The FIRST Exploration & Petroleum Development Company (FIRST E&P) has announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) for the technical assessment and potential development of the Mnazi Bay North block in southern Tanzania.
According to a statement on Friday, the MoU signing ceremony took place at the TPDC headquarters in Dodoma, the capital of the East African country, with senior executives from both organisations and representatives of the Tanzanian government in attendance.
The statement described the strategic partnership as a significant step toward advancing regional energy development in sub-Saharan Africa.
First E&P added that the event marked a major milestone in unlocking Tanzania’s energy potential and enhancing regional energy security.
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“By fully funding the assessment phase, FIRST E&P is demonstrating both its confidence in the block’s significant gas prospects and its long-term commitment to supporting Tanzania’s energy development,” the company said.
According to the statement, the goal is to advance to a license agreement and develop the project into a world-class producing asset.
In his remarks, Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, managing director and chief executive officer (CEO), FIRST E&P, highlighted the company’s track record and long-term vision.
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“Our success in Nigeria, built on deep technical expertise, a high-performance team, and an entrepreneurial mindset, has positioned us to deploy our capabilities beyond our home market. We believe Tanzania holds world-class hydrocarbon resources and its strategic location positions it as a natural energy hub for the region,” he said.
“With the right investments and partnerships, Tanzania can play a pivotal role in improving energy access, enabling cross-border distribution, and driving regional energy security across sub-Saharan Africa.”
Adeyemi-Bero added that the MoU represents the beginning of a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship between FIRST E&P and the Tanzanian government and people.
Mussa Makame, managing director, TPDC, said the reality that must be acknowledged as Africans is that many people still rely on biomass for energy, which he said poses serious risks to health and the environment.
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“Transitioning to gas is a critical step toward ensuring energy security for our communities. Developing our reserves is, therefore, a national priority,” he said.
Makame said it is especially encouraging when African companies collaborate to unlock resources, as it enables the continent to harness and benefit from them locally.
