The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Hon. Dr. Doto Mashaka Biteko commended the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA) for its great work in promoting investment opportunities in Tanzania's oil and gas sub-sector, the upstream part in particular.

Dr. Biteko expressed commendation when he visited the Tanzania pavilion at the India Energy Week in New Delhi - India; an event that brought together over 70,000 stakeholders from over 50 countries.

Explaining to Hon. Biteko, the Director General of PURA Eng. Charles Sangweni said that, besides promoting investment opportunities, the Authority uses the platform to spread the word about the upcoming Fifth Offshore Tanzania Licensing Round.

According to Eng. Sangweni, the 5th licensing round will be launched during the East African Petroleum Conference and Exhibition, an event that will take place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania from 05th to 07th March 2025.

“Towards the fifth licensing round, PURA has already checked off key activities including the acquisition of a geophysical multiclient company by the name TGS ASA; a company well versed in petroleum data processing and promotion of petroleum exploration blocks”

“PURA has also finalized demarcating blocks. A total of 26 blocks will be featured, out of which 23 are in the deep offshore of the Indian Ocean and three (3) are in Lake Tanganyika” stated Sangweni.