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Orchid Island Capital, Inc.

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FY2023 Annual Report · Orchid Island Capital, Inc.
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A Legacy of Long-Term Investment and 
Countrywide Commitment

Annual Report & Accounts 2023 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Welcome

Powering Tanzania’s Future with 
Natural Gas

Welcome to Orca Energy Group’s 2023 
Annual Report. Our purpose is to facilitate 
Tanzania’s development and economic 
growth by supplying reliable natural gas to 
the power and industrial sectors, aiding the 
transition towards a lower carbon economy. 
Our primary objective is to create long-term 
sustainable value for our investors, partners, 
communities, and employees. We are 
committed to maximizing our positive 
impact for our stakeholders and the local 
communities we serve, while minimizing 
our environmental footprint.

Developing: 
Supporting Tanzania’s economic and industrial development.

Operating: 
Achieving operational excellence and empowering 
the Company’s local workforce.

Growing: 
Maintaining a strong liquidity position and balancing 

growth opportunities with capital returns for investors.

Supporting: 
Ensuring that production and the development of 
Songo Songo benefit all stakeholders.

85.6 MMcfd

Gas sales

<1%

Staff turnover

128

Orca and PanAfrican 
Energy employees

19 years

Operating the Songo 
Songo natural gas field

DRIVING TANZANIA’S 
DEVELOPMENT 
WITH THE POWER 
OF NATURAL GAS

Strategic ReportOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 2023Our Website

Contents

Find out more 
information about 
the Company.

01

Online 
Summary

An online summary 
of this report can 
be found on Orca’s 
website.

Find out more at
orcaenergygroup.
com

STRATEGIC REPORT

At a Glance 

CEO’s Statement 

The Orca Difference 

Graduate Internship Initiative 

Company Operations 

Gas Reserves  

Sustainability & Responsibility 

Board of Directors 

Our Workforce 

02

MANAGEMENT’S 
DISCUSSION  
& ANALYSIS

Management’s Discussion  
& Analysis 

Glossary 

03

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Management’s Report to  
Shareholders 

01

02

04

06

08

12

16

18

28

30

32

64

65

Independent Auditors’ Report  66

Consolidated Statements  
of Comprehensive Income 

Consolidated Statements  
of Financial Position 

Consolidated Statements 
of Cash Flows 

Consolidated Statements  
of Changes in  
Shareholders’ Equity 

Notes to the Consolidated  
Financial Statements 

Corporate Information 

70

71

72

73

74

96

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 2023Empowering Communities:  
Our Pledge to Tanzania’s Progress

Investing in 
schooling

78%

of our 2022 intern uptake 
were offered full time 
employment in 2023

Empowering girls’ 
education

Creating a better future 
for Tanzania

02

At a Glance

Orca Energy Group, through 
its subsidiary PanAfrican 
Energy Tanzania Limited 
(“PAET”), operates the 
Songo Songo Production 
Sharing Agreement (“PSA”) 
as part of an integrated 
gas-to-power project in 
Tanzania. This project, 
which converts gas to 
electricity, was the first  
of its kind not only in 
Tanzania but also in 
the broader East Africa 
region. The project was 
conceived by the Tanzanian 
Government after a decade 
of thorough economic 
evaluations and extensive 
contract negotiations.

The Company operates a natural 
gas field that spans an area 
of approximately 180 square 
kilometers. This field contains the 
Songo Songo reservoir, situated 
on and slightly offshore of Songo 
Songo Island. The island is about 
15 kilometers off the coast and 
200 kilometers south of Dar es 
Salaam, located in the shallow 
waters of the continental shelf. 
The license to operate this 
field is under a PSA with the 
Tanzanian Government and the 
Tanzania Petroleum Development 
Corporation (“TPDC”).

Providing internships 
that turn into careers

We are committed to maximizing our 
positive impact for our stakeholders 
and the local communities we serve.

Strategic ReportOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202303

Songo Songo  
Island

Financial Highlights

Revenue 

-7%

$110.2m

(2022: $118.1m)

Net income attributable  
to shareholders 

-75%

$7.0m

(2022: $27.7m)

Net income attributable to  
shareholders per share  

-75%

$0.35

(2022: $1.39)

Working capital(1) 

+9% 

$67.3m

(2022: $61.6m)

Net cash flows from  
operating activities 

-28%

$48.5m 

(2022: $67.7m)

Cash and cash equivalents  

+5%

$101.6m 

(2022: $96.3m)

Glossary

$  
MMcfd  
$m  

  US dollar 
  Million standard cubic feet per day 
  Million US dollar

(1) 

“Working capital” is a non-GAAP financial 
measure that does not have a standardized 
meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable 
to similar financial measures disclosed by other 
issuers. See “Working Capital” and “Non-GAAP 
Financial Measures and Ratios” in the 2023 
Annual Management’s Discussion & Analysis for 
information relating to this non-GAAP financial 
measure, which information is incorporated by 
reference into this document.

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202304

CEO’s Statement

The Uncertainty Ahead of Us

Tanzania’s economy continues to 
be one of the fastest growing in 
Africa, which has led to a significant 
increase in demand for natural gas. 

There are several factors contributing to 
this demand. Firstly, demand is outstripping 
hydropower and distribution capacity. 
Additionally, the commissioning of the new 
gas-fired generation capacity in 2022, has 
exceeded expectations and is operating as a 
continuous base load requiring increased gas 
supply in country. Our decision to proactively 
complete the compression project in 2022 
was pivotal in satisfying increased electrical 
demand from customers, leading to an increase 
in total volumes sold. In 2023, there was 
ongoing planning for field development aimed 
at enhancing efficiencies with the successful 
completion of the installation of positive chokes 
in Q1 2024. 

Since April 2023, Orca has repeatedly requested 
the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation 
(“TPDC”) to apply to the Government of 
Tanzania to extend the development license in 
accordance with the terms of the Production 
Sharing Agreement (PSA) between the 
Company, TPDC and the Government of 
Tanzania. These requests have been made given 
the increased demand and supply challenges 
and the consensus forecasts for the need for 
increased gas supplies in country to meet 
growing electricity demand. Orca has proven 
itself as a committed and successful long-term 
investor in Tanzania. Current uncertainty around 
the license extension places the Company, 
and its ability to ensure a stable supply of 
natural gas for electricity generation in a 
problematic position. With only two and a half 
years remaining on the license, planning and 
executing future operational work and field 
development pose economic and execution 
challenges. Extending the license would 
facilitate comprehensive planning and enable 
the commencement of a longer-term solution to 
meet the anticipated increase in domestic gas 
demand.

As we enter this critical 
period, I would like to 
emphasize the urgent 
need for all parties 
involved to engage 
in agreeing on a path 
towards a license 
extension

Strategic ReportOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202305

TANZANIA REVENUE AUTHORITY AWARD

PAET is honored to be recognized as the 
top taxpayer in the energy sector for 2023 
by the Tanzania Revenue Authority (“TRA”). 
This award signifies our commitment to 
socio-economic development, financial 
transparency, and ethical business practices. 
It’s a testament to our adherence to national 
laws and our role in Tanzanian society. The 
award reflects our values and the diligent 
work of our Tanzanian team over the past 
two decades in ensuring a stable supply of 
natural gas, thereby fostering industrial and 
economic growth. We thank the TRA for 
this recognition and we look forward to a 
continued partnership.

In terms of production, Orca experienced a slight 
year-on-year decrease of 1% in 2023, partly due 
to the significant increase in total production 
volumes in 2022. At December 31, 2023, the 
average gross gas sales stood at 85.6 MMcfd, 
within the revised guidance range of 85 - 90 
MMcfd. Looking ahead to 2024, Orca’s average 
production guidance is 80 - 90 MMcfd. This 
projection takes into account current contracted 
volumes and anticipates the completion of gas 
sales contract negotiations with the Tanzania 
Electric Supply Company (“TANESCO”) and 
Songas, both of which are due to expire on 
July 31, 2024. The Board believes that all of the 
commercial agreements set to expire on  
July 31, 2024 need to be negotiated and finalized 
in parallel in an expedited manner, as these are 
crucial power supply agreements for the nation 
of Tanzania.

Orca has identified several near-term operational 
projects to optimize the existing Songo Songo 
natural gas field facilities. These initiatives aim to 
boost well and reservoir performance through 
intervention and logging efforts, which are 
expected to support current production levels. 
One of the operational projects planned for 2024 
is an intervention in offshore well SS-7, which 
allows Orca to access the different high pressure 
compartments in the reservoir. The intervention 
also aims to shut off water production that 
led to the well being shut-in during 2019. If 
successful, this intervention could potentially 
increase field deliverability by 20-25 MMcfd. 
Orca has incurred initial costs to prepare for 
this project in the summer of 2024 but the final 
decision to proceed depends on the availability 
of US dollars, contract negotiations for the sale 
of gas and various stakeholder consents. Overall, 
however, our aim will be to continue to supply 
volumes to meet our contract requirements and 
help meet the power needs of Tanzania. 

The ability for Orca to convert Tanzanian shillings 
to hard currency to fund capital costs has been 
impaired due to a lack of hard currencies in 
country. The availability of hard currency has 
significantly contracted due to a combination 
of factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic 
disrupting economic activity in country 
which has affected currency flows, as well as 
geopolitical tensions between Ukraine and 
Russia impacting global inflation. It is crucial for 
foreign direct investment (“FDI”) in Tanzania 
to continue in order to support the growing 
population and expanding economy. This is 
especially critical for us, as over 90% of our 
revenue is received in Tanzanian shillings. 

On a positive note, Orca has taken advantage of 
increased foreign exchange availability within the 
country during Q4 2023 and Q1 2024, although 
this remains to be a volatile situation and beyond 
Orca’s control. As of December 31, 2023, Orca 
ended the year with cash and cash equivalents 
of $101.6 million of which our current Tanzanian 
shilling balance was 40.5%.

During March 2024, a preliminary planning 
meeting was held with the Government 
Negotiating Committee to discuss the timing 
around negotiations. As we enter this critical 
period, I would like to emphasis the urgent need 
for all parties involved to engage in agreeing 
on a path forward to a license extension. The 
Company recognizes the escalating demand for 
domestic gas production driven by Tanzania’s 
fast growing economy. Extending the license 
will allow Orca to continue optimizing existing 
facilities, boost well and reservoir performance, 
and ensure a reliable and sustainable supply of 
natural gas within Tanzania’s energy framework. 
Orca awaits meaningful engagement on this 
matter and wishes to constructively participate 
in a dialogue to move this project of national 
importance forward. We will update the market 
in due course.

(signed) “Jay Lyons”

Jay Lyons
Chief Executive Officer
April 4, 2024

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202306

The Orca Difference

The Songo Songo Gas to Electricity 
Project extends its value and 
impact far beyond revenues 
generated and shared among 
stakeholders. Its effects are far 
greater and extend through various 
dimensions, including employment 
generation, revenues and taxes, 
positive environmental impacts, 
training and development of the 
local workforce, and extensive 
social programs.

What sets us apart is a unique 
approach that emphasizes long-
term investment, operational 
excellence, and maximizing positive 
impact for stakeholders and 
local communities. The Company 
remains committed to sustainable 
value creation and continuing the 
role in powering Tanzania’s future 
with natural gas.

Additionally, there’s a strong focus 
on sustainability, responsibility, 
and community development, 
contributing to the economic 
growth of the country and 
supporting Tanzania’s shift towards 
a lower carbon economy. Through 
transparent communication and 
robust relationships with investors, 
customers, partners, and the 
Government, this project is truly 
making a difference in Tanzania’s 
energy sector.

A Long-term Commitment to 
Investing in Tanzania

1

Trustworthy 
Partnership

2

Unwavering 
Commitment

Strategic ReportOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 20233

Sustainable 
Development

4

Economic Catalyst

5

Environmental 
Stewardship

07

1

2

3

As Tanzania’s first and largest  
long-term natural gas provider,  
we have successfully ensured 
a stable supply for nearly two 
decades, contributing to industrial 
and economic growth and 
supporting a just energy transition 
in Africa.

Our partnership is marked by 
continuous investment to meet 
escalating power demands. We stay 
agile to enable energy solutions 
that benefit the economy, society, 
and the environment, and we 
are committed to continuing this 
effort into the future.

We strive to earn our license to 
operate by creating rewarding jobs, 
upskilling local talent through the 
energy transition as an investment 
in the future, and helping 
communities thrive.

4

Our operations in the natural gas 
sector have been a catalyst for 
economic growth in Tanzania, 
boosting industrial development 
and creating job opportunities.

5

We are committed to minimizing 
our environmental footprint and 
promoting sustainable practices. 
Our focus on natural gas as a 
cleaner energy source aligns with 
global efforts to transition towards 
a lower carbon economy.

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202308

Graduate Internship Initiative 

INVESTING 
IN THE 
FUTURE: OUR 
COMMITMENT 
TO STAFF 
DEVELOPMENT 
AND INDUSTRY 
EXPOSURE

The Graduate Internship Initiative 
at PanAfrican Energy is a program 
designed to provide valuable industry 
exposure and skill enhancement 
to recent graduates. Through 
this program, interns have the 
opportunity to explore their study 
fields, hone their talents, and gain 
practical experience in preparation 
for their future careers. The program 
has been successful in not only 
developing the traditional skills of 
interns but also fostering their mental 
resilience, teamwork skills, and ability 
to tackle real-life challenges.

Each year, the Company conducts a graduate 
intern program for up to ten students. 

The 12-month program, starting in 2020, initially focused on 
engineering graduates, particularly petroleum engineers. 
However, it has recently been expanded to include graduates 
from other disciplines essential for the sustainability of oil and 
gas companies, such as HR and legal functions.

There has also been an increased emphasis on creating 
opportunities for female graduates interested in the industry, 
with the aim of achieving a more balanced gender ratio where 
possible. 

The program’s objective is to cultivate individuals who can 
compete for suitable roles in the industry and immediately 
contribute value upon employment.

Strategic ReportOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202309

HAJI OMARI NAODA: A SUCCESS STORY FROM 
THE SONGO SONGO ISLAND SCHOLARSHIP 
PROGRAM

In 2019, Haji Omari Naoda, a proud graduate 
of the Songo Songo Island Scholarship 
Program, funded by the Company, embarked 
on his professional journey with an internship 
at PanAfrican Energy’s Finance Department. 
His diligence and discipline left a lasting 
impression on Finance Manager, Obeid 
Kitalima, who commended Haji’s work ethic 
and saw a promising future for him.

In 2021, Haji’s career took a significant step as 
he was appointed the Coordinator/Relations 
Officer for a Compression Project by China 
Petroleum Technology and Development 
Corporation (“CPTDC”) Tanzania. Upon 
successful completion of the project, Haji 
sought new challenges to further his career.

We are thrilled to announce that in early 
2023, Haji’s journey came full circle when he 
rejoined PanAfrican Energy. He now holds 
the position of CNG Operator at the Ubungo 
Station, marking another milestone in his 
impressive career trajectory.

We are pleased to announce that upon 
completion of the 2022 intern program, seven 
full-time positions were offered. One intern 
candidate declined the position in favor of 
pursuing an overseas education opportunity, 
while another candidate was offered a short-
term contract until the end of 2023.

Continuing the trend in 2023, the Company 
brought on board an additional ten graduate 
interns. These interns were strategically 
distributed across various departments: 
one in the IT Department, one in the HSE 
Department, five in the Oil & Gas Engineering 
Department, one in the Finance Department, 
one in the Procurement Department, and one 
in the Logistics Department. This allocation 
allowed for a diverse range of experiences and 
learning opportunities for the interns across the 
Company’s operations.

HR

Logistics

Operations

Legal

Finance

IT

Procurement

HSE

2022

2023

2022 Intake Retention 7/9 = 78%

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 2023 
 
 
 
10

Graduate Internship Initiative cont

A Conversation with Elizabeth 
Senkoro

Q: Can you share your experience 
so far working as an IT intern at 
PanAfrican Energy? 

A: My time at PanAfrican Energy has been a 
wonderful experience. The friendly colleagues, 
open communication, and supportive 
supervisors have created a conducive learning 
environment. The Company’s resources, such 
as laptops and internet access, have facilitated 
my exploration and learning. Each task I 
undertake adds to my understanding, and my 
interactions with colleagues have really helped 
my teamwork skills.

Q: Can you give some examples 
of the sorts of things you are 
working on?

A: My work involves finding software solutions 
that meet the Company’s needs. For example, 
I developed a GDPR register to track data 
processing activities and found a cost-effective 
Maintenance Management System for Songo 
Songo. I also configure IP phones, computers, 
and printers, and provide IT support to staff.

Q: How has this internship shaped 
your understanding of the IT field, 
particularly in the energy sector?

