The Zanzibar Government of Tanzania has launched its first offshore licensing round for oil and gas exploration.

The invitation for bids encompasses eight blocks covering a total area of 31,883 km², situated offshore to the east of the Unguja and Pemba Islands.

Located in water depths ranging from 500m to 3,000m, the blocks are part of a strategic five-year exploration road map.

The areas available for exploration in the inaugural licensing round include Block 1-A, Block 1-B, Block 1-C, Block 1-D, Block 1-E, Block 1-F, Block 1-G and Block 1-H.

A press statement from Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries reads: “Strategically located, and benefiting from political, social and economic stability, Zanzibar aims to build a resilient economy for the benefit of its people through the sustainable development of its offshore petroleum resources.

“That strong political will to drive investment is coupled with renewed fiscal terms to enhance the investor environment in the oil and gas sector, including the constitutional protection of private investments.”

The ministry, in collaboration with exclusive data supplier SLB, has conducted a thorough prospectivity assessment of the bid round areas, yielding promising results.

Interested parties will be offered 10,145 linear kilometres of 2D seismic data for examining the potential of the blocks on offer.

Zanzibar President and Revolutionary Council Chairman Hussein Ali Mwinyi said: “On behalf of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, I am delighted to welcome investors to take advantage of the enormous opportunities available in our country.”

Blue Economy and Fisheries Minister Shaaban Ali Othman said: “We are looking forward to your engagement with the Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries and our regulator, Zanzibar Petroleum Regulatory Authority.”

Last year, the governments of Tanzania and Uganda agreed to carry out a feasibility study for the construction of a gas pipeline connecting Tanzania’s gas fields to Uganda.