Tanzania has reported its first new natural gas discovery in more than a decade, at the Mnazi Bay Block in the Mtwara Region.
The French operator Maurel & Prom said in its nine-month activity report that the Kasa-1X exploration well, drilled with the state-owned Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation, found about 200 billion cubic feet (bcf) of gas gross. A separate report put the find at 223 bcf. The figures have not been reconciled.
What was announced
Tanzania's Ministry of Energy said on 18 October that drilling was complete at three wells in the Mnazi Bay Block, two development wells and one exploration well. Maurel & Prom then confirmed the discovery in its activity report for the first nine months of 2026.
Neither report we reviewed quotes a named official or executive.
Volumes and next steps
Maurel & Prom reported about 200 bcf gross, equal to 120 bcf on its 60% working interest, with gross production potential of 50 million cubic feet a day. It said first production is envisaged as early as November 2026. The government plans to formally inaugurate the wells and announce the discovered volumes.
The report cites a ministry figure of 57.54 trillion cubic feet for Tanzania's existing gas reserves and says the discovery is expected to add to them. Tanzania is also pursuing exploration in North Mnazi Bay, West Songo Songo, Lindi-Mtwara, Eyasi-Wembere and Ntorya.