A: I’ve learned that reliable data, smooth 
information flow, and strong connections are 
vital in the energy sector. The focus should be 
on making data and information available to 
the right people for decision-making. It’s also 
important to have reliable connections, like 
cloud services and good internet uptime.

Q: What skills or knowledge have 
you gained during your internship 
that you will carry forward in your 
career?

A: During my internship, I’ve gained experience 
working in a cloud environment, which has 
helped me understand how services are delivered. 
This additional benefit has allowed me to learn 
how software is created, deployed, maintained, 
and accessed through the cloud.

Strategic ReportOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202311

Q: What have you enjoyed most 
about your internship at PanAfrican 
Energy?

A: My interactions with software vendors 
have been a highlight of my internship. These 
experiences have given me a unique perspective 
on the client-side operations. Additionally, I’ve 
gained insights into how vendors reassure clients 
that their needs will be met after acquiring a 
product, which has provided me with a valuable 
understanding of the business side of software 
development.

Q: On a personal note, what are 
some hobbies or interests you 
pursue outside of your internship?

A: Programming is a passion of mine. Beyond 
my internship, I spend time building applications.  
I find great joy in exploring and learning about 
new technologies, as they often provide key 
solutions to various unexpected challenges.

Elizabeth Senkoro
Intern – IT Department

Q: How has your experience at 
PanAfrican Energy differed from 
your expectations when you first 
started your internship?

A: Initially, I expected to acquire basic IT support 
skills. However, my learning journey has exceeded 
these expectations. It has prompted me to 
explore and address the technological challenges 
faced by the energy sector. I’ve also gained 
insights into the interconnectedness of various 
departments, providing a new and enriching 
experience as a recent university graduate.

Q: What opportunities have you 
had at PanAfrican Energy that you 
believe are unique to the Company?

A: One unique opportunity at the Company 
was learning to work in a cloud environment, 
an added benefit as more and more companies 
are migrating to the cloud.

Q: Can you share a memorable 
experience or interaction during 
your internship that has positively 
impacted your professional or 
personal growth?

A: A significant experience was working on the 
CMMS project. This involved identifying challenges, 
gathering requirements, researching alternatives, 
and engaging with vendors. This process allowed 
me to apply and enhance my skills, gain deeper 
knowledge, and broaden my network.

Q: What personal qualities or skills 
have you discovered or developed 
during your internship?

A: My confidence has grown significantly during 
my internship. I’ve learned to express, question, 
and defend my ideas based on the knowledge 
I’ve acquired. I’ve also improved my teamwork 
skills, learning to embrace feedback, corrections, 
and the opportunity to learn from others.

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202312

Company Operations

OPERATIONAL 
REVIEW

In 2023, the Company’s operational 
focus was on continuing to improve 
production performance and 
efficiency, in an environment of 
growing gas demand, together with 
maintaining the exceptional track 
record of Health, Safety, Security, and 
Environment (“HSSE”) performance 
for which the Company has become 
renowned in Tanzania.

With reservoir pressure in the core field area 
declining, the production deliverability of existing 
wells is falling pending drilling in new field areas. 
A number of operational initiatives were thus 
pursued in order to reduce the impact of this 
decline and to sustain production pending further 
development.

Effort was also put into a number of technical reviews and planning 
activities to prepare for future investment in new field development 
activities which will follow granting of a license extension and 
extension of the PSA.

Downstream demand for gas was strong and continued to grow 
throughout 2023 in both power and industrial markets. PAET was 
therefore able to supply at its full production capacity through 
the year. TANESCO continued to expand its gas fired generation 
capacity and to interconnect power off-takers, while growth in 
industrial demand was particularly strong in the area of Compressed 
Natural Gas (“CNG”) to vehicles. The positive outlook for gas 
demand was also as a result of unpredictable seasonal rainfalls, 
meaning hydro could not be depended upon to alleviate the 
pressure on upstream production.

Throughout the year, the Company has maintained its high 
operational and safety standards, completing the year Lost Time 
Incident (“LTI”) free and with minimal notifiable incidents.

Strategic ReportOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202313

Upstream

Upstream operations in 
2023 were focused on 
projects to debottleneck 
and increase production 
from the existing well 
stock through the 
production facilities.

In 2022 the Company commenced 
installation of sand control equipment 
to protect against the risk of 
sand production which had been 
observed in some wells. However, 
further technical work in 2023 
confirmed that sand production 
would only be a risk in wells with 
elevated levels of water production 
and that such risks have a low 
probability outcome unless the 
well is fully depleted or there is a 
mechanical failure. As a result the 
decision was taken to suspend 
purchase and installation of further 
sand control equipment and to 
bypass the unit already installed on 
SS-10. This has a secondary benefit 
of reducing the pressure drop in the 
surface facilities which improves the 
well deliverability.

Further debottlenecking studies 
also identified opportunities for 
a number of low cost projects to 
further reduce the pressure drop in 
the surface facilities early in 2024. 
These include the replacement 
of the existing wellhead choke 
systems with new units which have 
up to 4 bar lower pressure drop 
across each unit, thereby further 
extending the ability of wells to 
produce at current rates.

The Company carried out its 
usual program of annual pressure 
surveys in the wells during 2023. 
As the producing areas of the 
reservoir mature, it has been 
recognised that the pressure 
data needs to be augmented by 
further data gathering to assess 
the latest reservoir parameters, 
including current water saturation 
and any movement of the water 
contact over the production life 
of the field to date. As a result, 
a comprehensive program of 
production logging is planned for 
2024 to gather this data.

Since 2019, the Company has supplied gas to the NNGI 
gas plant on Songo Songo Island, meaning gas from 
the field is processed today through two adjacent 
plants. These two production plants which the field 
currently supplies operate at different plant inlet 
pressures. The NNGI plant requires a higher supply 
pressure than the Songas plant and as a result, well 
potential can be restricted for wells which flow to this 
plant. Recognising this, the Company is proposing 
installation of a Common Inlet Manifold (“CIM”) that 
will connect all the current and future wells to both 
facilities. This will introduce greater flexibility in pressure 
management of wells between the plants to ensure 
that all wells can be operated to maximize overall field 
production. Engineering work is ongoing for this project 
which, subject to the necessary approvals, is expected 
to be commissioned early in 2025.

Other work has also identified the potential to restore 
production from SS-7 which ceased to produce in 
2019 due to excessive water production. A detailed 
technical review revealed that the most likely cause 
of the water production was failed cement and or 
a poor cement bond outside the production liner 
between the currently perforated interval and the 
water leg below the gas-water contact (“GWC”). The 
well was originally drilled in 1981 but this channeling 
of water from the original GWC into the production 
tubing became particularly evident following the 
workover in 2015 when new perforations were added. 
Work was thus undertaken in 2023 to develop a 
solution to intervene in the well and shut off the water 
production pathway. A barge mounted operation 
to execute this work is planned to be carried out in 
2024 which, if successful, will have a positive impact 
on field deliverability. Modeling suggests the well 
will return with an initial production rate of around 
23 MMcfd.

In the longer term, further field development activities 
include 3D seismic, and further drilling of new wells in 
undrained areas of the field together with additional 
compression to maintain plateau in later field life. 
Such projects require significant investment and 
much planning to ensure they are sequenced in the 
optimum and most capital efficient manner. Initial 
work is ongoing to develop plans for these activities 
but as long-term investments these projects require 
a time horizon beyond the current license period in 
order to be economically viable. Options for them will 
thus be included in the documentation which supports 
the extension application for the Songo Songo 
Development Licence and PSA.

The 3D seismic project, which commenced in 2022 and 
was ongoing at the beginning of 2023, was designed 
to acquire a high specification dataset of c.180km2 
across the full licence area, covering land, transition 
zone and marine portions of the field. Acquisition was 
originally expected to complete early in 2023 with 
processing and interpretation delivering outcomes by 
the end of 2023. However, due to contractor mobilization 
delays the schedule slipped to the point where it 
became apparent that the project could not achieve 
results in the timeframe necessary to add value to 
operations in the current license period. Regrettably, 
as we entered the fourth quarter of 2023, mobilization 
was still incomplete and only 1% of the acquisition 
had been undertaken. It was thus apparent that the 
contractor would not be able to complete the project 
on the basis of the plan it had originally submitted. As 
the contractor could not offer a viable, alternative plan 
to recover this situation, in accordance with contractual 
obligations the Company was left with no alternative 
other than to terminate the contract.

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202314

Company Operations cont

Downstream and Marketing

The increase in demand from the 
domestic gas market observed 
in 2022, when compression was 
commissioned at the upstream 
facilities, continued through 2023. 
In the power market, lack of rainfall 
has ensured that gas demand 
remains high and, as the industrial 
market continues to grow, the 
available supply from existing fields 
is being fully utilized.

In the power sector, the inconsistent availability 
of hydropower capacity, due to low rainfall, and 
full utilization of the available gas supply present 
a challenge for TANESCO in meeting the rapidly 
increasing power demand across the country. 
As a result, the periods of loadshedding were 
increasing ahead of the recent startup of the 
Julius Nyerere Hydro Power Project (“JNHPP”).

With the new hydro dam now in the early stages 
of operation, it is unlikely that the initial capacity 
will fully satisfy demand. As a result, gas demand 
is expected to continue growing and associated 
new sales opportunities will remain.

A growing number of industries are seeking 
gas for captive power generation to stabilize 
their operations, while industrial expansion and 
demand for gas for heating continue to grow 
at pace. With a well established reputation for 
consistent and reliable supply of gas, PAET 
currently receives regular approaches from 
potential buyers and, subject to gas availability, 
is negotiating with several industries to supply 
gas to meet their varying requirements. We 
expect a number of these negotiations to yield 
new contracts in 2024.

2023 also saw a notable increase in the demand 
for natural gas to supply CNG to vehicles across 
Dar es Salaam. This was driven by the rising 
cost of traditional fuels, and the Company’s 
retail price for CNG which has not changed in 
over a decade. Supply via the Company’s own 
and first CNG station in the country increased 
dramatically, with demand outstripping the 
station’s handling capacity. Similarly, the supply 
of CNG via tanker to ANRIC – Tanzania’s second 
CNG station – increased. By the end of the year, 
supply also began to the third and newest CNG 
station, owned and operated by TAQA Dalbit. 
By Q4 2023, CNG sales had almost trebled year 
on year, and today each of Tanzania’s three 
stations that supply CNG to domestic vehicles is 
sustained by gas produced only from the Songo 
Songo field by PAET.

During the year, PAET reached agreement with 
the GoT and TANESCO to extend the Portfolio 
Gas Supply Agreement with TANESCO for 
Additional Gas for one year to July 31, 2024. 
The MDQ for the extension period has been 
set at 26 MMcfd. During 2023, TANESCO 
has completed lifting the Make-up Gas it 
had accrued through several years of under-
consumption and accumulation of Take or 
Pay invoices such that all volumes are now 
being lifted under current pricing terms. The 
contract ends on July 31, 2024 and PAET is 
now discussing a further contract extension 
to the end of the current license period 
on October 11, 2026.

A growing number of 
industries are seeking 
gas for captive power 
generation to stabilize 
their operations, while 
industrial expansion 
and demand for gas for 
heating continue to grow 
at pace.

Strategic ReportOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202315

Protected Gas, which PAET is obliged to supply 
at rates of up to 45.1 MMcfd to Songas, will 
also end on July 31, 2024. PAET expects that 
demand for these gas volumes will continue and 
is actively seeking to agree contractual terms 
with Songas and TPCPLC (Wazo Hill) for them to 
continue lifting gas from August 1, 2024.

In the eventuality that these buyers do not elect 
to continue purchasing gas after July 31, 2024, 
PAET is actively marketing volumes to a range 
of new buyers who wish to purchase gas but for 
whom to date supply has not been available.

Alongside the increase in demand in Dar es 
Salaam, and having signed two new customers 
by the end of the year, the Company also saw 
significant interest for CNG to be supplied to 
off-network industries as far afield as Kibaha, 
Mkuranga and Morogoro. The infrastructure 
requirements to supply these remote customers 
require an extension of the Development License 
and PSA, but the demand demonstrates that 
future gas markets are strong.

As a result, 2023 finished with the Company in 
a good position operationally, with projects to 
sustain production to meet contracted demand 
in final stages of development for execution in 
2024. With new demand consistently emerging, 
the Company has a portfolio of new sales 
opportunities which can offset any failure of 
existing customers to renew contracts scheduled 
to end in 2024.

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202316

Gas Reserves

2023 Independent Evaluation 

The Company’s natural gas reserves as at December 31, 2023 for the period to the end of its 
license in October 2026 were evaluated by McDaniel & Associates Consultants Ltd. (“McDaniel”) 
in accordance with the definitions, standards and procedures contained in the Canadian Oil and 
Gas Evaluation Handbook and National Instrument 51-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Oil and 
Gas Activities (“NI 51-101”). The 2023 independent reserves evaluation prepared by McDaniel 
(the “McDaniel Report”) is dated February 2024 with the effective date of December 31, 2023. Given 
the uncertainty associated with the extension of the Songo Songo license, it has been necessary 
to remove approximately US$55 million of future development capital from the 2023 year end 
total proved (“1P”) reserve evaluation, as the associated projects are no longer economic in time 
remaining on the development license. On this basis, the respective reserves associated with the 
removal of development capital have been reclassified as contingent resources pending receipt of a 
license extension beyond October 2026. On a gross Company basis there has been a 40% decrease 
in 1P reserves, and a 44% decrease in the total proved plus probable (“2P”) reserves compared to 
2022. Total gas production in 2023 was 31.3 Bcf. The reduction in gross Company 1P reserves from 
year end 2022 to year end 2023 was primarily attributed to 2023 production, declining reservoir 
pressures, removal of development capital and the number of years remaining on the current term 
of the Songo Songo license. The reduction in 1P and 2P reserves was partially offset by the 2023 
acquisition of a 7.933% working interest from Swala resulting in an Orca working interest of 100% 
and all reserves included herein are stated on a Company gross basis of 100%. There has been 
a 30% decrease in the 2P net present value at a 10% discount basis from $170.7 million to $118.7 
million compared to 2022. The decrease is predominantly a consequence of production in 2023 and 
lower 2P reserves to the end of the license. The net present value impact of reserves reclassified to 
contingent resources was minimal due to the reduction in associated future development capital. All 
the Company’s reserves are conventional natural gas reserves and are located in Tanzania. Additional 
reserves information required under NI 51-101 are included in Orca’s reports relating to reserves data 
and other oil and gas information under NI 51-101, which have been filed on its profile on SEDAR+ at 
www.sedarplus.ca and can also be found on our website www.orcaenergygroup.com. The Reserves 
Committee of the Board of Directors has reviewed the qualifications and appointment of the 
independent reserves evaluator and the procedures for providing information to the evaluators.

Company Conventional Natural 
Gas Reserves (Bcf)

Independent reserves evaluation
Proved producing

Proved developed non-producing

Proved undeveloped

Total proved (1P)

Probable

Total proved and probable (2P)

2023

2022

Gross1

Net2

Gross

Net

69.1

–

15.9

85.0

8.9

93.9

42.2

–

10.5

52.7

5.1

57.8

123.8

–

16.8

140.6

26.8

167.4

74.7

–

15.3

90.0

16.9

106.9

1  Gross equals the gross reserves that are available for the Company based on its effective ownership interest.

2  Net equals the economic allocation of the gross reserves to the Company as determined in accordance with the PSA.

Company share of Net Present 
Value ($’millions)

Proved producing

Proved developed non-producing

Proved undeveloped

Total proved (1P)

Probable

Total proved and probable (2P)

2023

10%

95.6

–

5%

102.4

–

13.8

12.8

15%

89.8

–

11.8

116.2

108.4

101.6

10.9

127.1

10.3

118.7

9.6

111.2

2022

5%

10%

15%

162.6

149.6

138.4

–

–

–

(0.4)

(2.4)

(3.8)

162.2

26.3

188.5

147.2

23.5

170.7

134.6

21.0

155.6

Strategic ReportOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202317

Forecast Gas Prices and Sales Volumes1

2024

2025

20262

1P Weighted 
Average Gas  
Price $/mcf 

1P Gross Gas 
Volumes MMcfd

2P Weighted 
Average Gas  
Price $/mcf 

2P Gross Gas 
Volumes MMcfd

4.33

4.26

4.27

73.20

90.30

89.10

4.20

4.17

4.20

82.78

99.09

96.79

1  The weighted average gas price reflects the wellhead price received for power generation and the delivered price for 

industrial customers after the processing and transportation tariffs.

