Tanzanian billionaire Rostam Aziz’s Taifa Gas buys into Songo Songo field as Orca exits

Taifa Gas, owned by Tanzanian billionaire Rostam Aziz through Taifa Group, has agreed to acquire a 49% stake in PanAfrican Energy Tanzania, marking a major shift in control of the Songo Songo gas field.

The transaction follows the exit of Toronto-listed Orca Exploration Group, which has operated the asset since 2001. The deal, involving Amber Energy Investment taking 51% and Taifa Gas holding 49%, reshapes ownership of one of Tanzania’s most critical natural gas assets, which supports power generation, industrial supply, and national energy security.

Orca said the divestment aligns with its long-standing strategy to unlock shareholder value from its Tanzanian operations in an orderly transition. The company described the deal as a handover of the Songo Songo asset to a buyer group positioned for the next phase of development, anchored by Taifa Gas, a leading player in liquefied petroleum gas importation, storage, and distribution in Tanzania.

Shifting control of a strategic gas asset

The Songo Songo field remains a critical pillar of Tanzania’s domestic energy supply, feeding industrial users and supporting electricity generation for the national grid. The change in ownership is expected to deepen local participation in the country’s gas value chain at a time when East Africa is intensifying efforts to monetize hydrocarbon resources.

Rostam Aziz described the transaction as a landmark moment for Tanzania’s energy sector, highlighting its potential to expand domestic ownership, strengthen industrial capacity, and retain more economic value within the country. He noted that the field contributes significantly to government revenue, employment, skills development, and long-term infrastructure investment.

Expanding regional energy ambitions

Taifa Gas is already the country’s largest liquefied petroleum gas supplier and has expanded into regional markets, including road-based supply into Kenya. The company is also developing large-scale cooking gas infrastructure and storage facilities at the Port of Mombasa, signaling broader East African ambitions.

The deal comes as Tanzania advances plans for a $42 billion liquefied natural gas project expected to unlock an estimated 47.13 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves. The project, alongside Mozambique’s offshore developments, is expected to position East Africa as a future LNG export hub serving Asian markets.

With the Songo Songo transition, Tanzania’s gas sector is entering a new phase defined by increased local ownership, expanding infrastructure investment, and rising regional competition for leadership in energy exports.