The Government has reiterated its commitment to fostering strong collaboration between the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) and the Zanzibar Petroleum Development Company (ZPDC) to accelerate the development of the gas sector across the United Republic of Tanzania.
Deputy Minister for Energy, Judith Kapinga, made the remarks on April 14, 2025, while addressing Parliament in Dodoma.
She explained that the two institutions signed a cooperation agreement in February 2022, aimed at strengthening technical and operational synergies in the petroleum and gas sector.
“Through this partnership, the two entities have been working together on various initiatives, including capacity building and the exchange of knowledge and expertise,” Kapinga stated.
She was responding to a question from the Member of Parliament for Kwahani, Khamis Yussuf Mussa Mkenge, who sought clarification on when Zanzibar would begin to benefit from the use of natural gas, especially in the transport sector.
In her response, Kapinga emphasized that the supply of natural gas to Zanzibar is among the top priorities under the ongoing collaboration between TPDC and ZPDC.
She noted that technical assessments are underway to determine the most effective and affordable means of delivering natural gas to the Isles.
“One of the key agenda items in this partnership is the delivery of natural gas to Zanzibar,” she said. “Both sides are actively exploring viable options to ensure the availability of this clean energy source at a reasonable cost for consumers.”
The Deputy Minister underscored the government’s broader vision of promoting natural gas as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional fuels.
Expanding gas usage in Zanzibar is seen as a critical step toward improving energy access, enhancing environmental protection, and supporting economic development.
She further highlighted that the collaboration between TPDC and ZPDC reflects the national strategy to maximize the benefits of Tanzania’s abundant natural gas reserves.
By investing in infrastructure, knowledge-sharing, and regional partnerships, the country aims to position itself as a leader in energy production and distribution within East Africa.
As planning continues, Kapinga assured Parliament that the Government remains committed to ensuring that the people of Zanzibar are fully included in the country’s natural resource development agenda, and that all decisions will be made transparently and in the public interest.