October witnessed renewed diplomatic and economic engagements across Africa, with the Russia-Africa summit and fresh efforts to strengthen relations between France and Chad highlighting the continent’s evolving ties with global powers.
Gatekeepers News reports that in Tanzania, the announcement of the country’s first new natural gas discovery in more than a decade raised expectations of increased supplies for electricity generation and industrial activities.
Meanwhile, Ebola cases reported in Kenya and Nigeria heightened public health concerns across the continent.
Here is TheCable’s monthly roundup of major developments across Africa in October.
TANZANIA ANNOUNCES FIRST GAS DISCOVERY IN MORE THAN A DECADE
Tanzania announced the discovery of an estimated 223 billion cubic feet (6.3 billion cubic metres) of natural gas in the Mnazi Bay block in Mtwara in October, marking its first reported new gas find in more than 10 years.
The reserves were discovered at the Kasa-1X ST2 well following exploration activities by the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation and French energy firm Maurel & Prom, according to Juma Homera, the country’s energy minister.
The new well is expected to commence production early next month, with the aim of increasing domestic gas supplies for electricity generation and industrial use.
Tanzania currently has estimated natural gas reserves of 57.54 trillion cubic feet.
In recent years, the government has promoted the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) as an alternative fuel for vehicles, establishing gas-processing facilities and filling stations, particularly in Dar es Salaam, the country’s largest city.
The initiative has encouraged some motorists to convert their vehicles to dual-fuel systems, allowing them to use locally available natural gas, which is cheaper than petrol.
Reporter’s reflections
Tanzania’s growing gas ambitions come amid broader developments in East Africa’s energy sector.
Neighbouring Uganda is expected to begin exporting its first crude oil through Tanzania’s Port of Tanga in early 2027, potentially strengthening Tanzania’s position as a regional energy transportation and export hub.
At the same time, Tanzania and Mozambique are expanding their liquefied natural gas (LNG) capacity along the Indian Ocean corridor, creating opportunities for greater regional energy cooperation.
However, most of the gas expected from the proposed development is earmarked for export, with only a portion intended to meet Tanzania’s domestic energy needs.
The discovery presents an opportunity for Tanzania to strengthen electricity supply, support industrial production, expand CNG adoption and generate revenue to finance energy access and renewable energy development.
Ultimately, the value of such discoveries will depend on how effectively the government translates natural resource wealth into jobs, reliable energy supplies, public revenue and broader economic benefits for citizens.
Without effective governance and sufficient investment in domestic infrastructure, the country risks deepening its dependence on extractive industries while limiting the benefits available to its population.
