Tanzania officials direct capacity building for gas projects and legal aid in prisons

Tanzanian Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi has instructed the Ministry of Energy and the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA) to develop a strategic plan to empower youth and local companies. This initiative aims to ensure Tanzanians can participate as experts, service providers, and suppliers in upcoming oil and gas projects, including the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project in Lindi.

Ndejembi highlighted the success of Mwizegwa Rusibamanyila, a Tanzanian who returned from abroad to establish a company operating in the Mnazi Bay gas block. The company currently employs over 50 Tanzanians, 80 percent of whom are from surrounding villages.

Separately, Minister of Constitutional and Legal Affairs Abdallah Ulega has ordered the establishment and strengthening of legal aid desks within the Prison Service headquarters, regional offices, and prisons nationwide. The goal is to ensure inmates and detainees receive timely legal services, including advice and court representation, regardless of their economic status. The initiative also emphasizes using information and communication technology (ICT) to improve case tracking and inter-institutional communication.