2  2026 is a partial year expiring on October 11, 2026

Background to the 2023 Year 
End Reserves Evaluation 

The Company continued the comprehensive 
review of the Songo Songo subsurface field 
mapping, reservoir simulation modeling and 
well performance in 2023 to better understand 
the remaining potential of the Songo Songo 
natural gas field to the end of the license and 
assess the remaining resource potential beyond 
October 2026. The 2023 studies included a slick 
line campaign to retrieve downhole pressure 
data and a comprehensive history match review. 
In 2022 a multi-tank concept was developed. 
The 2023 history matching has confirmed this 
concept, that there is low connectivity between 
the identified compartments and the reservoir is 
under moderate aquifer rather than volumetric 
depletion. This has not reduced the Gas Initially 
In Place (“GIIP”) within the development area 
but does result in a lower GIIP drained by current 
wellstock. In 2024 cased hole logging is planned 
to confirm the new model, update history match 
and identify production, adding opportunities 
for future workovers, drilling or through tubing 
activities.

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202318

Sustainability & Responsibility Our Approach to Sustainability

Our Sustainability Strategy 
remains a long-term endeavor. 
We look to make progress 
wherever possible, reporting on 
our successes and acknowledging 
any shortcomings, all whilst 
remaining realistic about what can 
be achieved. We also continue to 
monitor and better understand 
the needs and impact of our 
business on our stakeholders 
and the environment, with our 
approach being reviewed on an 
ongoing basis. Our strategy remains 
focused and pragmatic. 

Holistic Progress: Our sustainability journey is 
deliberate and steady. We celebrate wins and 
address areas for improvement transparently. 
Realism guides our ambitions, ensuring 
achievable goals.

Stakeholder-centric: Beyond financials, our 
stakeholders, employees, communities, and the 
environment shape our purpose. Listening and 
adapting, fostering strong relationships.

Local Talent Empowerment: Our Tanzanian 
workforce, 99% in-country, fuels our progress. 
We invest in their growth, fostering diversity 
and expertise.

Energy Transition Catalyst: We consider it 
our responsibility to limit our impact on both 
terrestrial and marine environments. By reducing 
emissions intensity and supporting Tanzania’s 
shift away from carbon-intensive energy 
sources like coal, charcoal, and Heavy Fuel Oil 
(“HFO”), we actively contribute to a greener 
economy. Our transparent engagement with 
local regulators and stakeholders ensures clarity 
regarding our role in global climate change and 
local environmental concerns. 

Board and Management Leadership. Our 
Board and management have a critical role to 
play in driving our Sustainability Strategy and 
the solutions to meet the expectations of our 
stakeholders.

Our Commitment to UN Sustainable Development Goals

Our Sustainability Strategy draws inspiration from the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals 
(“SDGs”). With 99% of our in-country workforce being Tanzanian and 90% of all Group employees 
being Tanzanian nationals, we bear a responsibility to contribute to Tanzania’s development and 
the achievement of these global goals. We are acutely aware of how our business activities impact 
SDG attainment.

While we endorse all UN SDGs, we recognize that not all goals directly align with our business 
context. Therefore, we’ve meticulously assessed and prioritized the most relevant goals and 
underlying targets. Our commitment extends beyond philanthropy, it’s integrated in our core 
business, Sustainability Strategy, and material issues. 

Tanzania: Achievement will require some 
step-up efforts. Population with access to 
electricity is increasing, but reliability remains 
a key development point.

Targets that our business activities aim to 
contribute to:

7.1  Universal access to modern energy

Tanzania: Reasonably good performance 
on this goal, with high GDP growth at 4.6% 
and average labor force participation at 83%.

Targets that our business activities aim to 
contribute to:

8.4  Improve resource efficiency in 

consumption and production

7.3  Double the improvement in energy 

8.5  Full employment and decent work with 

efficiency

equal pay

7.A Promoting access to research technology 

8.6  Promote youth employment, education 

and investments in clean energy

and training

7.B  Expand and upgrade energy services for 

8.7  End modern slavery, trafficking and child 

developing countries

labor

8.8  Protect labor rights and promote safe 

working environments

Tanzania: Achievement will require significant 
local efforts and international support.

Targets that our business activities aim to 
contribute to:

13.1  Strengthen resilience and adaptive 
capacity to climate-related disasters

13.2 Integrate climate change measures into 

policies and planning

13.3 Build knowledge and capacity to meet 

climate change

Strategic ReportOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 2023Stakeholders

19

Our commitment to transparency 
and open communication underpins 
our approach to stakeholder 
engagement. We believe in 
fostering a strong relationship 
with all our stakeholders – from 
our employees, customers, 
and investors, to our partners, 
suppliers, and the communities in 
which we operate.

Investors

We place great emphasis on transparency 
and engagement with our investors. We 
understand the importance of keeping our 
investors informed and involved in our strategic 
direction and operational plans. This is achieved 
through regular reporting, press releases, and 
discussions.

We value the support of our shareholders and 
make it a priority to listen to them carefully and 
address their concerns whenever they arise. Our 
long-term objective is to maximize the social and 
economic potential of our asset in Tanzania in a 
sustainable manner.

Investors

Employees

The 
Environment

Customers

Partners

Local 
Community

Government 
& Regulators

Employees

Our employees are our core asset. We strive to 
inspire, safeguard, and cultivate our workforce, 
recognizing that their growth and satisfaction 
are integral to our success. Our commitment to 
our employees is demonstrated through several 
key priorities:

•  Employee Engagement: We believe 

in fostering a work environment that 
encourages active participation, open 
communication, and a strong sense of 
community.

•  Safe Work Environments: The safety of our 

employees is paramount. We are committed 
to maintaining a workplace that adheres to 
the highest safety standards.

•  Training and Development: We invest in our 
employees’ professional growth through 
continuous learning opportunities and 
career development programs.

•  Tanzania First: As a Company operating 
in Tanzania, we prioritize the hiring and 
development of local talent, contributing to 
the economic growth of the country.

•  Employee Health and Wellbeing: We care 
about our employees’ physical and mental 
health, and we offer programs and resources 
to support their overall wellbeing.

• 

Inclusive Work Culture: We celebrate 
diversity and strive to create an inclusive 
culture where everyone feels valued and 
respected.

We engage with our employees by maintaining 
transparency about our business strategies, 
involving them in business decisions, and 
fostering an open dialogue for continuous 
improvement. We also acknowledge the 
significant role our contractors play and 
ensure they align with our Company’s values, 
particularly regarding health and safety 
practices.

In our pursuit of excellence, we are continually 
refining our practices to better serve our 
employees and create a workplace that is not 
only productive but also enriching. We are 
proud of the culture we have built at Orca 
Energy Group and look forward to nurturing 
it further in the years to come.

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202320

Sustainability & Responsibility cont.

Customers

Transparency is a core value that we uphold 
in all our customer interactions. We believe in 
maintaining an open line of communication with 
our customers, fostering a relationship built on 
trust and mutual understanding. This approach 
allows us to understand our customers’ needs 
better and tailor our services to meet those 
needs effectively.

We work hard to ensure we provide a stable 
supply of natural gas at fair and competitive 
prices. Our commitment to these principles 
is not only crucial for our business operations but 
also contributes to the broader energy market 
stability.

Local Community 

We strive to create shared value that positively 
impacts the well-being of the communities we 
serve.

Our operations are designed to offer a range of 
benefits to communities, creating employment 
opportunities and contributing to local economic 
growth.

Beyond these direct benefits, our operations also 
have wider implications for education and health. 
We believe that by improving access to energy, 
we can enhance educational opportunities 
and health outcomes in the communities we 
serve. This holistic approach to community 
engagement is a key part of our commitment 
to creating shared value.

Strategic ReportOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202321

The Environment 

As a natural gas operator, we inherently emit 
greenhouse gas (“GHG”). We understand that as 
our business changes and the demand for our 
natural gas product rises, our emissions are likely 
to increase correspondingly.

However, we firmly believe in our responsibility 
to mitigate our environmental impact, both 
on land and in the marine ecosystem. We are 
committed to reducing the emissions intensity 
of our operations and making a significant 
contribution to Tanzania’s shift away from more 
carbon-intensive energy sources such as coal, 
charcoal, and Heavy Fuel Oil (“HFO”) towards a 
lower carbon economy.

We maintain transparent engagement with 
local regulators and stakeholders, ensuring that 
we are fully open about our contribution to 
global climate change and local environmental 
issues. This transparency is a key part of our 
commitment to environmental responsibility 
and sustainable operations.

Government & Regulators

We ensure that we proactively engage with 
Tanzanian local regulators. We consider these 
interactions to be of great importance in 
fostering strong relationships with government 
entities and regulatory bodies.

These relationships are crucial in ensuring that 
our operations align with, and even expedite, 
the local development plans. By working closely 
with the Government and regulators, we can 
better understand their vision for development 
and tailor our activities to support these goals. 
Maintaining open lines of communication 
ensures we can stay ahead of any changes 
in regulations and adapt our operations 
accordingly.

This both contributes to the smooth running 
of our operations and also helps us play a 
more active role in the local development of 
Tanzania. We are committed to continuing 
these engagements and further strengthening 
our relationships with the Government and 
regulatory bodies.

Partners

We are not the only entity involved in the 
operation or ownership of the natural gas 
infrastructure on Songo Songo Island. We 
therefore recognize the significance of fostering 
relationships with our local partners.

Our collaborations extend to partners such as 
Songas and TPDC, and cover a wide range of 
issues, including those related to sustainability. 
These collaborations are crucial in addressing 
various challenges and opportunities that arise in 
our operations.

We are committed to nurturing these 
relationships with our partners. Our goal is to 
ensure the continued production of a high-
quality, stable natural gas supply. We believe 
that strong partnerships are key to achieving 
this goal and contributing to the ongoing 
success of our operations.

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202322

Sustainability & Responsibility cont.

ENHANCING 
COMMUNITY 
WELLBEING 

In 2023, significant progress was made in 
community development. A health center 
was completed and handed over in the 
Chumo ward of Kilwa District, Lindi, as 
part of an ongoing commitment to local 
communities. This project, which began last 
year, represents an investment of $380,000 
and aimed to provide essential, high-quality 
healthcare services to community 
members. The project was fully funded, 
with the majority of building materials and 
labor sourced from the region.

$380,000

invested in the  
Chumo Health Centre 

“I am delighted to announce the handing 
over of the Chumo Health Centre to the 
Kilwa District Commissioner. We are proud 
of the role we play in Tanzania and the 
financing and construction of this medical 
facility is proof of our commitment to 
making a positive contribution to the 
communities in the area. We hope that this 
facility will benefit the local residents for 
generations to come. As a business, we 
remain focused on supporting Tanzania’s 
economic and industrial growth by 
delivering a reliable supply of natural gas 
for the benefit of Tanzania and our wider 
stakeholders.”

Bizimana Ntuyabaliwe
Deputy Managing Director
PanAfrican Energy Tanzania

Strategic ReportOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202323

Songo Songo Island Health Centre 

In 2023, our commitment to the island community led us to construct a 
state-of-the-art health center. This facility, completed in December 2023, 
caters to an estimated population of 7,000 individuals. We proactively 
invested in essential infrastructure, including an outpatient department, 
maternity ward, surgical theater, laboratory, mortuary, laundry facilities, 
and walkways.

Before our intervention, the island relied solely on a basic dispensary for 
primary care. Islanders faced a long 27km journey to Kinyonga District 
Hospital on the mainland for specialized services. Our investment of 
$445,000 addressed this challenge, ensuring accessible healthcare 
for generations to come.

$445,000 

invested in the  
Songo Songo Island Health 
Centre 

Chumo Health Centre

In 2023, we achieved significant 
community development in Kilwa 
District, Lindi. A fully funded health 
center was completed in the Chumo 
ward, benefitting approximately 
14,000 residents across five villages. 

The project was fully funded, 
with the majority of building 
materials and labor sourced from 
the region. The facility includes 
essential departments including an 
outpatient’s department, maternity 
ward, surgical theatre, laboratory, 
and mortuary.

Beyond easing the burden on 
urban healthcare, it will promote 
preventive care and public health 
education. Our commitment 
extends to education and other 
health centers, reinforcing Kilwa 
District’s holistic growth.

At the inauguration event, Kilwa 
District Commissioner, Christopher 
Ngubiagai, expressed his gratitude 
for the support and assistance in 
improving community health. He 
also emphasized the importance 
of partnerships and the role the 
private sector can play in delivering 
high-quality social services to 
communities in need.

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202324

Sustainability & Responsibility cont. People

COMPANYWIDE TANZANIAN WORKFORCE %

90%

2023

TOTAL WORKFORCE IN TANZANIA 

99%

2023

HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL 
INDUCTION TRAINING IN 2022
Hours

87 

Participants

301 

HEALTH SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL 
INDUCTION TRAINING IN 2023
Hours

184 

Participants

235 

The Company acknowledges its responsibility 
to provide a secure working environment for 
its employees. To ensure physical wellbeing, 
the Company has instituted health and safety 
guidelines, which are outlined in the Employee 
Handbook.

These guidelines apply to all personnel, 
including permanent employees, temporary 
workers, contractors, consultants, and any other 
individuals visiting work areas on the island or in 
Dar es Salaam. The Company has implemented 
a range of training programs to educate its 
employees on key subjects such as Emergency 
Preparedness and Response, as well as Health 
and Safety.

In 2023, due to heightened activity on Songo 
Songo Island, particularly among our contracting 
partners, the Company found it necessary to 
continue the delivery of the robust health and 
safety approach to its stakeholders. This is 
demonstrated by our enhanced health, safety 
and environmental safety training. This training 
was not limited to employees or contractors 
working on-site but was also extended to any 
individuals, including government officials, 
who wished to visit. Access to our work sites is 
contingent upon successful completion of this 
training. We also extended our industrial first aid 
training to more employees in 2023. This ensures 
a shared understanding that, in conjunction with 
other control mechanisms, enables the Company 
to operate in the safest manner possible.

The Company’s operations 
fundamentally hinge on ensuring 
the health and safety of its 
employees, while also necessitating 
the attraction, retention, and 
development of skilled and talented 
personnel due to the technical 
nature of the business.

Focused primarily on Tanzania, the Company 
is presented with a unique opportunity 
to contribute to the country’s economic 
development through the training and upskilling 
of its employees. The Company strives to offer 
all its employees long-term and rewarding 
careers. A testament to this is the fact that the 
majority of the Tanzanian management team 
has been trained and promoted from within the 
Company. It is through their professionalism, 
skill, and diligence that the Company continually 
elevates its standards and quality.

The Company remains committed to its 
“Tanzania first” ethos. Of the 17 in-country 
managerial positions within the Company, 16 are 
occupied by Tanzanians, Tanzanians also make 
up 90% of all Group employees, a proportion 
that increases to more than 99% for the 
workforce within the country. The Company is 
proud to have maintained these figures for over 
three years.

In 2023, the Company’s strong investment 
in its people was reflected in its less than 1% 
staff turnover rate, a clear endorsement of 
the conducive working environment it strives 
to create. This achievement underscores the 
Company’s commitment to its employees and 
its dedication to fostering a supportive and 
engaging workplace.

Strategic ReportOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202325

DEVELOPING LOCAL TANZANIAN TALENT

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023

Total Expatriates

Total Local Staff

PanAfrican Energy is committed to providing 
robust training opportunities for its employees 
to foster their growth and enhance their 
performance. Following my promotion, 
PanAfrican Energy ensured that I received 
training in Project Management from highly 
skilled industry professionals with decades of 
experience at reputable training institutions 
worldwide. These training programs have further 
refined my skills, decision-making abilities, and 
have fostered a creative and innovative approach 
to project delivery.

Regular performance reviews with my 
line manager have played a pivotal role in 
identifying areas for improvement and how 
to better leverage my strengths. Detailed 
discussions with constructive feedback have 
been instrumental in facilitating my transition 
into the Project Engineering role and in 
clarifying my career goals.

In conclusion, the supportive and positive 
workplace environment, comprehensive 
training programs, and diverse development 
opportunities have played a crucial role in my 
development as a Project Engineer at PanAfrican 
Energy. I am genuinely excited about future 
endeavors and look forward to achieving greater 
success at PanAfrican Energy.

Jeremiah Luhanga 
Project Engineer
PanAfrican Energy

INDUSTRIAL FIRST AID TRAINING IN 2022
Hours

1,152 

Participants

22

INDUSTRIAL FIRST AID TRAINING IN 2023
Hours

1,488

Participants

62

Total number of lost 
time occupational 
injuries

Total number of lost 
workdays due to 
injuries

Number of fatalities

2023

Direct 
employees

Contractor 
employees

0

0

0

0

0

0

JEREMIAH LUHANGA

My journey as an Operations Project Engineer at 
PanAfrican Energy commenced four years ago 
when I joined the Company as a Field Operator 
at the Songo Songo gas field. From the outset, 
I was able to apply the knowledge I had gained 
during my four-year Bachelor’s degree in 
Petroleum Engineering. The support I received 
from my colleagues and supervisors enabled 
me to quickly acclimate to the field activities. 
Within a few months, I was entrusted with mini 
projects under site management, which boosted 
my confidence and demonstrated the trust that 
senior management had in my technical abilities. 
Two years into my tenure, I was promoted to 
the position of Project Engineer, a role I continue 
to hold.

