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Investment Opportunities in Tanzania's Oil and Gas Sector: Your Gateway to East and Central Africa

  • Writer: TCI
    TCI
  • Jan 29
  • 4 min read

Tanzania is strategically positioned to become a regional powerhouse in oil and gas distribution for East and Central Africa. With its coastal advantage and proximity to landlocked nations such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda, Zambia, and Malawi, the country provides significant opportunities for international investors to venture into oil refining, distribution, and supply. The Tanzanian government’s pro-investment policies, coupled with growing regional energy demand, make it a lucrative destination for oil and gas businesses.

Navigating this thriving sector, however, requires a deep understanding of the regulatory environment, compliance requirements, and operational challenges. This is where TCI Consultants stands out as your trusted partner, guiding international investors to invest successfully in Tanzania.



Tanzania Regional Hub For Oil Distribution Business TCI Consultants
Aerial view of Tanzania Port, a key hub for oil and gas distribution in the region, showcasing extensive storage facilities and docking stations.


Why Invest in Tanzania's Oil and Gas Sector?


1. Strategic Geographic Location

Tanzania’s coastal position makes it a key gateway for importing oil and gas from global markets. The country’s ports, including the Dar es Salaam Port and the Tanga Port, act as pivotal hubs for receiving, storing, and distributing petroleum products. These resources can then be seamlessly transported to landlocked nations through advanced infrastructure, including railways, pipelines, and highways, providing an unmatched logistical advantage.


2. Growing Regional Energy Demand

Rapid economic growth in neighboring countries is driving a significant increase in energy consumption. As the gateway to energy access for these nations, Tanzania offers investors the opportunity to meet this rising demand and secure profitable, long-term revenue streams.


3. Refining and Distribution Opportunities

With limited refinery capacity in the region, there is a strong need for modern refineries to process imported crude oil and meet local and regional fuel demands. In addition, efficient distribution systems, including pipelines and bulk transportation, offer immense potential for investors to dominate the supply chain.


4. Government Incentives for Foreign Investors

The Tanzanian government actively encourages investment in the oil and gas sector by offering incentives such as:

  • Tax Holidays for large-scale infrastructure projects.

  • Duty Exemptions on imported capital goods.

  • Streamlined and expedited processes for regulatory approvals and licenses.

  • Public-Private Partnerships for infrastructure development.



Oil Refinery Business in Tanzania TCI Consultants
An aerial view of a bustling oil refinery in Tanzania highlights an excellent investment opportunity, with TCI Consultants ready to guide you through the process.

Permits and Licenses Required to Operate in Tanzania’s Oil Sector


For international investors, obtaining the necessary permits and licenses is a critical step toward operating successfully in Tanzania’s oil and gas sector. TCI Consultants simplifies this process by ensuring investors acquire the following key approvals:


For Oil Importation, Supply, and Marketing (OMC):


  1. OMC Certificate from PBPA (Petroleum Bulk Procurement Agency):

    • Required for companies engaging in the importation, wholesale supply, and marketing of petroleum products.

  2. EWURA Licenses:

    • Wholesale Supply License: Allows businesses to import and distribute petroleum products on a large scale.

    • Retail Distribution License: For operating fuel stations or small-scale distribution.

    • Bulk Procurement System (BPS) Compliance Certificate: Ensures compliance with Tanzania’s regulated bulk import system.

  3. Business Licenses:

    • Issued by the Tanzanian Business Registration and Licensing Agency (BRELA).

  4. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Certificate:

    • Mandatory to ensure compliance with environmental regulations under the National Environmental Management Council (NEMC).

  5. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Authority) Certificate:

    • Ensures adherence to workplace health and safety standards.

  6. Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) Registration:

    • Includes obtaining a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and registering for VAT.


For Establishing Oil Refineries:


  1. EWURA Refinery License:

    • A key requirement for establishing and operating an oil refinery in Tanzania.

  2. Certificate of Incentive:

    • Issued by the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) to provide investors with tax incentives and duty exemptions.

  3. Construction Permits:

    • Required for building refinery infrastructure, issued by local authorities and the Ministry of Energy.

  4. Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA):

    • Ensures compliance with sustainability and environmental standards.

  5. Petroleum Storage License:

    • Necessary for storing refined petroleum products before distribution.

  6. Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) Certificate:

    • Verifies adherence to national safety and quality standards.

  7. Workplace Registration Certificate:

    • Ensures compliance with labor laws and safety regulations.


Client Oil Depo Tanzania TCI Consultants
A tanker truck is positioned at a diesel storage depot, ready for loading under a clear blue sky.

How TCI Consultants Helps Investors Succeed in Tanzania’s Oil Sector


As a trusted partner, TCI Consultants provides a one-stop solution for international investors, guiding them through every step of entering and succeeding in Tanzania’s oil and gas sector.


1. Business Registration and Formation

TCI Consultants handles the entire company formation process, including drafting legal documents, registering your business with BRELA, and liaising with relevant government authorities to ensure compliance.


2. Securing Essential Permits and Licenses

We take the complexity out of obtaining the necessary approvals, including:

  • OMC Certificates from PBPA for marketing and supply.

  • EWURA licenses for wholesale, retail, and refinery operations.

  • Environmental and safety certifications, such as EIA and OSHA approvals.

  • Tax registrations and business licenses from the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA).


3. Developing Market Entry Strategies

With extensive market knowledge, TCI Consultants offers strategic advice tailored to your business goals, helping you establish a competitive foothold in the Tanzanian oil and gas sector.


4. Facilitating Partnerships and Networking

TCI Consultants connects investors with key stakeholders, including government bodies, industry associations, and potential local partners, fostering collaborations that drive long-term success.


5. Ensuring Regulatory Compliance

Our team ensures your business operations align with all local regulations, giving you the confidence to operate without disruptions.



Oil Transportation Business in Tanzania TCI Consultants

Unlock the Potential of Tanzania’s Oil and Gas Sector

Tanzania is poised to become the leading energy hub in East and Central Africa. Its strategic location, robust infrastructure, and supportive government policies make it the perfect destination for investments in oil refining, marketing, and distribution. With the region’s energy demand expected to grow exponentially, the time to invest is now.


Partner with TCI Consultants for Success

TCI Consultants is your dedicated partner in navigating Tanzania’s dynamic oil and gas market. From securing licenses to forming strategic partnerships, we provide end-to-end support to ensure your investment journey is seamless and successful.


Contact TCI Consultants Today to begin your journey in Tanzania’s oil and gas sector:

Invest in Tanzania – Your Gateway to East and Central Africa's Energy Future.



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