Tanzania is advancing a strategic plan to convert its natural gas reserves into fertiliser for domestic use, aiming to bolster food security and reduce dependence on international markets, according to Finance Minister and Ambassador Khamis Mussa Omar. Speaking at a preparatory meeting ahead of Tanzania’s participation in the 11th Annual Meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in Doha, Omar emphasized that African nations with gas resources, including Mozambique, must prioritise value addition through local fertiliser production. He cited recent disruptions to global shipping routes—such as the Strait of Hormuz, Suez Canal, and Panama Canal—as critical reminders of the vulnerabilities of over-reliance on international supply chains, urging African countries to build resilient economies capable of meeting essential needs domestically.
Omar also called for Tanzania to expand its understanding of the petrochemical sector by studying Middle Eastern models, building on the Norway Oil for Development programme. The shift to gas-based fertiliser production, he argued, would link Tanzania’s energy resources with agriculture, a cornerstone of the economy. This approach could stabilise domestic supply, mitigate exposure to global fertiliser price fluctuations, and enhance the economic value of natural gas. The minister praised the Tanzanian Embassy in Qatar for its decade-long diplomatic and economic engagement with the Gulf nation, noting opportunities for collaboration in energy, trade, and employment. Ambassador Habibu Mohamed, head of the embassy, highlighted the deepening bilateral ties since 2017, with Qatar’s petroleum-dependent economy offering potential partnerships in fertiliser supply and other sectors.
Tanzania’s diplomatic efforts with Qatar have already yielded tangible results, including over 2,500 Tanzanians working in the country and 720 employed as drivers for Qatar’s state-owned bus company. Mohamed outlined seven priorities for the embassy: diplomacy, economic cooperation, foreign investment, tourism, employment, diaspora affairs, and higher education. While Qatar remains a key fertiliser partner, Tanzania is also exploring joint oil and gas projects with Uganda, as noted in a separate report. The strategy reflects broader goals to transform natural resources into economic opportunities, addressing food security, industrial growth, and employment through strategic international and domestic initiatives.
The proposed gas-to-fertiliser initiative underscores Tanzania’s commitment to economic resilience amid global uncertainties. By integrating energy resources with agricultural and industrial development, the government seeks to reduce vulnerabilities while fostering sustainable growth. The collaboration with Qatar and regional partners like Uganda highlights a multifaceted approach to leveraging natural resources for long-term public benefit, aligning with the nation’s vision for self-reliance and diversified economic development.