Tanzania's LNG dreams may be scuppered by mistrust

IOCs have reengaged in Rovuma Basin discussions—but the East African country will find it hard to get LNG back on track

Tanzania's declaration of a timetable towards first production from offshore reserves in the Rovuma Basin underlines the government's willingness to engage with international oil companies (IOCs). But getting the proposed LNG export plant towards final investment decision (FID) still faces significant obstacles. Energy minister Medard Kalemani told parliament on 28 May that the government plans to wrap up discussions in September, culminating in heads of agreement (HoA) as a precursor to construction starting in 2022 and running until 2028. Kalemani suggested the onshore plant, which it proposed to build at Lindi in southern Tanzania, would have a 10m t/y capacity. Estimated reserves in thos