Analysis of the Legal and Institutional Frameworks Regulating Oil and Gas Resources in Tanzania

Abstract

This study examines the legal and institutional framework regulating oil and gas sector in Tanzania. Oil and gas resources have been considered as the world’s valuable resource. For countries to benefit from these resources, the presence of adequate laws and institutions is of a paramount importance. The analysis on whether or not Tanzania has adequate laws and institutions that regulate oil and gas resources entail thorough review of all necessary legal documents including: statutes, legal books, journal articles and policies relating to oil and gas resources in Tanzania. The data were collected through documentary review and interview from informants working in institutions established by the petroleum laws for the respective union and Zanzibar Revolutionary Governments. The findings show that legal and institutional frameworks regulating oil and gas in Tanzania suffer from practical challenges such as: separate governing laws, lack of coordination for established institutions and overlapping powers among institutions governing oil and gas between Union and Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar. The study recommends that laws should be amendment to provide for independent and autonomous institutions, to establish coordinating unit among institutions, harmonization of oil and gas governing laws and instituting transparent and accountable decision-making bodies.