LNG Tracker
Tanzania LNG Project Tracker
Track the progression of Tanzania's USD 42 billion Likong'o-Mchinga Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Project from discovery to development. This timeline shows how the project has evolved through different stages with various stakeholders and players involved.
$42B
Project Value
57.54
TCF Gas Reserves
8,000
Expected Jobs
1,763
Local Firms
Equinor Enters Tanzania
Equinor (formerly Statoil) entered Tanzania around 2007, starting exploration and drilling activities in 2011 in Block 2.
Gas Reserve Discovery
57.54 trillion Cubic Feet (TCF) of gas reserve discovered, with 86.1% located far offshore in the Indian Ocean.
Land Acquisition Process Begins
Community and TPDC sensitized Project Affected Persons (PAPs) about the project benefits. Land acquisition process initiated in Likong'o-Mchinga, Lindi region.
Valuation Exercise Conducted
Ministry of Land officials conducted valuation exercises in December 2014 and July 2015 for property developments and farm crops.
Resettlement Agreement Reached
PAPs agreed to relocate to Kikwetu, Masasi ya Leo and Makonde within Mbanja ward. Government allocated 500 plots, but only 42 out of 693 PAPs qualified for resettlement.
Land Leased to TPDC
2,071.705 hectares of land earmarked for LNG project and leased to TPDC for 99 years. Additional 17,000 hectares acquired for industrial park.
Shell Acquires BG Group
Shell significantly expanded its presence by acquiring BG Group, gaining ownership and operatorship of Block 1 & 4 with 16 TCF.
First Phase Compensation Payments
Ministry of Energy set aside 5.2 billion TZS in 2019/20 financial year. First phase payments completed by May 2020. TPDC initially withheld payments from 39 PAPs due to verification issues, later resolved by October 2020.
Shell and Equinor Sign Collaboration MoU
The two major oil companies signed a memorandum to collaborate in developing the liquefaction facility, combining their expertise and resources.
Host Government Agreement (HGA) Negotiations
Government entered into five agreements requiring cabinet endorsement. Project-specific bill prepared for Parliament approval. Initial HGA signed, awaiting company board decisions.
Government Announces Progress
PURA Director confirmed work completion, awaiting company board decisions. Energy Minister January Makamba announced agreements ready for cabinet endorsement and Parliament approval. Construction expected to start June 2025.
Negotiations Nearing Completion
Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Hon Dr. Doto Biteko confirmed negotiations nearing completion. Anonymous source indicated agreement finalization expected by end of July 2025. Final investment decision expected before 2025 end.
Key Stakeholders
TPDC
Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation - Government stakeholder
Shell
Block 1 & 4 operator (16 TCF)
Equinor
Block 2 operator (20 TCF)
ExxonMobil
35% stake in Block 2