The transition from Field Operator to Project 
Engineer was facilitated by the welcoming 
environment, the confidence and trust placed 
in me, and the mentorship provided by my line 
manager and senior engineers. I was promptly 
assigned my first project (Flowline Intelligent 
Pigging), and with the guidance of my colleagues 
and line manager, I successfully delivered the 
project and all required repairs within the 
stipulated time frame, with zero Lost Time Injuries 
(“LTI”). Over the course of approximately two 
years, I have undertaken several more projects, 
such as wellhead platform modifications, LLP 
FEED, flowline replacement and repairs, wellhead 
equalization loop, and others, with full confidence 
from senior management. Being entrusted with 
such significant projects has indeed honed my 
project management skills and furthered my 
growth and understanding, which have also 
proved beneficial in other operational areas by 
assisting the site team when necessary.

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202326

Community Focus 
Sustainability & Responsibility cont. Community Focus 

OUR FOUR FOCUS AREAS

n

Educatio

S

c

h

o

l
a
r
s

hips

H

e

a

lt

h

I n ternships

Education Infrastructure 
Advancements in Kilwa 
District

In 2023, an education infrastructure 
initiative was launched by the 
Company in the Kilwa District. 
This strategic shift, influenced by 
the Tanzanian Government’s free 
tuition policy and the Government’s 
flagship Fee-Free Basic Education 
Program (“FBEP”), aimed at 
providing equal educational 
opportunities for all. As student 
enrolment surges, so does the need 
for improved school facilities.

The urgency for better infrastructure, 
spacious classrooms, well-equipped 
libraries, and comfortable teacher 
residences became evident. 
Responding to this need, the Lindi 
Regional Commissioner put forward 
his desire for the construction of ten 
classrooms and 13 teacher residences 
in remote Kilwa District areas, which 
the Company acted upon. 

The project is being executed in two 
phases; phase one began in 2023 
with the development of six teacher 
units and two classroom blocks, 
with completion scheduled by the 
end of February 2024. Phase two 
will continue throughout 2024. 

$305,000

Project contribution in 2023

Strategic ReportOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 2023Empowering Education on 
Songo Songo Island

Our commitment to support 
high-achieving students on Songo 
Songo Island continued in 2023. 
Through our scholarship initiative, 
we provide comprehensive financial 
support, covering tuition fees, 
academic materials, meals, hostel 
accommodation, transportation, 
and other essential school needs. 
Since its inception, over 75 students 
have directly benefitted from this 
program. 

We made a investment of $80,000 
in 2023 to support 34 actively 
enrolled students in our scholarship 
program. These scholars received 
training at esteemed educational 
institutions across strategic 
locations, including Dar es Salaam, 
Morogoro, Mtwara, Kilwa, and 
Songea.

To qualify for our sponsorships, 
students met specific criteria 
collaboratively established by the 
Company and Songo Songo Island’s 
leadership. A diligent selection 
process, overseen by a committee 
of academics and community 
leaders, identified the top ten 
deserving recipients of these 
scholarships. 

27

AMOUNT INVESTED IN COMMUNITY RELATED DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

1,000,000

$
S
U

900,000

800,000

700,000

600,000

500,000

400,000

300,000

200,000

100,000

0

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO SONGO SONGO ISLAND STUDENTS

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

2011

2012

2013

2014

2019

2021

2022

2023

Male

Female

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202328

Board of Directors

1

2

3

4

5

1

David W. Ross
Chairman 
Non-Executive Director and  

Chair of Remuneration/Compensation 
Committee

4

Dr Frannie Léautier
Non-Executive Director 

Chair of ESG Committee

Appointed 2019

Appointed 2004

Experience
David Ross has extensive experience in 
international tax law and is a partner in the 
Calgary-based law firm of Burnet, Duckworth & 
Palmer. He has served as Secretary to the Board 
since the Company was formed in 2004.

2

Jay Lyons
Executive Director

Chief Executive Officer and  
Chair of Reserves Committee

Appointed 2019

Experience
Jay Lyons joined the Company in May 2019 as 
a Non-Executive Director and took on the role 
of Interim Chief Executive Officer in 2020 and 
Chief Executive Officer in June 2021. Jay is a 
private investor with considerable experience in 
the oil and gas industries in both Canada and 
the United States. He has worked in a range 
of roles for both private and public companies 
in the upstream and downstream sectors. 
Jay has a strong familiarity and understanding 
of the Songo Songo project and the Tanzanian 
operating environment.

3

Lisa Mitchell
Executive Director

Chief Financial Officer

Appointed 2022

Experience
Lisa Mitchell joined the Company as Chief 
Financial Officer in November 2021. Lisa was 
the CFO and Executive Director of San Leon 
Energy plc (AIM: LSE), a Nigeria focused oil and 
gas company listed in London, and previously 
the CFO and Executive Director of Lekoil 
Limited (AIM: LEK), an Africa focused oil and 
gas company with interests in Nigeria. Lisa has 
also held senior roles at Ophir Energy plc (LSE: 
OPHR), a former FTSE 250 energy company, 
CSL Limited (ASX top 50) and Mobil Oil 
Australia. Lisa is a FCPA (Australia) and holds a 
Bachelor of Economics from La Trobe University, 
Melbourne and a Graduate Diploma in Applied 
Corporate Governance from the Governance 
Institute of Australia.

Experience
Dr Léautier is a globally respected development 
expert and has extensive African and global 
experience in the public and private sectors. 
Dr Léautier is a Senior Partner at SouthBridge 
Group, the Founder and Managing Partner of 
the Fezembat Group and was previously Senior 
Vice President of the African Development Bank, 
where she led efforts to improve the bank’s 
overall operational effectiveness. Other roles 
include: Chief Operating Officer for the Trade 
and Development Bank based in Nairobi, 
Infrastructure Director, World Bank, Vice 
President and Head of the World Bank Institute.

Dr Léautier holds a PhD in Infrastructure 
Systems and a Master’s in Transportation from 
the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Linda Beal
5

Non-Executive Director
Chair of Audit and Risk Committee 

Appointed 2019

Experience
Linda Beal was a tax partner with 
PricewaterhouseCoopers in the UK for 16 years 
and then with Grant Thornton UK LLP. Linda 
has significant experience of advising natural 
resources groups operating in Africa and 
internationally.

BOARD DIVERSITY

40%

60%

Male

Female

Strategic ReportOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202329

How We Manage Our Company

The Board

Executive Management

•  Provides independent oversight that ensures the integrity of 

•  Responsible for managing the Company’s core operations at the 

the business 

Songo Songo field

•  Provides the Company with strategic direction

•  Responsible for delivering value for all stakeholders

•  Responsible for monitoring risk management framework for 

•  Ensure the successful implementation of the Company’s corporate 

the Company

strategy

Audit and Risk 
Committee 

ESG Committee 

Remuneration/
Compensation 
Committee

Reserves 
Committee 

•  Responsible for providing 
oversight of the financial 
reporting process 

•  Provides independent 

assessment of audit process

•  Ensures compliance with 
laws and regulations

•  Responsible for overseeing 

the management of 
internal controls and risk 
management

•  Ensures ESG principles are 

adopted

•  Provides guidance for the 
implementation of ESG 
principles

•  Provides a systems check on 
safety, environmental and 
governance associated risks

•  Reviews and decides the 
overall remuneration of 
Executive Management and 
other key employees

•  Reviews the Company’s 

procedures to ensure that 
disclosure of reserves 
complies with security 
regulation

•  Meets with the independent 

reserves evaluator to 
determine there have been 
no restrictions placed by 
management on the ability 
to report the reserves and 
associated valuations 

•  Ensures oversight of the 
Songo Songo gas field 
reserves and reviews 
associated reservoir and 
technical risk associated 
with extraction of reserves 
and the ability to report the 
reserves and associated 
valuations

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 2023 
30

Our Workforce

Executive Management Team

Jay Lyons
Chief Executive Officer 
Executive Director   

Lisa Mitchell 
Chief Financial Officer
Executive Director 

Ewen Denning
Chief Operating Officer 

Andy Hanna MBE
Managing Director
PanAfrican Energy Tanzania Limited 

Appointed 2019 

Appointed 2021 

Appointed 2022

Experience
Jay Lyons joined the Company 
in May 2019 as a Non-Executive 
Director and took on the role of 
Interim Chief Executive Officer in 
2020 and Chief Executive Officer in 
June 2021. Jay is a private investor 
with considerable experience in 
the oil and gas industries in both 
Canada and the United States. He 
has worked in a range of roles for 
both private and public companies 
in the upstream and downstream 
sectors. Jay has a strong familiarity 
and understanding of the Songo 
Songo project and the Tanzanian 
operating environment.

Experience 
Lisa Mitchell joined the Company 
as Chief Financial Officer in 
November 2021. Lisa was the CFO 
and Executive Director of San Leon 
Energy plc (AIM: LSE), a Nigeria 
focused oil and gas company 
listed in London, and previously 
the CFO and Executive Director 
of Lekoil Limited (AIM: LEK), an 
Africa focused oil and gas company 
with interests in Nigeria. Lisa has 
also held senior roles at Ophir 
Energy plc (LSE: OPHR), a former 
FTSE 250 energy company, CSL 
Limited (ASX Top 50) and Mobil 
Oil Australia.

Lisa is a FCPA (Australia) and holds 
a Bachelor of Economics from La 
Trobe University, Melbourne and 
a Graduate Diploma in Applied 
Corporate Governance from the 
Governance Institute of Australia.

Experience
Ewen Denning brings over 35 years 
of international energy industry 
experience to Orca Energy Group. 
During his career he has worked 
for BP, BG Group and Glencore 
and had assignments across five 
continents. Since 2011 he has 
worked extensively in Africa on a 
variety of projects in Cameroon, 
Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria 
and Tunisia, most recently on the 
Logbaba integrated gas project in 
Cameroon. He has wide technical 
and commercial experience having 
held senior positions managing 
operational assets in established 
areas and commercializing new 
ventures in frontier areas. 

Ewen holds a B.Eng. in  
Mechanical Engineering from 
Sheffield University and an MBA 
from Heriot-Watt University. He is 
a Chartered Engineer and Fellow 
of the Institute of Mechanical 
Engineers and also a Member of the 
Society of Petroleum Engineers.

Appointed to  
Managing Director 2019

Experience
Andy Hanna has worked with Orca 
and PAET in various management 
roles for the past ten years, being 
appointed Managing Director 
of PAET in 2019. He joined the 
Company following a career in 
the public sector where he led 
engineering, logistics and security 
projects around the world. Since 
joining, he has played an integral 
role in the development and 
delivery of strategic and operational 
plans for PAET, while taking a 
lead role in the management of 
complex senior stakeholder issues 
in Tanzania. 

Andy has a strong background in 
electronic and civil engineering and 
has a Master’s Degree in Military 
Science from Cranfield University. 
He is a Fellow of the Chartered 
Management Institute and a 
Member of the Institute of Royal 
Engineers.

Strategic ReportOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 2023 
31

Tanzanian Management Team

ISMAIL NGAGA

1

5

9

2

6

10

3

7

11

13

14

15

4

8

12

Senior Management 

8

1

2

3

4

Andy Hanna 
Managing Director

Bizimana Ntuyabaliwe 
Deputy Managing 
Director

Mwinshehe Said 
Finance Director 

Peter Sololo 
Operations Manager

Management

5

6

7

Andrew Kashangaki
CSR Manager

Brown Mollel
IT Manager

Gasper Mkomba 
HR/Office Manager

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

John Samwel
Downstream 
Stakeholder Relations 
Manager

Obeid Kitalima
Finance Manager

Rehema Shija
Local Content 
Compliance Manager

Ritha Mohele
Legal and Document 
Control Manager

Sabas Oisso
Downstream Manager

Shuli Mrengo 
HSE Manager

Stella Ndossi 
Logistics Manager

Vincent Edward 
Head of Subsurface

The Company aspires to provide all employees with long-term 
and rewarding careers. The majority of our Tanzanian 
management team have been trained and promoted from 
roles within the Company. It is through their professionalism, 
skill and diligence that the Company is able to continually raise 
its standards and quality.

Our operational workforce in 2023 remained at 99% local staff, 
with 20% of our in-country management team being female. 

As a long-standing member of the Finance 
Department, I have had the privilege of serving 
the Company for nearly 14 years. My journey 
began in 2010, and since then, I have been 
diligently working on tax matters and ensuring 
compliance. In ensuring tax compliance, I have 
continued to play a crucial role in making 
sure we conform with relevant tax regulations 
and optimizing the Company's tax strategy. 
As a member of the tax team, I have been 
dedicated to the preparation and filing of tax 
returns, timely tax payments, and proactive 
identification of tax implications on various 
transactions. Additionally, my involvement in 
tax audits has demonstrated our team's ability 
to respond to raised audit queries efficiently, 
providing evidence and insights that have 
contributed to positive outcomes.

Over the years, I have witnessed the 
Company’s transformation from a small 
energy firm to a leading player in the 
Tanzanian energy sector. The growth has 
been phenomenal, and the changes have 
been significant. We have expanded our 
operations, diversified our energy portfolio, 
and embraced innovative technologies to 
enhance efficiency and sustainability.

My role in the Finance Department has 
evolved over the years with these changes. 
The complexity and volume of tax matters 
have increased, but so has our capacity to 
manage them. We have adopted advanced 
financial tools and practices, and our team 
has grown both in numbers and expertise. 
Looking ahead, I remain focused on 
maintaining the highest standards of tax 
compliance while seeking opportunities to 
streamline processes and enhance the overall 
tax strategy. I am committed to upholding 
the Company's reputation for integrity and 
reliability in all tax-related matters.

The question often arises – why have I stayed 
with the Company for so long? The answer 
is simple. It’s the Company’s vision, culture, 
and commitment to its employees and 
stakeholders. PanAfrican Energy is not just a 
workplace for me, it’s a platform where I can 
contribute to Tanzania’s energy future while 
growing professionally and personally.

I am proud to be part of PanAfrican Energy, 
and I look forward to contributing to its 
success in the years to come.

Ismail Ngaga
Accounts Officer
PanAfrican Energy Tanzania Ltd

Lloyd Herrick
Advisor to the Board and 
Management

Appointed 2020

Experience
Lloyd Herrick brings over four 
decades of international energy 
experience following a 20 year 
career at TransGlobe Energy 
Corporation (“TransGlobe”) 
where he was Vice President, 
Chief Operating Officer and 
Director. Prior to TransGlobe, 
he served as President, Chief 
Executive Officer and member of 
the board of Moiibus Resource 
Corporation, which was acquired 
by TransGlobe. Earlier in his career, 
Lloyd worked at Ranger Oil Limited, 
holding technical, management 
and executive positions, and 
was a petroleum engineer with 
Rupertsland Resources Ltd. and 
Hudson’s Bay Oil & Gas Ltd.

During his time as a member of 
the TransGlobe executive team and 
board, Lloyd acquired a wealth of 
experience in direct government 
negotiations, including concession 
agreement amendments and 
extensions to achieve optimum 
resource development.

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202332

Management’s Discussion & Analysis

THIS MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (“MD&A”) OF OUR FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS SHOULD BE 
READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 
2023. THIS MD&A IS BASED ON THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON APRIL 4, 2024. ALL AMOUNTS ARE REPORTED IN US DOLLARS (“$”) UNLESS 
OTHERWISE NOTED.

THIS MD&A CONTAINS NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RATIOS AND FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION. READERS ARE CAUTIONED 
THAT THIS MD&A SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE DISCLOSURE BELOW UNDER THE HEADINGS “NON-GAAP FINANCIAL 
MEASURES AND RATIOS”, “FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS” AND “GLOSSARY” INCLUDED AT THE END OF THIS MD&A.

Nature of Operations

The principal asset of Orca Energy Group Inc. (“Orca” or the “Company”) is its indirect interest in the Songo Songo gas field, as set out in the Production 
Sharing Agreement (“PSA”) between PanAfrican Energy Tanzania Limited (“PAET”), the Tanzanian Petroleum Development Corporation (“TPDC”) and 
the Government of Tanzania (“GoT”) in the United Republic of Tanzania. PAET is the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary operating in Tanzania. The PSA 
covers the production and marketing of natural gas from the Songo Songo gas field offshore of Tanzania. The PSA defines the gas produced from the 
Songo Songo gas field as “Protected Gas” and “Additional Gas”. Protected Gas is owned by TPDC and is sold under a 20-year gas agreement (until July 
31, 2024) (“Gas Agreement”) to Songas Limited (“Songas”) and Tanzania Portland Cement PLC (“TPCPLC”). Songas is the owner of the infrastructure 
that enables the gas to be treated and delivered to Dar es Salaam, which includes a gas processing plant on Songo Songo Island (collectively, the 
“Songas Infrastructure”).

