The Ministry of Energy's Deputy Permanent Secretary (responsible for petroleum affairs), Dr. James Mataragio, called on the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA) to make adequate preparations as the official announcement for the fifth licensing round nears.

Dr. Mataragio issued that statement on October 21, 2024, in Tanga during the opening of the PURA Workers' Council.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Mataragio asked PURA to commit 100 percent to preparing this vitally important event, which will set the stage for bidding on petroleum exploration blocks in the country.

“PURA, an institution, has a lot to do to ensure the forthcoming licensing round is conducted successfully and that the country attains the desired objectives” insisted Mataragio

The fifth's licensing round official launch is scheduled for March 2025 alongside the 11th East African Petroleum Conference and Exhibition (EAPCE) which will be held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

The EAPCE, jointly organized by the East African member states, is expected to bring together over 1,000 participants from within East Africa and beyond to deliberate on sustainable exploration and extraction of petroleum resources in the region.