Mnazi Bay

Mnazi Bay produces 50% of Tanzania's natural gas and powers over 30% of the country's electricity generation.

Mnazi Bay is a 756 km² onshore gas field located in the Mtwara region of Southern Tanzania, approximately 410 km south of Dar es Salaam.

The asset is a cornerstone of Tanzania's domestic energy supply, feeding gas into the National Natural Gas Infrastructure Pipeline (NNGI), the largest pipeline in East Africa, which runs from Mnazi Bay to Dar es Salaam.

Mnazi Bay Gas Field Overview

Mnazi Bay covers 756 km² onshore in the Mtwara region of Southern Tanzania.

The field is situated approximately 410 km south of Dar es Salaam, placing it within Tanzania's strategically important southern gas corridor.

The asset is operated under the Mnazi Bay Production Sharing Agreement, a framework that governs upstream activity and revenue sharing with the Tanzanian state.

Ownership Structure and Joint Venture

Mnazi Bay is operated by Maurel & Prom, which holds a 48.06% stake in the asset.

The Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) holds a 20% interest, ensuring direct national participation in the field's development and revenues.

Wentworth Resources holds the remaining 31.94% stake as a joint venture partner.

Production Performance and National Impact

Mnazi Bay accounts for 50% of Tanzania's natural gas output and supports more than 30% of the country's electricity generation.

In 2021, average production at Mnazi Bay reached 81.6 million standard cubic feet (MMscf) per day, a 25% increase from 65.5 MMscf per day in 2020.

During H1 2022, the field recorded an average production of 92.3 MMscf per day, the highest H1 performance on record and above the full-year 2022 guidance range of 75-85 MMscf per day.

The 2022 guidance of 75-85 MMscf per day was based on reservoir performance, historic production data, and assumptions on economic growth, industrial capacity, new energy initiatives, and the activities of other suppliers.

Integration with the National Gas Infrastructure

Gas produced at Mnazi Bay is delivered into the National Natural Gas Infrastructure Pipeline (NNGI), the largest pipeline in East Africa.

The NNGI transports gas from Mnazi Bay in the south to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's commercial capital, linking upstream production directly to the country's main demand centres and power generation hubs.

This integration positions Mnazi Bay as the anchor supply point for Tanzania's domestic gas value chain.

Policy and Contractual Framework

Mnazi Bay operates under the Mnazi Bay Production Sharing Agreement, which structures the relationship between the operator, the joint venture partners, and the Tanzanian state.

TPDC's 20% participating interest secures direct government exposure to production economics, aligning field performance with national energy objectives.

The framework ensures that upstream revenues, obligations, and development milestones are managed within a stable contractual environment.

Last Update: July 2026