Songas utilizes the Protected Gas as fuel for its gas turbine electricity generators and for onward sale to customers while TPCPLC uses the Protected 
Gas to fire kilns for the production of cement. A small amount of Protected Gas is also reserved for village electrification. The Company receives no 
revenue for the Protected Gas delivered to Songas or other recipients of Protected Gas and operates the original wells and gas processing plant on 
a “no gain no loss” basis. Under the PSA, the Company has the right to produce and market all gas in the Songo Songo gas field in excess of the 
Protected Gas requirements set forth in the PSA (such gas is referred to in this document as “Additional Gas”) until the PSA expires in October 2026.

The Tanzanian Electric Supply Company Limited (“TANESCO”) is a parastatal organization wholly owned by the GoT with oversight by the Ministry of 
Energy (“MoE”). TANESCO is responsible for the majority of electricity generation, transmission and distribution throughout Tanzania. Natural gas has 
become an integral component of TANESCO’s power generation fuel mix as a more reliable source of supply over seasonal hydropower as well as a 
more cost-effective and lower carbon dioxide intensive alternative to liquid fuels. The Company and TPDC as joint sellers currently supply Additional 
Gas directly to TANESCO by way of the Portfolio Gas Supply Agreement (“PGSA”) and indirectly through the supply of Protected Gas and Additional 
Gas to Songas, which in turn generates and sells power to TANESCO. The Company also supplies Additional Gas to TPDC through a long-term gas 
sales agreement (“LTGSA”) utilizing the National Natural Gas Infrastructure (“NNGI”). The PGSA expires on July 31, 2024 and the LTGSA expires on 
October 10, 2026. Discussions are now ongoing with TANESCO to extend the PGSA, between the Company, TPDC and TANESCO. TANESCO have 
confirmed their intent to extend to October 2026 however it is not known at this stage the timing for this.

In addition to supplying gas to TPDC, Songas and TANESCO, the Company has developed 50 contracts to supply gas to Dar es Salaam’s industrial 
market.

Management’s Discussion & AnalysisOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202333

Financial and Operating Highlights for the Three Months and Year Ended December 31, 2023

(Expressed in $’000 unless indicated otherwise)

2023

2022

Three Months ended 
December 31

% Change

Q4/23 vs
Q4/22

Year ended 
December 31

2023

2022

% Change

Ytd/23 vs
Ytd/22

OPERATING

Daily average gas delivered and sold (MMcfd)

 Industrial

 Power

Average price ($/mcf)

 Industrial

 Power

 Weighted average

Operating netback ($/mcf)1

FINANCIAL

Revenue

Net income/(loss) attributable to shareholders

 per share – basic and diluted ($)

Net cash flows from operating activities

 per share – basic and diluted ($)1

Capital expenditures1

Weighted average Class A and Class B Shares1 (‘000)

80.8

13.4

67.4

8.97

3.84

4.69

2.28

24,448

(438)

(0.02)

9,858

0.50

2,065

19,826

95.5

15.0

80.5

8.21

3.60

4.33

2.42

31,877

2,325

0.12

15,438

0.78

3,615

19,893

Working capital (including cash)1

Cash and cash equivalents

Long-term loan

Outstanding shares (‘000)

 Class A

 Class B

Total shares outstanding

RESERVES2,3

Gross reserves (Bcf) 

 Proved

 Probable

 Proved plus probable

Net present value, discounted at 10% ($ million)2,3,4

 Proved

 Proved plus probable

(15)%

(11)%

(16)%

9%

7%

8%

(6)%

(23)%

(119)%

(119)%

(36)%

(36)%

(43)%

0%

85.6

13.7

71.9

8.73

3.71

4.51

2.38

110,235

7,014

0.35

48,485

2.44

8,103

19,841

86.8

14.0

72.8

8.52

3.59

4.38

2.62

118,089

27,726

1.39

67,660

3.40

22,406

19,923

As at 
December 31,
2023

As at
December 31,
2022

67,323

101,566

29,961

1,750

18,051

19,801

85

9

94

108

119

61,553

96,321

39,762

1,750

18,126

19,876

141

26

167

147

171

(1)%

(2)%

(1)%

2%

3%

3%

(9)%

(7)%

(75)%

(75)%

(28)%

(28)%

(64)%

0%

% Change

9%

5%

(25)%

0%

0%

0%

(40)%

(65)%

(44)%

(27)%

(30)%

1  Please refer to the Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Ratios section of the MD&A for additional information.
2  Please refer to the Oil and Gas Advisory section of the MD&A for additional information.
3  Please note that the 2023 numbers reflect the Company’s 100% working interest before additional profits tax and government share following the acquisition of Swala (PAEM) Limited’s 
(“Swala UK”) 7.933% working interest in 2023. The 2022 numbers reflect the Company’s 92.07% working interest before additional profits tax and government share at year end 2022. 
In accordance with the PSA with the TPDC and the GoT in the United Republic of Tanzania, the Company is able to recover income tax and consequently there is no significant difference 
between the net present value of reserves on a before and after tax basis. Any capitalized terms otherwise not defined within the Financial and Operating Highlights are defined in the 
MD&A.

4 

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202334

Management’s Discussion & Analysis cont.

Financial and Operating Highlights for 2023 and Q4 2023

•  Revenue decreased by 23% for Q4 2023 and by 7% for the year ended December 31, 2023 over the comparable prior year periods. The decrease 

for Q4 2023 over the comparable prior year period is primarily a result of lower sales to the power sector and a lower current income tax 
adjustment. The decrease for the year ended December 31, 2023 over the comparable prior year period is primarily a result of higher TPDC share 
of revenue as an outcome of decreased capital expenditures and lower Cost Gas revenue (as defined herein). 

•  Total gross conventional natural gas production, including fuel gas, was in line with revised forecasts and averaged 121.8 MMcfd for Q4 2023, of 

which 80.8 MMcfd was Additional Gas. Gas deliveries decreased by 15% for Q4 2023 and by 1% for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared 
to the same prior year periods. The decrease for Q4 2023 was primarily due to declining production from the currently producing wells and 
reservoir compartments in the Songo Songo field. 

•  We currently forecast average Additional Gas sales for 2024 to be in the range of 80-90 MMcfd for the full year, based on current contracted 

volumes and the end of the Protected Gas regime on July 31, 2024.

•  Discussions are ongoing with Songas and TPCPLC to negotiate new gas sales contracts from August 1, 2024 to sell the volumes which are 

currently supplied as Protected Gas under the Gas Agreement. The obligation to supply Protected Gas ends on July 31, 2024.

•  Discussions are also ongoing with TANESCO to extend the PGSA between PAET, TPDC and TANESCO, which currently ends on July 31, 2024.

•  Net income attributable to shareholders decreased by 75% for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the same prior year period, 

primarily as a result of the decreased revenue, increased depletion expense, including a one-time accelerated depletion charge in Q4 2023 with 
respect to costs previously incurred in relation to the 3D seismic acquisition and processing program, and higher net foreign exchange loss.

•  Net cash flows from operating activities decreased by 36% for Q4 2023 and by 28% for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the same 

prior year periods, primarily a result of decreased revenue and changes in non-cash working capital.

•  Capital expenditures decreased by 43% for Q4 2023 and by 64% for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the same prior year period. 

The capital expenditures in 2023 primarily related to the costs of the planned 2023 well workover program and the 3D seismic acquisition 
program. The capital expenditures in 2022 primarily related to the 2021-2022 well workover program and the initial costs of the 3D seismic 
acquisition program.

•  The third party contractor responsible for the 3D seismic acquisition program, which was expected to be completed in 2023, suspended its 

operations. The Company issued a breach of contract notice to the contractor in Q3 2023. The contractor failed to remedy the breach under its 
agreement with PAET. The Company therefore terminated the contract on October 25, 2023 but remained in discussions with the contractor 
who is disputing PAET’s right to terminate. In Q4 2023, accelerated depletion was recognized on costs incurred to date related to the 3D seismic 
acquisition. On March 20, 2024 PAET received a summons from the Tanzanian High Court (Commercial Division) to file a written statement of 
defense against a claim made by the seismic contractor for losses arising from PAET’s termination of the contract. The contractor seeks to claim 
$30.0 million for losses incurred plus legal costs, interest and general damages. The Company in consultation with its legal advisors believes that 
there are limited merits to the claim and as such does not consider it necessary to include a further provision in the 2023 financial statements. The 
initial hearing of the claim has been set as April 18, 2024.

•  An intervention in the offshore well SS-7 is planned to take place in 2024, subject to the ability to convert Tanzanian shilling balances to US dollars 
in Tanzania and receipt of the necessary stakeholder approvals. Based on expected supplier mobilization timelines, the earliest start of operations 
is now in Q2 2024. Following the negotiation of commercial terms with service providers, the total expected project cost has increased to $13.9 
million from $8.5 million. The work program is designed to shut off water production which caused the well to die and be shut in from 2019. The 
cause of the water production is interpreted to be a failed cement bond outside the production liner which created a flow path for water into the 
well when it was in production. If successful, the SS-7 well is expected to increase field deliverability by 20-25 MMcfd primarily from the currently 
non-producing southern compartment.

•  Front-end engineering continues on the new common inlet manifold in order to optimize gas flow between the Songas gas plant and the NNGI 

plant, both of which are supplied with gas from the Songo Songo gas field. Project construction and installation is expected to occur in Q4 2024, 
with commissioning in Q1 2025, subject to final investment decision and stakeholder approvals, at an estimated cost of $5-6 million.

•  The production logging program planned in conjunction with the SS-7 intervention will take place in Q2 2024 at an estimated cost of $1.1 million. 
This work program will provide detailed reservoir information, in addition to the annual pressure surveys, to improve the accuracy of forecasting 
future reservoir performance. Key targeted wells under the program include wells SS-3, SS-5, SS-7 and SS-10.

•  The Company continues to carry out studies to identify opportunities to improve the efficiency of operations at the Songas plant. The Company 

has installed new positive chokes replacing old units in all wells in Q1 2024 to reduce the pressure drop upstream of the gas processing plant.  
At a cost of $77,000, this is expected to sustain production during 2024 ahead of the SS-7 intervention.

•  Funding of capital projects will be from working capital. All capital allocation decisions will be based upon access to US dollars and prudent 

economic evaluation to achieve the necessary return given the short time remaining on the PSA, which expires in October 2026.

•  During Q2 2023, the Company formally requested TPDC to initiate the process of extending the development license in accordance with the 
terms of the PSA. The Government Negotiating Committee held a preliminary meeting with the Company in March 2024 to discuss timing 
around negotiations. The Company continues to seek dialogue with TPDC and the MoE seeking to expedite license extension discussions and will 
maintain gas sale contract discipline going forward by operating in line with our gas supply agreements.

Management’s Discussion & AnalysisOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202335

Financial and Operating Highlights for 2023 and Q4 2023 cont.

•  The Company exited the period with $67.3 million in working capital (December 31, 2022: $61.6 million), cash and cash equivalents of $101.6 million 

(December 31, 2022: $96.3 million) and long-term debt of $30.0 million (December 31, 2022: $39.8 million). 

•  As at December 31, 2023, the current receivable from TANESCO was $5.9 million (December 31, 2022: $3.7 million). The TANESCO long-term 

receivable as at December 31, 2023 and as at December 31, 2022 was $22.0 million with a provision of $22.0 million. Subsequent to December 31, 
2023 the Company has invoiced TANESCO $8.9 million for 2024 gas deliveries and TANESCO has paid the Company $10.6 million to date.

•  On July 21, 2023, the Company repurchased the 7.933% shares in the Company’s subsidiary, PAE PanAfrican Energy Corporation (“PAEM”), 

previously held by Swala UK for $7.5 million and the non-controlling interest was eliminated in Q3 2023. 

•  On December 17, 2023, the Company, PAEM and PAET entered into a settlement agreement with the Fair Competition Commission (“FCC”) of the 
United Republic of Tanzania to settle allegations under the Provisional Findings issued by the FCC on August 5, 2022. The settlement was made 
without prejudice to the Company’s objections to the validity of the allegations and without any admission of liability, for an aggregate settlement 
amount of $0.2 million. The payment was made on December 23, 2023.

•  Total working interest proved conventional natural gas reserves (“1P”) and total proved plus probable conventional natural gas reserves (“2P”) 

decreased by 40% and 44%, respectively, as at December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year. The decrease is due to gross property Additional 
Gas production in 2023 of 31.3 Bcf (2022: 31.7 Bcf) and declining reservoir pressures, removal of development capital and the number of years 
remaining on the current term of the Songo Songo license. The reduction in Company gross reserves was partially offset by the 2023 acquisition 
of a 7.933% interest from Swala UK which increased the Company’s working interest share to 100% of the reserves. The net present value of lower 
reserves and estimated future cash flows from 2P reserves at a 10% discount rate decreased by 30% compared to the previous year. This is mainly 
the result of the shorter time period remaining to the end of the Songo Songo license.

•  Under the terms of the PSA, the Company is required to pay Tanzanian income tax which is fully recovered through the profit-sharing 

arrangements with TPDC. Income tax has no material impact on the cash flows emanating from the PSA and accordingly there is no significant 
difference between the net present value of reserves on a before and after tax basis.

Oil and Gas Advisory
The Company’s conventional natural gas reserves as at December 31, 2023 disclosed herein were evaluated by McDaniel & Associates Consultants Ltd. 
(“McDaniel”), independent petroleum engineering consultants, in accordance with the definitions, standards and procedures contained in the Canadian 
Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook (“COGE Handbook”) and National Instrument 51-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities (“NI 51-101”).

The independent reserves evaluations prepared by McDaniel had an effective date of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 and preparation date 
of February 1, 2024 and February 24, 2023 respectively. All of the reserves presented herein are conventional natural gas reserves. The net present value 
of future net revenue attributable to the Company’s reserves is stated without provision for interest costs and out of country general and administrative 
costs, but after providing for estimated additional profits tax, production costs, development costs, other income and future capital expenditures for 
only those wells assigned reserves by McDaniel. It should not be assumed that the undiscounted or discounted net present value of future net revenue 
attributable to the Company’s reserves estimated by McDaniel represent the fair market value of those reserves. Such amounts do not represent the fair 
market value of the Company’s reserves. The recovery and reserve estimates of the Company’s conventional natural gas reserves provided herein are 
estimates only and there is no guarantee that the estimated reserves will be recovered. Actual reserves may be greater than or less than the estimates 
provided herein. All of the reserves referenced herein are based on McDaniel’s forecast pricing as at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, as 
applicable.

All the Company’s reserves are located in Tanzania. Reserves included herein are stated on a Company gross reserves basis unless noted otherwise. 
Company gross reserves are the total of the Company’s working interest share in reserves and are based on the Company’s 100% ownership interest in 
the reserves (2022: 92.07%). Additional reserves information required under NI 51-101 is included in Orca’s reports relating to reserves data and other oil 
and gas information under NI 51-101, which are filed on its profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. 

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202336

Management’s Discussion & Analysis cont.

Financial and Operating Highlights for 2023 and Q4 2023 cont.

Oil and Gas Advisory cont.
“BOEs” may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A BOE conversion ratio of six thousand cubic feet of natural gas to one barrel of oil 
equivalent (6 mcf: 1 bbl) is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value 
equivalency at the wellhead. As the value ratio between natural gas and crude oil based on the current prices of natural gas and crude oil is significantly 
different from the energy equivalency of 6:1, utilizing a conversion on a 6:1 basis may be misleading as an indication of value.

For certainty, all references herein to “production”, “gross daily sales”, “gas sales” and “Additional Gas sales” are references to conventional natural gas 
production, conventional natural gas daily sales, conventional natural gas sales and conventional natural gas sales, which are classified as Additional Gas 
in accordance with the PSA, respectively.

Operating Volumes

The average gross daily sales volume decreased by 15% for Q4 2023 and by 1% for the year ended December 31, 2023 over the comparable prior year 
periods. The decrease for Q4 2023 was primarily due to declining production from the currently producing wells and reservoir compartments in the 
Songo Songo field.

