirima, described the agreement as a groundbreaking model for upstream collaboration in Tanzania.
“Since we began developing our upstream resources, we have never had this kind of model. This is the first MoU of its kind, and it opens the door for TPDC to bring in a capable partner through a new modality,” he said.
He called on the parties to proceed to the next phase of negotiations for a definitive agreement, which will pave the way for actual exploration, and potentially, production and development in the future.
“This is a significant step forward. The government is fully committed to empowering TPDC with the mandate to develop this block, bring in more partners, and expand development to other available blocks,” he added.
Shirima also invited FIRST E&P and its associates to explore additional opportunities as the government plans to auction 26 offshore and Lake Tanganyika blocks, part of its broader efforts to revive and grow the upstream energy sector.
On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of FIRST E&P, Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, expressed the company’s strong belief in Tanzania’s potential as a regional energy hub.
“Our partnership with TPDC is about discovering gas, bringing it to shore, and utilising it as fuel for industry and power. We are not just exploring; we want to convert this resource into real value that serves Tanzania and the region,” he said.
He added that Tanzania holds world-class hydrocarbon resources and enjoys a strategic location bordering the Indian Ocean and surrounded by seven to eight countries, positioning it as a natural energy hub for East and Central Africa.
“We are here not to create something new, but to develop what already exists. With the right investment and the right partnerships, Tanzania can play a pivotal role in expanding energy access and driving regional energy security across Africa,” he stated.
The CEO also praised TPDC for its professionalism and openness throughout the 15-month engagement leading to the MoU, noting that the collaborative spirit had laid a solid foundation for a successful partnership.
“This MoU is only the beginning. We aim to move into a definitive agreement and commence actual exploration work at Mnazi Bay North. We are excited about the journey ahead,” he said.
TPDC Managing Director, Mussa Makame, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of intra-African collaboration in the energy transition era.
“Globally, the conversation is about the energy transition. Africa must be part of this journey, and when African companies collaborate to develop Africa’s resources, it brings even greater value to the continent,” he said.
“The evaluation of Mnazi Bay North is scheduled to take nine months, with a possibility for renewal. But we also welcome you to consider other blocks under TPDC’s portfolio,” he said. — NNN-DAILYNEWS
