Zanzibar launches first-ever offshore exploration bid round

Zanzibar launched its inaugural offshore exploration bid round on Wednesday, putting eight frontier blocks on offer in the hopes that drilling can start next year.

The eight blocks are located near the islands of Unguja and Pemba and cover an area of almost 32,000 square kilometres. They lie in water depths ranging from 500 to 3,000 metres.

Authorities have opened a data room and the deadline for submitting bids is September 16. Winners will be announced a month later and contract negotiations are to be completed early next year.

Blocks on offer include Block 1-A, Block 1-B, Block 1-C, Block 1-D, Block 1-E, Block 1-F, Block 1-G and Block 1-H.

The autonomous region of Tanzania has set out a five-year strategic roadmap on exploration. “Strategically located, and benefiting from political, social and economic stability, Zanzibar aims to build a resilient economy for the benefit of its people through the sustainable development of its offshore petroleum resources,” the region’s Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries said in a press statement.