The Company’s gross sales volumes were split between the industrial and power sectors as detailed in the table below:

Gross sales volume (MMcf)

Industrial sector

Power sector

Total volumes

Gross daily sales volume average (MMcfd)

Industrial sector

Power sector

Gross daily sales volume average total

Three Months ended 
December 31

Year ended 
December 31

2023

2022

2023

2022

1,230

6,205

7,435

13.4

67.4

80.8

1,384

7,402

8,786

15.0

80.5

95.5

5,007

26,249

31,256

13.7

71.9

85.6

5,098

26,579

31,677

14.0

72.8

86.8

Industrial Sector
Industrial sector gross daily sales volumes decreased by 11% for Q4 2023 and by 2% for the year ended December 31, 2023 over the comparable prior 
year periods. The decreases were primarily a result of unscheduled maintenance at a cement plant.

Power Sector
Power sector gross daily sales volumes decreased by 16% for Q4 2023 and by 1% for the year ended December 31, 2023 over the comparable prior year 
periods. The decreases were primarily a result of decreased gas sales to TANESCO.

Protected Gas Volumes
Protected Gas volumes decreased by 8% to 3,597 MMcf (39.1 MMcfd) for Q4 2023 compared to 3,890 MMcf (42.3 MMcfd) for Q4 2022 and increased by 
2% to 14,170 MMcf (38.8 MMcfd) for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to 13,883 MMcf (38.0 MMcfd) for the year ended December 31, 2022. 
The Company receives no revenue for Protected Gas volumes; however the volumes are required to calculate total gas produced from the reservoir and 
the allocation of certain production, distribution and transportation expenses between Protected Gas and Additional Gas.

Commodity Prices

The commodity prices achieved in the different sectors during the year are detailed in the table below:

$/mcf

Average sales price

Industrial sector

Power sector

Weighted average price

Three Months ended 
December 31

Year ended 
December 31

2023

2022

2023

2022

8.97

3.84

4.69

8.21

3.60

4.33

8.73

3.71

4.51

8.52

3.59

4.38

Management’s Discussion & AnalysisOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202337

Commodity Prices cont.

Industrial Sector
The average industrial sales price increased by 9% for Q4 2023 and by 2% for the year ended December 31, 2023 over the comparable prior year 
periods. The increases in prices are primarily due to the underlying increase in the price of Heavy Fuel Oil against which most of the industrial customer 
contracts are priced.

Power Sector
The average power sector sales price increased by 7% for Q4 2023 and by 3% for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the same prior year 
periods. The average power sector sales price varies depending on whether gas is delivered and sold through the NNGI or the Songas Infrastructure. 
Sales through the NNGI are to TPDC and do not include processing and transportation tariffs which are included in gas delivered through the Songas 
Infrastructure.

Revenue

Under the terms of the PSA the Company is responsible for invoicing, collecting and allocating the revenue from Additional Gas sales (see “Principal 
Terms of the PSA and Related Agreements”). 

The Company is entitled to recover all costs incurred on the exploration, development and operations of the project (“Cost Gas revenue”) up to  
a maximum of 75% of the net field revenue (gross field revenue less the tariff for processing and pipeline infrastructure) prior to allocating the remaining 
net field revenue between TPDC and the Company (“Profit Gas revenue”). Any costs not recovered in a period are carried forward for recovery out  
of future revenues. Once the Cost Gas revenue has been recovered, TPDC is able to recover any pre-approved marketing costs. Currently there are no 
pre-approved marketing costs for TPDC. 

The Company is liable for income tax in Tanzania, but under the terms of the PSA, TPDC’s share of revenue is reduced by the current tax payable 
grossed up at 30% (“income tax adjustment”). Revenue as presented on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income is 
calculated by adjusting the Company’s operating revenue by the income tax adjustment. 

The reconciliation of gross field revenue to Company operating revenue is detailed below:

$’000

Industrial sector

Power sector

Gross field revenue

TPDC share of revenue

Company operating revenue

Current income tax adjustment

Three Months ended 
December 31

Year ended 
December 31

2023

11,028

23,842

34,870

(13,318)

21,552

2,896

24,448

2022

11,356

26,659

38,015

(11,921)

26,094

5,783

31,877

2023

43,694

97,378

141,072

(47,364)

93,708

16,527

110,235

2022

43,437

95,388

138,825

(37,841)

100,984

17,105

118,089

Revenue decreased by 23% for Q4 2023 and by 7% for the year ended December 31, 2023 over the comparable prior year periods. The decrease for 
Q4 2023 over the comparable prior year period is primarily a result of lower sales to the power sector and a lower current income tax adjustment. 
The decrease for the year ended December 31, 2023 over the comparable prior year period is primarily a result of higher TPDC share of revenue as an 
outcome of decreased capital expenditures and lower Cost Gas revenue, which was partially offset by higher sales to the power sector compared to the 
year ended December 31, 2022.

The average Additional Gas sales volumes for the quarters and for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 were above 50 MMcfd 
which entitled the Company to a 55% share of Profit Gas revenue. The Company was allocated a total of 58% of the Additional Gas net field revenue for 
Q4 2023 (Q4 2022: 66%) and a total of 63% of the Additional Gas net field revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023 (year ended December 31, 
2022: 70%).

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202338

Management’s Discussion & Analysis cont.

Production, Distribution and Transportation Expenses

The production, distribution and transportation costs are detailed in the table below:

$’000

Operating costs

Tariff for processing and pipeline infrastructure

Ring-main distribution costs

Three Months ended 
December 31

Year ended 
December 31

2023

872

3,180

524

4,576

2022

916

3,270

613

4,799

2023

3,941

12,390

2,866

19,197

2022

3,218

12,140

2,653

18,011

Operating costs include well maintenance costs, PSA license costs, regulatory fees, insurance, certain costs associated with evaluation of the reserves 
and the costs of personnel not recoverable from Songas. Operating costs are allocated between Protected Gas (recoverable from Songas) and 
Additional Gas in proportion to their respective volumes during the period. Operating costs decreased by 5% for Q4 2023 and increased by 22% for 
the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the same prior year periods. The increase for the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily was a result 
of increased insurance costs. The amount paid under the tariff for processing and pipeline infrastructure decreased by 3% for Q4 2023 and increased 
by 2% for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the same prior year periods, primarily as a result of fluctuations in gas volumes processed 
and delivered through the Songas Infrastructure. Ring-main distribution costs decreased by 15% for Q4 2023 and increased by 8% for the year ended 
December 31, 2023 compared to the same prior year periods. The increase for the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily was a result of higher 
compressor maintenance costs.

Operating Netback

The operating netback per mcf before general and administrative expenses, tax and Additional Profits Tax (“APT”) is detailed in the table below (see 
“Non-GAAP financial measures and ratios”):

$/mcf

Gas price – Industrial

Gas price – Power

Weighted average price for gas

TPDC Profit Gas entitlement

Production, distribution and transportation expenses

Operating netback

Three Months ended 
December 31

Year ended 
December 31

2023

8.97

3.84

4.69

(1.79)

(0.62)

2.28

2022

8.21

3.60

4.33

(1.36)

(0.55)

2.42

2023

8.73

3.71

4.51

(1.52)

(0.61)

2.38

2022

8.52

3.59

4.38

(1.19)

(0.57)

2.62

The operating netback decreased by 6% for Q4 2023 and by 9% for the year ended December 31, 2023 over the comparable prior year periods. The 
decreases are mainly due to the increase in the TPDC Profit Gas revenue entitlement as an outcome of decreased capital expenditures and lower Cost 
Gas revenue recoveries by the Company.

Management’s Discussion & AnalysisOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202339

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses are split between the Company’s head office and Tanzania. A significant percentage of general and administration 
expenses relate to office and management costs that support the Company’s operations in Tanzania and are cost recoverable under the PSA. 

$’000

Tanzania

Corporate

General and administrative expenses are detailed in the table below:

$’000

Employee and related costs

Office costs

ESG, marketing and business development costs

Reporting, regulatory and corporate

Three Months ended 
December 31

Year ended 
December 31

2023

2,766

2,768

5,534

2022

2,356

1,464

3,820

2023

8,601

9,291

17,892

Three Months ended 
December 31

Year ended 
December 31

2023

2,855

1,295

110

1,274

5,534

2022

1,996

913

137

774

3,820

2023

9,988

4,045

367

3,492

17,892

2022

8,029

5,519

13,548

2022

7,408

3,668

472

2,000

13,548

In 2023, the Company approved the long-term retention award plan effective for the period from October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2026 (“Long Term 
Retention Plan”) to encourage retention of its employees, promote employee performance to increase shareholder value over the four-year period, 
and align the Company’s approach to compensation with the Company’s strategy to continue and expand its operations in Tanzania upon receipt of 
a license extension. The total potential award amount payable to eligible participants (employees and directors) under the plan is $4.8 million, with an 
award payment date of September 30, 2026. This award amount is being recognized on a straight-line basis over the four-year period. Accordingly,  
as at December 31, 2023, $1.5 million has been recognized as an expense and as an outstanding liability.

General and administrative expenses averaged $1.8 million per month during Q4 2023 (Q4 2022: $1.3 million) and $1.5 million per month for the year 
ended December 31, 2023 (year ended December 31, 2022: $1.1 million). The 35% increase in employee and related costs for the year ended December 
31, 2023 over the comparable prior year period was mainly a result of recruitment of additional corporate employees and the introduction of the Long 
Term Retention Plan. The 10% increase in office costs for the year ended December 31, 2023 over the comparable prior year period was primarily a result 
of higher costs related to legal services in Tanzania. The 22% decrease in ESG, marketing and business development costs for the year ended December 
31, 2023 over the comparable prior year period was a result of a decrease in business development related costs. The 75% increase in reporting, 
regulatory and corporate costs for the year ended December 31, 2023 over the comparable prior year period was due to an increase in costs related to 
professional services, mainly legal services.

Stock Based Compensation

The breakdown of the costs incurred in relation to stock based compensation is detailed in the table below:

$’000

Stock appreciation rights (“SARs”)

Restricted stock units (“RSUs”)

Three Months ended 
December 31

Year ended 
December 31

2023

2022

2023

–

–

–

– 

(1)

(1)

3

3

6

2022

23

(143)

(120)

As at December 31, 2023 there were no SARs or RSUs outstanding (December 31, 2022: 14,000 SARs and 2,833 RSUs). No new SARs or RSUs were 
issued or forfeited during 2023. 14,000 SARs and 2,833 RSUs were exercised during 2023.

As at December 31, 2023 a total accrued liability of $ nil (December 31, 2022: $0.02 million) has been recognized in relation to SARs and RSUs. In 2023, 
the Company recognized an expense of $0.006 million for the year (2022: recovery of $0.1 million) on stock based compensation.

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202340

Management’s Discussion & Analysis cont.

Depletion and Depreciation

Natural gas properties are depleted using the unit of production method based on the production for the period as a percentage of the total future 
production from the Songo Songo proved reserves. As at December 31, 2023 the estimated proved reserves remaining to be produced over the term of 
the PSA as determined by McDaniel in their report dated February 1, 2024 with an effective date of December 31, 2023 and prepared in accordance with 
NI 51-101 and the COGE Handbook were 85 Bcf (December 31, 2022: 141 Bcf). The average depletion rate was $1.12/mcf for the year ended December 31, 
2023 compared to $0.91/mcf for the comparable prior year.

$’000

Oil and natural gas interests

Office and other

Right-of-use assets

Three Months ended 
December 31

Year ended 
December 31

2023

15,052

35

53

2022

9,886

25

69

2023

41,857

120

252

2022

29,174

70

284

15,140

9,980

42,229

29,528

The depletion charge for natural gas interests increased by 52% for Q4 2023 and by 43% for the year ended December 31, 2023 over the comparable 
prior year periods. The increases were mainly due to a reduction in estimated proved reserves. Additionally, during Q4 2023 accelerated depletion 
totaling $7.0 million was recognized on engineering, acquisition, processing and associated costs related to the 3D seismic acquisition and processing 
program which will not be pursued in the absence of a license extension.

Finance Income and Expense

Finance income is detailed in the table below:

$’000
Interest income

Finance expense is detailed in the table below:

$’000

Base interest expense

Participation interest expense

Lease interest expense

Interest expense

Net foreign exchange loss 

Indirect tax

Trade and other receivables write off

Three Months ended 
December 31

Year ended 
December 31

2023
748

748

2022
300

300

2023
1,888

1,888

Three Months ended 
December 31

Year ended 
December 31

2023

1,092

702

9

1,803

526

298

830

3,457

2022

1,276

1,150

4

2,430

157

331

– 

2023

4,850

2,970

14

7,834

5,001

1,273

830

2,918

14,938

2022
613

613

2022

5,678

2,936

23

8,637

470

1,103

–

10,210

Management’s Discussion & AnalysisOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202341

Finance Income and Expense cont.

Base interest expense and participation interest expense relate to the long-term loan (“Loan”) from the International Finance Corporation (“IFC”) to 
PAET. Base interest on the Loan is payable quarterly in arrears at 10% per annum on a “pay-if-you-can-basis” using a formula to calculate the net cash 
available for such payments as at any given interest payment date. The participation interest expense is paid annually in arrears. It equates to 6.4% of 
PAET’s net cash flows from operating activities less the net cash flows used in investing activities for the year. Such participation interest will continue 
to accrue until October 15, 2026 regardless of whether the Loan is repaid prior to its contractual maturity date. The increase in participation interest 
expense for the year ended December 31, 2023 over the comparable prior year period is primarily a result of the increase in PAET’s net cash flows from 
operating activities, less the net cash used in investing activities.

Net foreign exchange losses are the result of transactions in foreign currencies recorded at the rate of exchange prevailing on the date of such 
transactions and include both realized and unrealized revaluation gains and losses. Specifically, unrealized revaluation loss represents changes in fair 
value of cash balances denominated in Tanzanian shillings. Monetary assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated at period-end rates.  
Non-monetary items are translated at historic rates, unless such items are carried at market value, in which case they are translated using the exchange 
rates that existed when the values were determined. These foreign exchange gains and losses are recorded in finance expense.

The indirect tax includes value added tax (“VAT”) on the invoices to TANESCO for interest on late payments. The trade and other receivables write off 
relates to: (i) VAT on interest invoices to Songas relating to unpaid invoices for the SS-5 and SS-9 workovers; and (ii) an advance which was paid to a 
supplier and could not be recovered. 

Reversal of Loss Allowance

$’000

Reversal of loss allowance

Loss allowance

Three Months ended 
December 31

Year ended 
December 31

2023

(4,901)

–

(4,901)

2022

(2,528)

3,240

712

2023

(6,915)

– 

(6,915)

2022

(10,150)

3,435

(6,715)

The reversal of loss allowance in 2023 follows: (i) the recognition of $4.9 million resulting from agreement with Songas on a revision to the cost sharing 
in respect of the 2015-2016 workover of the SS-5 and SS-9 wells; and (ii) indirect taxation of $2.0 million relating to the 2020 and 2021 take or pay 
invoices to TANESCO that were paid in 2023.

The reversal of loss allowance in 2022 follows: (i) collection of TANESCO arrears of $5.6 million which represents the excess of receipts over gas sales 
invoiced during the year; and (ii) indirect taxation of $4.6 million related to the TANESCO 2017 and 2018 take or pay invoices that were paid in 2022. 
The loss allowance in 2022 represents: (i) $3.2 million with respect to impairment of Swala Oil & Gas (Tanzania) plc (“Swala TZ”) convertible preference 
shares (“Preference Shares”) (see Note 24); and (ii) the net amount of $0.5 million previously allowed for in 2021 with respect to the dispute with the 
Tanzanian Revenue Authority (“TRA”) on the issue of withholding tax on services performed outside Tanzania by non-resident persons in 2010 and 2015-
16 and $0.7 million representing the settlement amount with respect to the above withholding tax dispute.

Tax

Income Tax

$’000

Current tax

Deferred tax (recovery) expense

Three Months ended 
December 31

Year ended 
December 31

 2023

3,354

(986)

2,368

2022

5,752

(993)

4,759

2023

16,133

(6,161)

9,972

2022

15,488

1,213

16,701

Under the terms of the PSA with TPDC and the GoT, the Company is liable for income tax in Tanzania at the corporate tax rate of 30%. However, the 
PSA provides a mechanism by which income tax payable is recovered from TPDC by reducing TPDC’s share of Profit Gas revenue and increasing the 
allocation to the Company. This is reflected in the accounts by increasing the Company’s share of revenue by an amount equivalent to current year 
income taxes payable grossed-up by 30%.

As at December 31, 2023 there were temporary differences between the carrying value of the assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes  
and the amounts used for taxation purposes under the Income Tax Act 2004. Applying the 30% Tanzanian tax rate, the Company has recognized  
a deferred tax liability of $19.0 million (December 31, 2022: $20.1 million). The deferred tax has no impact on cash flow until it becomes a current  
income tax, at which point the tax is paid and recovered from TPDC’s share of Profit Gas revenue.

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202342

Management’s Discussion & Analysis cont.

Tax cont.

