Unguja. The government of Zanzibar has announced two onshore oil and natural gas exploration blocks, inviting local and international companies to submit their applications for investment in the sector.
The announcement follows six months after the launch of the first round of offshore oil and gas exploration blocks, which were unveiled by the President of Zanzibar, Dr Hussein Mwinyi, on March 20, 2024.
The Minister for Blue Economy and Fisheries, Mr Shaaban Ali Othman, said in a statement on September 27, 2024 that the new blocks were formed from the Pemba-Zanzibar block, which was returned to the government after the license held by a United Arab Emirates (UAE) oil and gas company Rakgas expired.
“The former Pemba-Zanzibar block has been divided into two: Zanzibar Block 1, covering 6,572 square kilometers, and Zanzibar Block 2, covering 6,242 square kilometers,” the minister said in the statement.
He stated that offering the blocks through negotiation aligns with Zanzibar’s strategic vision to attract investment in oil and gas exploration and to develop the island’s natural resources.
“Both the Zanzibar Development Plan (ZADEP 2021/26) and the 2022 Blue Economy Policy emphasise advancing oil and gas exploration in Zanzibar and partnering with international oil and gas companies (IOCs) in the activities,” said Mr Othman.
Regarding the eight offshore blocks announced in March, he said that the government is still receiving applications, with significant interest from international oil and gas companies. However, he did not disclose the number of companies that have applied so far.
The initial deadline for applications for the offshore blocks was September 2024 but has since been extended to December 2024.
“We are open to discussing opportunities with anyone ready to invest in the onshore oil and gas sector,” the statement added.
The ministry’s permanent secretary, Mr Hamad Bakari Hamad, emphasised the ministry’s commitment to ensuring the sector is fully utilised for the benefit of the nation and its people.
The government of Tanzania in partnership with oil and gas companies have discovered a total of 57.54 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of natural gas from different blocks. That includes 10.41 TCF from onshore wells and 47.13 TCF discovered offshore.
The natural gas is currently used mainly for electricity generation, industrial consumption, domestic use and a little bit for fuel in gas-powered vehicles.
About 53.2 percent of the electricity was being generated through natural gas, according to the Energy budget speech, while hydropower plants account for 43.1 percent. Oil contributed 3.7 percent, the ministry said.
Share this news
This Year's Most Read News Stories
Cracks show as Zanzibar’s CCM ruling party looks to 2025 polls
Cracks show as Zanzibar’s CCM ruling party looks to 2025 polls over Mr Karume’s allegation against the administration. Time for the ruling party to take stock?Continue Reading
Tanzania’s path to 4Rs: The President Samia’s era
Tanzania has embarked on a journey of resilience, rebuilding, reconciliation, and reform under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.Continue Reading
Tanzania Confirms Outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease
Dodoma — Tanzania today confirmed an outbreak of Marburg virus disease in the northwestern Kagera region after one case tested positive for the virus following investigations and laboratory analysis of suspected cases of the disease.
President of the Republic of Tanzania, Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, made the announcement during a press briefing alongside World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in the country’s administrative capital Dodoma.
“Laboratory tests conducted in Kabaile Mobile Laboratory in Kagera and later confirmed in Dar es Salaam identified one patient as being infected with the Marburg virus. Fortunately, the remaining suspected patients tested negative,” the president said. “We have demonstrated in the past our ability to contain a similar outbreak and are determined to do the same this time around.”
A total of 25 suspected cases have been reported as of 20 January 2025, all of whom have tested negative and are currently under close follow-up, the president said. The cases have been reported in Biharamulo and Muleba districts in Kagera.
“We have resolved to reassure the general public in Tanzania and the international community as a whole of our collective determination to address the global health challenges, including the Marburg virus disease,” said H.E President Hassan.
WHO is supporting Tanzanian health authorities to enhance key outbreak control measures including disease surveillance, testing, treatment, infection prevention and control, case management, as well as increasing public awareness among communities to prevent further spread of the virus.
“WHO, working with its partners, is committed to supporting the government of Tanzania to bring the outbreak under control as soon as possible, and to build a healthier, safer, fairer future for all the people of Tanzania,” said Dr Tedros. “Now is a time for collaboration, and commitment, to protecting the health of all people in Tanzania, and the region, from the risks posed by this disease.”
Marburg virus disease is highly virulent and causes haemorrhagic fever. It belongs to the same family as the virus that causes Ebola virus disease. Illness caused by Marburg virus begins abruptly. Patients present with high fever, severe headache and severe malaise. They may develop severe haemorrhagic symptoms within seven days.
“The declaration by the president and the measures being taken by the government are crucial in addressing the threat of this disease at the local and national levels as well as preventing potential cross-border spread,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “Our priority is to support the government to rapidly scale up measures to effectively respond to this outbreak and safeguard the health of the population,”
Tanzania previously reported an outbreak of Marburg in March 2023 – the country’s first – in Kagera region, in which a total of nine cases (eight confirmed and one probable) and six deaths were reported, with a case fatality ratio of 67%.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
In the African region, previous outbreaks and sporadic cases have been reported in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, South Africa and Uganda.
Marburg virus is transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads among humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, surfaces and materials. Although several promising candidate medical countermeasures are currently undergoing clinical trials, there is no licensed treatment or vaccine for effective management or prevention of Marburg virus disease. However, early access to treatment and supportive care – rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids – and treatment of specific symptoms, improve survival.
Source: allafrica.com
