Oil & Gas

Tanzania has achieved 85 percent local participation in its oil and gas industry, marking a major milestone in national content development, according to the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA). The announcement was made by PURA Director General, Eng. Charles Sangweni, during a press briefing at the 49th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), where PURA is showcasing upstream activities and community engagement efforts.

“That experience was a turning point,” Eng. Sangweni said, recalling the 2018 offshore drilling campaign where only 52 out of 150 workers were Tanzanian. Since then, strategic government policies, capacity building, and partnerships have enabled Tanzanians to take on roles once dominated by expatriates. “Today, we are seeing the results. More roles that were traditionally reserved for expatriates are now being handled by local professionals,” he emphasized.

Currently, three new wells are being drilled in Mtwara, and PURA is prioritizing local sourcing of all possible services to strengthen the Tanzanian oil and gas supply chain. Eng. Sangweni praised the government's continued investment in petroleum-related education, noting that graduates are securing jobs and internships in both local and international projects, setting the foundation for a skilled, sustainable workforce. “This isn’t just about increasing numbers. It’s about building a sustainable ecosystem,” he stated.

Beyond upstream operations, PURA is also championing Tanzania’s clean energy transition, under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Clean cooking energy has become a national priority, reducing deforestation and improving public health. Eng. Sangweni concluded, “As Tanzania moves toward becoming a regional energy hub, it’s critical that Tanzanians are not just observers, but active participants and beneficiaries of our natural gas resources.”