Additional Profits Tax

$’000

APT

Three Months ended 
December 31

Year ended 
December 31

2023

1,753

2022

2,270

2023

8,162

2022

7,613

Under the terms of the PSA, APT is payable when the Company has recovered its costs plus a specified return out of Cost Gas revenue and Profit Gas 
revenue. As a result: (i) no APT is payable until the Company recovers its costs out of Additional Gas revenue plus an annual operating return under the 
PSA of 25% plus the percentage change in the United States Industrial Goods Producer Price Index (“PPI”); and (ii) the maximum APT rate is 55% of the 
Company’s Profit Gas revenue when costs have been recovered with an annual return of 35% plus the percentage change in PPI.

The timing and the effective rate of APT depends on the realized value of Profit Gas revenue which in turn depends on the level of expenditure.  
The Company provides for APT by annually forecasting the total APT payable in the future as a proportion of the forecast Profit Gas revenue over  
the term of the PSA. The forecast takes into account the timing of future development capital spending. As at December 31, 2023 the current portion  
of APT payable was $16.0 million (December 31, 2022: $13.1 million) with a long-term APT payable of $7.5 million (December 31, 2022: $15.3 million).  
APT of $13.1 million was paid in Q1 2023 based on the 2022 results (Q1 2022: $8.5 million paid based on 2021 results).

The effective APT rate of 11.5% (Q4 2022: 15.6%) has been applied to the Company’s share of Profit Gas revenue of $15.3 million for Q4 2023 (Q4 2022: 
$14.6 million), and average effective rate of 14.5% (2022: 16.8%) has been applied to the Company’s share of Profit Gas revenue of $56.2 million for the 
year ended December 31, 2023 (year ended December 31, 2022: $45.4 million). Accordingly, $1.8 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2023  
(Q4 2022: $2.3 million) and $8.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 (year ended December 31, 2022: $7.6 million) of APT has been recorded 
in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Working Capital

Working capital as at December 31, 2023 was $67.3 million (December 31, 2022: $61.6 million) and is detailed in the table below (also see “Non-GAAP 
Financial Measures and Ratios”):

$’000

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

 Songas

 TPDC

 TANESCO

 Industrial customers and other receivables

 Loss allowance

Prepayments

Trade and other liabilities

 TPDC share of Profit Gas revenue1

 Songas

 Deferred income – take or pay contracts

 Other trade payables and accrued liabilities

 Current portion of long-term loan

 Current portion of APT

Tax payable

Working capital

As at December 31

2023

101,566

12,640

4,694

3,736

15,207

(1,177)

19,440

2,933

10,665

10,154

10,000

13,146

8,146

3,841

5,851

16,176

(1,177)

17,199

2,981

1,144

17,083

10,000

15,984

32,837

1,637

136,040

64,391

4,326

68,717

67,323

2022

96,321

35,100

1,551

132,972

66,338

5,081

71,419

61,553

1  The balance of $17.2 million payable to TPDC is the liability for TPDC’s share of Profit Gas revenue, primarily related to unpaid gas deliveries to TANESCO. The majority of the settlement of 

this liability is dependent on receipt of payment from TANESCO for arrears. For their allocation of Profit Gas revenue, the Company paid TPDC $5.7 million in February 2023,  
$11.5 million in April 2023, $4.9 million in July 2023, $11.1 million in October 2023 and $2.4 million in February 2024.

Management’s Discussion & AnalysisOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202343

Working Capital cont.

Financial Instruments
Current financial instruments of the Company include cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, trade and other liabilities and tax payable. 
The carrying values of the financial instruments approximate fair values due to their relatively short periods to maturity. The risks associated with the 
Company’s financial instruments are primarily attributed to the inherent riskiness of the Tanzanian cash holdings and the ability to exchange Tanzanian 
shillings for hard currencies, and the risk that trade and other receivables may not be paid when due. The Company mitigates these risks by (i) holding, 
when possible, the majority of its cash (other than Tanzanian shillings) outside of Tanzania in reputable international financial institutions primarily in 
Jersey and Mauritius which reduces geo-political risk; (ii) monitoring and reviewing the trade and other receivables on a regular basis to determine 
if allowances are required for overdue amounts or action is required to restrict deliveries on past due accounts to reduce exposure on outstanding 
receivables; and (iii) seeking payments from its customers, when possible, in US dollars. As of December 31, 2023, over 90% of receipts from domestic 
customers are denominated in Tanzanian shillings. There are no restrictions on the movement of cash from Jersey, Mauritius or Tanzania.

Financial assets and liabilities are recognized when the Company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets 
cease to be recognized when the rights to receive cash flows from the assets have expired or have been transferred and the Company has transferred 
substantially all risks and rewards of ownership.

Working Capital Requirements
The Company expects to have sufficient cash flow from operating activities to maintain adequate working capital to cover both short-term and long-
term obligations for 2024, including forecasted debt and interest payments ($14.4 million) and capital expenditure ($21.6 million). The Company has 
not incurred any material losses from debtors in 2023 and does not expect to incur any losses from debtors in 2024. The Company maintains adequate 
US dollars and other hard currencies on hand to ensure it can meet all its foreign denominated capital expenditure obligations and deal with possible 
fluctuations in liquidity from operational problems and US dollar liquidity issues in Tanzania. The Company does not anticipate any circumstances that 
are reasonably likely to occur that could significantly impact the Company’s cash flows and liquidity, however, the global growth slowdown and the 
impact of the war in Ukraine has seen an increasing decline in foreign exchange reserves in Tanzania, which has given rise to decreased availability in 
Tanzania of US dollars and other hard currencies and has impaired the Company’s ability to convert Tanzanian shillings to US dollars in 2023. There is a 
risk that the Company may not be able to convert Tanzanian shillings to hard currencies, such as US dollars, in the future as and when required. It is not 
known when the foreign exchange reserve deficiency in Tanzania will be remedied, if ever. 

TANESCO Receivable
As at December 31, 2023 the current receivable from TANESCO was $5.9 million (December 31, 2022: $3.7 million). In 2023 the Company invoiced 
TANESCO $32.9 million (2022: $29.8 million) for gas deliveries and received $30.8 million (2022: $33.7 million) in payments. These amounts are inclusive 
of VAT. Based on the consistent payments from TANESCO, the Company: (i) recognized all amounts invoiced for gas deliveries in 2023 and 2022 as 
revenue; and (ii) recognized $ nil during the year (2022: $5.6 million) as a reversal of loss allowance relating to the amounts collected during the year 
that were applied towards the long-term TANESCO receivables previously allowed for. 

In addition, in 2023 TANESCO paid the Company $13.2 million against the 2020 and 2021 take or pay invoices (2022: $30.0 million paid  
against the 2017 and 2018 take or pay invoices). $11.2 million of this amount (2022: $25.4 million) was released to the Company’s Statements of 
Comprehensive Income as revenue in 2023. $2.0 million, being the VAT component of the take or pay invoices, was reversed out of loss allowance in 
2023 (2022: $4.6 million).

The TANESCO long-term receivable as at December 31, 2023 and as at December 31, 2022 was $22.0 million with a provision of $22.0 million. 
Subsequent to December 31, 2023 the Company has invoiced TANESCO $8.9 million for 2024 gas deliveries and TANESCO has paid the 
Company $10.6 million to date.

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202344

Management’s Discussion & Analysis cont.

Capital Expenditures

The capital expenditures (see “Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Ratios”) in 2023 primarily related to the initial costs of the well workover program 
and the 3D seismic acquisition program. The capital expenditures in 2022 primarily related to the well workover program and the initial costs of the  
3D seismic acquisition program.

$’000

Pipelines, well workovers and infrastructure

Other capital expenditures

Three Months ended 
December 31

Year ended 
December 31

2023

2,067

(2)

2,065

2022

3,604

11

3,615

2023

7,984

119

8,103

2022

22,125

281

22,406

Capital Requirements
Except as described below, there are no contractual commitments for exploration or development drilling or other field development, either in the 
PSA or otherwise agreed, which would give rise to significant capital expenditure with respect to the Songo Songo gas field. Any additional significant 
capital expenditure in Tanzania is discretionary.

The third party contractor responsible for the 3D seismic acquisition program, which was originally expected to be completed by the end of 2022 
and to cost $24.2 million, suspended its operations in Q3 2023. The Company issued a breach of contract notice to the contractor in Q3 2023. The 
contractor failed to remedy the breach under its agreement with PAET. The Company therefore terminated the contract on October 25, 2023. In 
Q4 2023, accelerated depletion was recognized on costs incurred to date related to the 3D seismic acquisition. On March 20, 2024 PAET received a 
summons from the Tanzanian High Court (Commercial Division) to file a written statement of defense against a claim made by the seismic contractor 
for losses arising from PAET’s termination of the contract. The contractor seeks to claim $30.0 million for losses incurred plus legal costs, interest and 
general damages. The Company in consultation with its legal advisor believes that there are limited merits to the claim and as such does not consider it 
necessary to include a further provision in the 2023 financial statements. The initial hearing of the claim has been set as April 18, 2024.

An intervention in the offshore well SS-7 is planned to take place in 2024, subject to the ability to convert Tanzanian shilling balances to US dollars 
in Tanzania and necessary stakeholder approvals. Based on expected supplier mobilization timelines, earliest start of operations is now in Q2 2024. 
Following the negotiation of commercial terms with service providers, the total expected project cost has increased to $13.9 million from $8.5 million. 
The work program is designed to shut off water production which caused the well to be shut in from 2019. The cause of the water production is 
interpreted to be a failed cement bond outside the production liner which created a flow path for water into the well when it was in production. If 
successful, the SS-7 well is expected to increase field deliverability by 20-25 MMcfd primarily from the currently non-producing southern compartment.

Front end engineering continues on the new common inlet manifold in order to optimize gas flow across the Songas gas plant and the NNGI plant, 
both of which are supplied with gas from the Songo Songo gas field. Project construction and installation are expected to occur in Q4 2024, with 
commissioning in Q1 2025, subject to final investment decision and stakeholder approvals, at an estimated cost of $5-6 million.

The production logging program planned in conjunction with the SS-7 intervention will take place in Q2 2024 at an estimated cost of $1.1 million.  
This work program will provide detailed reservoir information, in addition to annual pressure surveys, to improve the accuracy of forecasting future 
reservoir performance. Key targeted wells under the program include wells SS-3, SS-5, SS-7 and SS-10.

The Company continues to carry out studies to identify opportunities to improve the efficiency of operations at the Songas plant. The Company has 
installed new positive chokes replacing old units in all wells in Q1 2024 to reduce the pressure drop upstream of the gas processing plant. At a cost of 
$77 thousand, this is expected to sustain production during 2024 ahead of the SS-7 intervention.

With the emergence of longer-term high levels of gas demand, the Company’s short-term 2024 forecast capital expenditure remains at approximately 
$21.6 million. 

Management’s Discussion & AnalysisOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 2023Long-term Receivables

$’000

VAT – Songas workovers

Lease deposit

45

As at December 31

2023

–

10

10

2022

2,205

10

2,215

In 2017, based on agreement with TPDC, $12.3 million relating to the Songas share of workover costs of the SS-5 and SS-9 wells was transferred to the 
cost pool to recover the costs via the PSA cost recovery mechanism. This resulted in $2.2 million relating to VAT on the workovers that had already been 
paid being reclassified as a long-term receivable. In Q2 2023, Songas agreed to pay the Company $7.6 million as full and final settlement of their share 
of the workover costs of the SS-5 and SS-9 wells. Pursuant to the agreement with Songas, the originally issued invoices will not be settled, hence the 
recovery of the associated VAT of $2.2 million has been written off in 2023. 

The following table details the amounts receivable from TANESCO that do not yet meet revenue recognition criteria and therefore are not recorded  
in the consolidated financial statements:

$’000

Total amounts invoiced to TANESCO

Trade receivable – TANESCO

Unrecognized amounts not meeting revenue recognition criteria1

Loss allowance

1  The amount includes invoices for interest on late payments from TANESCO. 

Long-term Loan

As at December 31

2023

89,809

(5,851)

(61,940)

(22,018)

–

2022

92,547

(3,736)

(66,793)

(22,018)

–

In 2015 PAET obtained the Loan from the IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, for $60.0 million. The Loan was fully drawn down in 2016.

The Loan is to be paid out through six semi-annual payments of $5.0 million starting October 15, 2022, for which the initial payment was paid by the 
Company subsequent to October 15, 2022, and one final payment of $25.2 million will be due on October 15, 2025. The Company may voluntarily 
prepay all or part of the Loan but must simultaneously pay any accrued base interest costs related to the principal amount being prepaid. The Loan is 
an unsecured subordinated obligation of PAET and was guaranteed by the Company to a maximum of $30.0 million. The guarantee may only be called 
upon by IFC at maturity in 2025 and, subject to IFC approval and receipt of all required regulatory approvals, the Company, at its discretion, may issue 
shares in fulfillment of all or part of its guarantee obligation in 2025. Pursuant to the sale of a non-controlling interest in PAEM, the parent company of 
PAET, in 2018, the Company agreed with the IFC to reduce the outstanding amount of the Loan by the percentage interest sold of 7.933% ($4.8 million) 
before the fourth anniversary of the first drawdown. PAET made this payment on October 16, 2019.

Dividends and distributions from PAET to PAEM are restricted at any time whenever amounts of interest, principal or participating interest are due and 
outstanding. All amounts under the Loan have been paid when due. 

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202346

Management’s Discussion & Analysis cont.

Outstanding Shares

The Class A Shares are convertible at any time at the option of the holder into Class B Shares on a one-for-one basis. Subject to the terms and 
conditions of conversion specified in the memorandum of association and articles of association of the Company, the Class B Shares are convertible 
into Class A Shares on a one-for-one basis if an offer is made to purchase Class A Shares that: (i) must, by reason of applicable securities legislation 
or the requirements of a stock exchange on which the Class A Shares are listed, be made to all or substantially all of the holders of Class A Shares; 
and (ii) are not made concurrently with an offer to purchase Class B Shares that is identical to the offer to purchase Class A Shares and that has no 
condition attached other than the right not to take up and pay for shares tendered if no shares are purchased pursuant to the offer for Class A Shares. 
The conversion right does not come into effect under certain events specified in the memorandum of association of the Company, including, without 
limitation, the prior delivery to the Company’s transfer agent and to the Secretary of the Company of a certificate signed by one or more shareholders 
owning more than 50% of the then outstanding Class A Shares.

Pursuant to the normal course issuer bid commenced on June 21, 2021 (“2021 NCIB”), the Company repurchased and cancelled a total of 60,900 Class 
B Shares at an average price per Class B Share of CDN$5.18 as of June 30, 2022. Pursuant to the normal course issuer bid commenced on July 11, 2022 
(“2022 NCIB”), the Company had repurchased and cancelled a total of 81,000 Class B Shares at a weighted average price of CDN$4.89 as of December 
31, 2023.

On November 1, 2023 the Company announced the 2023 NCIB to commence on November 6, 2023 to purchase Class B Shares through the facilities of 
the TSXV and alternative trading systems in Canada. As at December 31, 2023 the Company has repurchased for cancellation 40,900 Class B Shares 
at a weighted average price of CDN$4.59 pursuant to the 2023 NCIB. As at April 4, 2024 the Company had repurchased 40,900 Class B Shares at 
a weighted average price of CDN$ 4.59 pursuant to the 2023 NCIB. 1,749,895 Class A Shares and 18,051,414 Class B Shares were outstanding as at 
December 31, 2023; 1,749,895 Class A Shares and 18,051,414 Class B Shares were outstanding as at April 4, 2024. See “Substantial Issuer Bid, Normal 
Course Issuer Bid and Dividends” in this MD&A.

Cash Flow Summary

$’000

Operating activities

Net (loss)/income

Non-cash adjustments

Interest expense

Changes in non-cash working capital1

Net cash flows from operating activities

Net cash used in investing activities

Net cash used in financing activities

(Decrease) increase in cash

1  See Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Three Months ended 
December 31

Year ended 
December 31

2023

2022

2023

2022

(438)

16,194

1,803

(7,701)

9,858

(2,209)

(7,905)

(256)

3,014

15,018

2,430

(5,024)

15,438

(4,082)

(8,136)

3,220

7,014

48,619

7,834

(14,982)

48,485

 (8,794)

(31,738)

7,953

30,280

42,342

8,637

(13,599)

67,660

(25,731)

(18,690)

23,239

Net income decreased by 77% for the year ended December 31, 2023 over the comparable prior year period, primarily as a result of the decreased 
revenue, increased depletion expense, including a one-time accelerated depletion charge in Q4 2023 with respect to costs previously incurred in 
relation to the 3D seismic acquisition and processing program, and higher net foreign exchange loss. The Company’s net cash flows from operating 
activities decreased by 36% for Q4 2023 and by 28% for the year ended December 31, 2023 over the comparable prior year periods, primarily as a 
result of decreased revenue. In addition, the decrease of the Company’s net cash flows from operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 
over the comparable prior year period was a result of a reversal of $5.6 million loss allowance relating to the amounts collected from TANESCO during 
Q3 2022. The decrease in net cash used in investing activities for Q4 2023 and for the year ended December 31, 2023 over the comparable prior year 
periods were mainly a result of higher expenditure in 2022 in relation to the well workover program. The increase in net cash used in financing activities 
for the year ended December 31, 2023 over the comparable prior year period was mainly an outcome of the purchase of the non-controlling interest 
shareholding in Q3 2023.

