A study conducted under the Strategic Eyasi-Wembere Project, aimed at exploring oil and gas in the East African Rift Valley, has revealed significant potential for oil discoveries in northern Tanzania.
During a recent site visit to Karatu District in the Arusha Region, Dr. James Mataragio, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy, announced the promising results.
Dr. Mataragio explained that the research, which began in 2015, has generated extensive data confirming the presence of both oil and gas.
Analysis of the findings identified oil-bearing rock formations, indicating the basin’s strong commercial viability.
He detailed the project’s progress, noting that initial aerial surveys and shallow drilling cost approximately 8 billion Tanzanian shillings, while the first seismic phase—covering 260 kilometers—required about 10 billion shillings.
The second seismic phase, which spans 914 kilometers, is budgeted at 43 billion shillings, with nearly 47 percent (430 kilometers) already completed.
According to Dr. Mataragio, developing domestic oil production would significantly reduce import dependence, conserve foreign exchange, and strengthen Tanzania’s energy security.
He also emphasized that 90 percent of the project’s workforce consists of Tanzanians, underscoring the project’s strong local participation.
Following his inspection, Dr. Mataragio directed the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) and African Geographical Services (AGS) to complete the project by April 2026, urging them to maintain operations even during the rainy season.
TPDC’s Director of Exploration, Development, and Production, Geologist Paschal Njiko, confirmed that TPDC continues to closely monitor AGS to ensure timely progress and completion of the second phase.
Meanwhile, AGS Chairman Salum Haji reaffirmed the company’s full commitment to the project, describing it as a vital national initiative with far-reaching economic benefits.
A local resident, Biru Benjamini, shared that the project has already created employment and skill development opportunities for young people, showcasing its positive social impact on surrounding communities.
