Tanzania has 57 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves, as such the state is ahead of its partner states in the East African Community (EAC) bloc in gas discoveries.
The second largest economy in the region is trailed by far by Uganda where 500 billion cubic feet of gas has been discovered butnot yet drilled like in Tanzania.
According to a senior EAC officail, Rwanda has 3 billion cubic meters of methane gas while commercial reserves have been discovered in South Sudan.
Christophe Bazivamo, the EAC deputy secretary general mentioned that as per the reports, the exploration process had reached an advanced stage in Burundi with high prospects of major find.
He disclosed the state of oil and gas discoveries in the region in Mombasa at the start of the ninth edition East African Petroleum Conference and Exhibition (EAPCE 2019).
Kenya might make its first crude oil shipment in Septmeber this year, while Uganda will start drilling of oil anytime after a major find at Albertina Garben years ago.
Kenya and Uganda have a proven 754 miilion and 6.5 billion barrels of oil respectively and will join South Sudan, which is presently the onlu oil producer in the region.
The deputy SG in charge of Productive ans Social Sectors, Mr. Bazivamo, said, " Recent discoveries were very impressive" during a three day conference at a beach resort.
He also mentioned that the major finds in oil and gas has made the region a perfect destination for major global firms in oil and gas drilling and prospecting.
A few years ago, East Africa did not attract significant investments in the oil and gas sector but today the region has benefited a lot.
This has been majorly propelled by advances in management of exploration and production and advances in technology.
During the conference, Uganda launched its second open competitive licensing round in respect to petroleum exploration, development and production in Uganda.
This country's minister for Energy and Mineral Development Ms. Irene Mulonis said the launch follows the first licensing round through competitive bidding undertaken in 2017.