By Business Insider Tanzania Staff Writer
The windswept plains of Singida in central Tanzania, may soon tell a new story – one not of dust and cattle, but of oil and opportunity. Recent geological research in the Eyasi Wembere Basin, part of the East African Rift System, has confirmed strong signs of oil and gas deposits, reigniting optimism about Tanzania’s energy future.
The revelation came during a field inspection by Dr. James Mataragio, the Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Energy, who toured the ongoing exploration project to assess progress.
“This project began in 2015, and since then we have collected various data related to the presence of oil and gas,” said Dr. Mataragio. “Our analysis confirms that there are rock formations in this basin capable of holding oil reserves.”
A decade of work paying off
The Eyasi Wembere Basin, located between the Arusha and Singida regions, has been under systematic exploration since 2015. Early surveys – including aerial mapping and shallow drilling – cost about TSh 8 billion, while seismic data collection along 260 kilometers of terrain added another TSh 10 billion to the project.
The second phase, now underway, will cover 914 kilometers at a cost of TSh 43 billion. According to Dr. Mataragio, work on 430 kilometers (47 percdnt) has already been completed and the project remains on track for completion by April 2026.
“The second phase will allow us to refine our understanding of underground structures and determine the precise potential for commercial oil extraction,” he added.
Economic promise beneath the ground
If oil is discovered, Tanzania could see transformative economic gains. The country currently imports nearly all of its petroleum products – a major source of pressure on foreign exchange reserves.
“With local production, we will not only ensure a reliable domestic supply but also save significant amounts of foreign currency now spent on importing fuel,” Dr. Mataragio explained.
The project also underscores the government’s focus on local participation and technology transfer. “Since the project began in 2015, about 90 percent of the people involved are Tanzanians,” he said, noting that the initiative has created jobs and technical training opportunities for local youth.
Driving Local Expertise
The exploration is being carried out by the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) in collaboration with African Geophysical Services (AGS) – a homegrown company contracted to handle field operations.
Geologist Paschal Njiko, TPDC’s Director of Exploration, Development, and Production, said the agency is working closely with AGS to ensure that the project meets international standards.
“We have received the Deputy Permanent Secretary’s directives and will make sure the contractor completes the second phase on schedule,” Njiko said.
AGS Chairman Salum Haji reaffirmed the company’s commitment: “We understand the importance of this project to the nation. Our team is determined to deliver results within the agreed timeframe, even during the rainy season.”
Human impact beyond geology
Beyond the technical achievements and financial projections, the project is already reshaping lives in rural Tanzania. Biru Benjamini, one of the local youths employed through the initiative, shared his story:
“Before this project, many of us were jobless,” he said. “Now we’ve gained not only employment but also valuable skills that can help us in the future.”
For many in the Eyasi Wembere area, the exploration is more than a scientific mission – it’s a symbol of national ambition and community hope.
Tanzania’s broader energy vision
Tanzania has in recent years accelerated efforts to unlock its natural resource potential, from the massive Julius Nyerere Hydropower Station to gas projects in Mtwara and Lindi. The government’s aim is clear: achieve energy self-sufficiency, reduce import dependence, and become a regional energy hub.
The Eyasi Wembere project, if successful, would mark another milestone in that journey – a discovery that could redefine not only Tanzania’s energy landscape but also its place in Africa’s economic future. As Dr. Mataragio put it during his visit:
“This is not just about finding oil. It’s about finding the fuel that will power our country’s next chapter of growth.”
