SHELL, EQUINOR REAFFIRM COOPERATION WITH TANZANIA ON MAJOR LNG PROJECT
Tanzania has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the proposed US$42 billion liquefied natural gas project in Lindi Region following discussions between Energy Minister Dr. Juma Zuberi Homera and senior representatives of Shell and Equinor. The talks focused on project implementation, investor cooperation, job creation and community benefits.
DAR ES SALAAM, October 22, 2026 — Tanzania’s Minister for Energy, Hon. Dr. Juma Zuberi Homera, has held discussions with executives of international energy companies involved in the proposed US$42 billion Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Project in Lindi Region, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to working closely with investors to advance the project towards implementation.
The meeting took place on October 22, 2026, at the Ministry of Energy’s offices in Dar es Salaam and brought together senior representatives of the participating companies, including Menno Bax, Managing Director and Chairman of Shell, and Hilde Merete Nafstad, Vice President of Equinor Tanzania.
During the discussions, Minister Homera emphasised that the Government remains committed to advancing preparations for the project, describing it as a strategic investment expected to contribute to Tanzania’s energy sector development and support the objectives of National Development Vision 2050.
He highlighted the project’s potential to stimulate industrial development, create employment opportunities, increase government revenue and improve social services for communities surrounding the proposed project site.
“We all recognise the importance of this project to our country’s development, particularly in promoting industrial growth, creating jobs, increasing national revenue and improving social services for citizens living near the project area. Our objective is to see the project implemented,” Dr. Homera said.
Government Calls for Community Participation and Shared Benefits
The Minister urged project partners to ensure that local communities are meaningfully involved throughout the various stages of implementation and benefit from social development initiatives undertaken in areas surrounding the project.
He commended the construction of Likong’o Primary School in Lindi Region, developed through collaboration between Shell, Equinor and the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC).
The school, located in Likong’o Village near the proposed LNG project site, was highlighted as an example of cooperation between investors and the Government in supporting community development.
Shell and Equinor Reaffirm Cooperation with Tanzania
Speaking separately during the meeting, representatives of Shell and Equinor reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation with the Government of Tanzania in advancing the preparatory stages of the LNG project.
They acknowledged the project's anticipated economic benefits for Tanzania and the participating investment partners.
Tanzania’s $42 Billion LNG Investment
The proposed LNG project in Lindi Region involves international energy companies Shell, Equinor, ExxonMobil, Pavilion Energy and MedcoEnergi, working in partnership with the Government of Tanzania through TPDC.
With an estimated investment value of US$42 billion, the project is among Tanzania’s major planned energy investments and is expected to contribute to industrial development, employment creation and national economic growth once implemented.
The latest engagement reflects continued dialogue between the Government and international investors aimed at moving the project forward while ensuring that its anticipated benefits extend to local communities and the wider Tanzanian economy.