Tanzania is leveraging cutting-edge technologies and forging global alliances to tap into its vast natural gas potential, signaling a new era of economic empowerment and regional leadership in sustainable energy.

At the Africa Technology Conference held in Dar es Salaam, Charles Sangweni, Director General of the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA), outlined the country’s future-focused energy agenda. He announced the launch of 23 petroleum exploration blocks now open for regional and global investment, an open call for collaboration in what Sangweni described as a “transformative phase of energy development.”

Sangweni emphasized that the government is not just inviting investment; it is investing in transformation, underscoring Tanzania’s intent to modernise its energy sector through digital engineering tools and advanced data analytics that improve efficiency, transparency, and environmental stewardship.

Central to this transformation is the strengthening of technical expertise. Tanzania is collaborating with international institutions like the Society of Petroleum Engineers to facilitate knowledge sharing, enhance technical capacity, and embed sustainability into upstream operations.

With a staggering 57.54 trillion cubic feet of confirmed recoverable natural gas, 47 tcf offshore and 10.54 tcf onshore, Tanzania’s energy reserves are among the most significant in sub-Saharan Africa. These reserves represent not only an economic opportunity but also a catalyst for industrial growth, job creation, and energy security in the region.

Themed “Navigating the Future: Building Technological Excellence for Sustainable Energy in Africa,” the Africa Technology Conference served as a platform for regional dialogue on innovation and inclusivity. Industry leaders, policymakers, and tech experts gathered to explore how emerging technologies can drive sustainable development across Africa’s energy sector.

Tanzania’s embrace of digital transformation and its proactive outreach to global partners reflect a decisive shift in its development strategy. By integrating technology with resource management, the country is laying the groundwork for a resilient, future-ready energy sector, one that is capable of powering both its economic ambitions and broader regional progress.