By Enyichukwu Enemanna
President of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan on Wednesday appointed a new energy minister as part of measures to rejig the cabinet ahead of expected approval for a $42 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) project by the cabinet.
Doto Biteko, who was in the ministry of mines, will replace January Makamba as energy minister.
Biteko will also become deputy prime minister, Chief Secretary Moses Kusiluka said in a statement.
Makamba has been involved in negotiations with investors over the LNG project and will assume office as the new minister of foreign affairs and East African cooperation.
The energy ministry said in May, it had agreed a deal with Equinor, Shell and Exxon Mobil for the development of an LNG export terminal after years of delays.
The deal is yet to be approved by the cabinet and a final investment decision is expected in 2025.
The Chief Secretary did not disclose reasons for the cabinet changes, which left Finance Minister Mwigulu Nchemba in his post.
Antony Mavunde will become mines minister, the statement stated further.
Other ministries with leadership changes include defence, works and transport, and lands, housing and human settlements.
Tanzania is due to hold its next elections in 2025.
President Hassan, who took over from her predecessor John Magufuli after his death in 2021 will likely seek a second term.