Management’s Discussion & AnalysisOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202347

Related Party Transactions

The Chair of the Company’s Board of Directors is a partner of Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer LLP, a law firm that provides legal advice to the Company 
and its subsidiaries. Fees for services provided by this firm totaled $0.3 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2023 (Q4 2022: $0.1 million) and  
$0.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 (year ended December 31, 2022: $0.5 million). 

As at December 31, 2023, the Company had a total of $0.6 million (December 31, 2022: $0.1 million) recorded in trade and other liabilities in relation  
to related parties.

Normal Course Issuer Bid and Dividends

On June 21, 2021, the Company commenced the 2021 NCIB to purchase Class B Shares through the facilities of the TSXV and alternative trading systems 
in Canada. Purchases pursuant to the 2021 NCIB were made by Research Capital Corporation (“Research Capital”) on behalf of the Company and were 
not to exceed 500,000 Class B Shares, representing approximately 2.74% of the total outstanding Class B Shares. The 2021 NCIB was in effect until June 
21, 2022. An aggregate of 60,900 Class B Shares were repurchased by the Company pursuant to the 2021 NCIB at an average price per Class B Share of 
CDN$5.18. 

On July 5, 2022 the Company announced the 2022 NCIB to purchase Class B Shares through the facilities of the TSXV and alternative trading systems 
in Canada. Purchases pursuant to the 2022 NCIB were made by Research Capital on behalf of the Company and were not to exceed 500,000 Class 
B Shares, representing approximately 2.75% of the total outstanding Class B Shares as of July 4, 2022. The 2022 NCIB was in effect from July 11, 2022 
until July 11, 2023. An aggregate of 81,000 Class B Shares were repurchased and cancelled by the Company pursuant to the 2022 NCIB at a weighted 
average price per Class B Shares of CDN$4.89.

On November 1, 2023 the Company announced the 2023 NCIB to purchase Class B Shares through the facilities of the TSXV and alternative trading 
systems in Canada. Purchases pursuant to the 2023 NCIB will be made by Research Capital on behalf of the Company and will not exceed 500,000 
Class B Shares, representing approximately 2.76% of the total outstanding Class B Shares as of October 31, 2023. The 2023 NCIB will be in effect from 
November 6, 2023 until November 5, 2024 (or until such time as the maximum number of Class B Shares have been purchased). Purchases of Class B 
Shares will be made by Research Capital based on the parameters prescribed by the TSXV and applicable securities laws. The acquisition price of  
Class B Shares under the 2023 NCIB will not exceed the market price of the Class B Shares at the time of acquisition and the funds available to acquire 
the Class B Shares will come from the Company’s working capital and cash flow. All Class B Shares purchased under the 2023 NCIB will be cancelled. As 
at April 4, 2024, the Company has repurchased for cancellation 40,900 Class B Shares at a weighted average price of CDN$ 4.59 pursuant to the 2023 
NCIB.

Shareholders may obtain a copy of the notice regarding the 2021 NCIB, 2022 NCIB and 2023 NCIB filed with the TSXV from the Company without charge.

Dividend Summary

Declaration date

February 1, 2024

November 15, 2023

August 16, 2023

May 17, 2023

February 24, 2023

Consolidation

Record date

March 29, 2024

December 29, 2023

September 29, 2023

June 30, 2023

March 31, 2023

Payment date

April 12, 2024

January 12, 2024

October 13, 2023

July 14, 2023

April 14, 2023

The companies which are being consolidated for the purposes of this MD&A are:

Subsidiary

Orca Energy Group Inc.

Orca Exploration UK Services Limited

PAE PanAfrican Energy Corporation

PanAfrican Energy Tanzania Limited

Incorporated

British Virgin Islands

United Kingdom

Mauritius

Jersey

Amount per share (CDN$)

0.10

0.10

0.10

0.10

0.10

Holding

Parent Company

100%

100%

100%

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202348

Management’s Discussion & Analysis cont.

Non-Controlling Interest

The Company sold 7.933% (7,933 Class A common shares) of PAEM to a wholly owned subsidiary of Swala TZ, Swala UK, in 2018 for $15.4 million cash 
and $4.0 million of Swala TZ’s Preference Shares pursuant to a share purchase agreement. The Preference Shares entitled the Company to a 10% per 
annum distribution payable 15 days after each quarter end commencing from the closing date, January 16, 2018. Payment of the quarterly distributions 
was at the discretion of Swala TZ based on funds available, however, the liability accrued if any amount was unpaid when due. For any distributable 
amount remaining unpaid at December 31, 2021, the Company may demand settlement and Swala TZ was obligated to comply by transferring and 
returning the Class A common shares of PAEM sold to Swala TZ. The aggregate value of these shares will equal the amount of the outstanding 
distributions.

Swala TZ was obligated to redeem 20% of the Preference Shares for cash annually starting from December 31, 2021 until all shares are redeemed.  
If at any time Swala TZ did not redeem in cash the required number of Preference Shares, Swala TZ was obligated to redeem the Preference Shares by 
transferring and returning the Class A common shares of PAEM sold to Swala TZ. The aggregate value of these Class A common shares is equal to the 
amount of any outstanding redemption. On August 8, 2022, the Company issued a redemption notice to Swala TZ, requesting that Swala TZ redeem 
20% of the outstanding Preference Shares by August 23, 2022. On January 31, 2023 the Company issued a further redemption notice to Swala TZ, 
requesting that Swala TZ redeem a further 20% of the outstanding Preference Shares by February 15, 2023. 

On April 3, 2023, Swala TZ announced that its creditors resolved that be placed into liquidation at a creditors’ meeting held on March 31, 2023. On March 
31, 2023, Apex Corporate Trustees (UK) Limited appointed representatives of Grant Thornton UK LLP as administrators of Swala UK. On July 21, 2023, 
the Company repurchased the 7.933% shares in PAEM held by Swala UK for $7.5 million and the non-controlling interest is therefore eliminated in 2023.

A reconciliation of the non-controlling interest is detailed below:

$’000

Balance, beginning of year

Net income attributable to non-controlling interest

Distribution to non-controlling interest shareholder

Elimination of non-controlling interest

Balance, end of year

As at December 31

2023

5,670

– 

(7,500)

1,830

2022

3,116

2,554

– 

–

–

5,670

Management’s Discussion & AnalysisOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202349

Contingencies

Taxation

Amounts in $’millions

Area

Income tax

Period

Reason for dispute

2008-09,  
2011-20

Deductibility of capital expenditures and expenses 
(2012, 2015 and 2016), additional income tax  
(2008, 2011 and 2012), foreign exchange rate 
application (2013 to 2015, 2018 to 2020), 
underestimation of tax due (2014, 2016 and 2020) 
and methodology of grossing up income taxes  
paid (2015 to 2017).

Tax on repatriated 
income

2012-21

Applicability of withholding tax on repatriated 
income (2012 to 2021)

VAT

2012-20

VAT already paid (2012 to 2014), VAT on imported 
services (2015 and 2016), interest on VAT 
decreasing adjustments (2017) and input VAT  
on services (2017 to 2020).

As at December 31

2023

2022

Principal

Interest and 
penalties

Total

Total

20.8

20.4

0.2

41.4

13.3

4.0

1.3

18.6

34.11

24.42

1.53

60.0

34.2

24.9

1.6

60.7

During 2022, following the expiry of the statutory deadline for the TRA to respond to the Company’s objections, the Company filed notices of intention 
to appeal to the Tanzania Revenue Appeals Board (“TRAB”) against the corporate income tax assessments for the years of 2012 to 2016, tax on 
repatriated income for the years of 2012 to 2014, and VAT for the years of 2015 to 2016. On several occasions during 2022 these matters came for 
hearing, and in April 2023, the Company received determination letters from the TRA. Further to that, in May 2023, the TRA issued final corporate 
income tax assessments for the years of 2012 to 2016, in which the TRA agreed to drop certain claims with respect to previously assessed corporate 
income tax for the years of income of 2012 and 2016. These claims are no longer represented in the table above.

On May 15, 2023, the Company filed statements of appeal at the TRAB for the remainder of claims on TRA’s notice of assessments with respect to 
the corporate income tax assessments for the years of 2012 to 2016 and tax on repatriated income for the years of 2012 to 2014. The TRAB adjourned 
the hearings of appeals and the date of hearing is now on notice. The TRAB further received written submissions from both parties on the preliminary 
objection raised by the TRA against the Company’s repatriated income tax appeals for the years of 2012 to 2014 and the parties are awaiting TRAB’s 
decision.

On May 22, 2023, the TRAB pronounced its judgment on the VAT appeal for the years of 2015 and 2016 ($0.2 million) in favor of the Company.  
A written judgment is still pending. The TRA did not file a Notice of Intention to Appeal at Tax Revenue Appeals Tribunal (“TRAT”) by the statutory filing 
deadline. The Company continues to monitor actions taken by the TRA. 

In Q4 2022, the TRA issued seven assessments for tax on repatriated income ($10.6 million) for the years of 2015 to 2021. The Company objected to 
the assessments on the grounds of the assessments lacking merit; additionally, the assessments for the years of 2015 and 2016 were time-barred. In 
Q1 2023, the Company received TRA’s proposals to settle the objections. In Q2 2023, the Company responded to the proposals. In Q3 2023, following 
TRA’s failure to issue final determination on the objections within the statutory time limit, the Company filed Notices of Intention at Appeal at the TRAB 
and later filed statements of appeal and is awaiting a hearing date.

In Q4 2022, the TRA issued six assessments for income tax and for ensuing interest on deemed delayed payments ($0.5 million) for the years of 2018 
to 2020. The Company objected to the assessments on the grounds of incorrect disallowance of expenses and use of exchange rates. In Q1 2023, the 
Company received TRA’s proposals to settle the objections. In Q2 2023, the Company responded to the proposals. In Q3 2023, following TRA’s failure to 
issue a final determination on the objections within the statutory time limit, the Company filed Notices of Intention at Appeal at the TRAB. In Q4 2023, 
the Company filed statements of appeal. On March 1, 2024 and March 19, 2024, the appeals came for hearing at the TRAB. Parties are expected to file 
closing submissions by April 9, 2024.

In Q3 2023, the TRAT pronounced its judgement on the corporate income tax appeal for the year 2011 ($1.6 million) in favour of the TRA. The Company 
filed a Notice of Intention to Appeal at the Court of Appeal of Tanzania (“CAT”). In Q4 2023, the Company filed a Memorandum of Appeal and is 
awaiting a hearing date. In Q4 2023, the Company recorded a provision of approximately $0.3 million.

In Q4 2022, the TRA issued an assessment for VAT ($0.1 million) for the years of 2019 and 2020. The Company objected to the assessment on the 
grounds that TRA incorrectly disallowed input VAT on certain services. In Q1 2023, the Company received TRA’s proposals to settle the objections. In Q2 
2023, the Company responded to the proposals. In Q3 2023, following TRA’s failure to issue final determination on the objections within the statutory 
time limit, the Company filed Notices of Intention at Appeal at the TRAB. In Q4 2023, the Company filed statements of appeal. On March 18, 2024 the 
Company filed its written submissions and the TRA is expected to file its reply by April 1, 2024.

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202350

Management’s Discussion & Analysis cont.

Contingencies cont.

Taxation cont.
Management, with advice from its legal counsel, has reviewed the Company’s position on the objections and appeals related to the disputed amounts 
and has concluded that no further provision is required. However, if the TRA reassesses the Company’s tax returns for open taxation years on a similar 
basis, the Company may be required to make future deposits to object such assessments.

The process of appealing assessments issued by the TRA starts by initially filing an appeal with the TRA. If this is not successful, claims can be taken 
to higher authorities starting with the TRAB, followed by an appeal to the TRAT and finally to the CAT. Below is a summary of the status of the various 
assessments:

(1)  (a)   2008 ($0.6 million): The Company objected to the TRA assessment that did not recognize a tax loss carried forward and is awaiting a response;

(b)  2009 ($0.7 million): The Company objected to an amended assessment from the TRA for being time-barred and arbitrary and is awaiting a TRA response;

(c)  2011 ($1.6 million): The Company is awaiting a CAT hearing date following the TRAT ruling in favor of the TRA;

(d)   2012 ($9.2 million): The Company appealed to the TRAB objecting to the TRA assessment with respect to understated revenue and deductibility of capital expenditures and expenses;

(e)  2013 ($1.9 million): The Company appealed to the TRAB objecting to the TRA assessment as being time-barred and without merit;

(f)   2014 ($4.9 million): The Company appealed to the TRAB objecting to the TRA assessment on the grounds that the TRA assessment incorrectly disallowed certain expenses and 

applied erroneous foreign exchange rates;

(g)   2015-16 ($8.1 million): The Company appealed to the TRAB as to TRA’s assessments on the grounds that the TRA assessments failed to recognize provisional tax payments, incorrectly 

disallowed capital expenditures and certain expenses and applied erroneous foreign exchange rates;

(h)   2017 ($6.6 million): The TRA issued an assessment for corporation tax which questioned the Company’s methodology of grossing up already paid corporation tax ($6.5 million) and 

raised the issue of imposing interest on deemed delayed payment ($0.1 million). The Company filed an objection and is awaiting the TRA’s response;

(i)   2018 ($0.02 million): The Company appealed to the TRAB objecting to the TRA’s assessment on the grounds that the TRA incorrectly disallowed certain expenses and applied 

erroneous foreign exchange rates;

(j)   2018-20 ($0.5 million): The Company appealed to the TRAB objecting to the TRA assessment on the grounds that the TRA incorrectly disallowed certain expenses and failed to 

recognise payments already made;

(2)  (a)  2012 ($2.9 million): The Company objected to the TRA assessment as being without merit and, following expiry of the statutory deadline for the TRA to respond, filed an appeal at the 

TRAB and is awaiting TRAB’s decision;

(b)   2013 ($7.5 million): The Company objected to the TRA assessment as being time-barred and without merit and, following expiry of the statutory deadline for the TRA to respond, filed 

an appeal at the TRAB and is awaiting TRAB’s decision;

(c)   2014 ($3.4 million): The Company objected to the TRA assessment as being without merit and, following expiry of the statutory deadline for the TRA to respond, filed an appeal at the 

TRAB and is awaiting TRAB’s decision;

(e)   2015-21 ($10.6 million): The Company appealed to the TRAB objecting to the TRA assessments for the year of income of 2015 ($1.9 million), 2016 ($1.9 million), 2017 ($1.6 million), 2018 

($1.1 million), 2019 ($1.6 million), 2020 ($1.1 million) and 2021 ($1.4 million) for being without merit and is awaiting hearing dates;

(3)  (a)  2012-16 ($0.2 million): The TRAB ruled in favor of the Company, parties are awaiting the written judgment. The TRA has not appealed the decision to the TRAT;

(b)   2017-18 ($1.2 million): The Company filed an objection to a TRA assessment and is awaiting a response. The Company objected to incorrect imposition of interest on VAT decreasing 

adjustments in respect of delayed TANESCO payment ($1.2 million) and disallowing input VAT claimed in certain services ($0.1 million);

(c)   2019-20 ($0.1 million): The Company appealed to the TRAB objecting to a TRA assessment on the grounds of incorrectly disallowing input VAT claimed.

In 2016 the TRA introduced significant changes in relation to the income tax treatment of the extractive sector with separate new chapters in Part V of 
the Income Tax Act 2004 (“ITA, 2004”) for mining and for petroleum to be effective commencing in 2018. Further changes were subsequently made by 
the Written Laws (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act, 2017 (“WLMAA, 2017”) and in particular section 36(a)(ii) of the WLMAA, 2017. The WLMAA, 2017 
amended sections 65M and 65N of the ITA, 2004 to exclude cost oil/cost gas from inclusion in both income and expenditure. The Company continues 
to review the tax effects of the changes as there are a number of uncertainties and ambiguities as to the interpretation and application of certain 
provisions of the WLMAA, 2017. In the absence of guidance on these matters, the Company has used what it believes are reasonable interpretations and 
assumptions in applying the WLMAA, 2017 for purposes of determining its tax liabilities and the results of operations, which may change as it receives 
additional clarification and implementation guidance. The Company does not expect a significant impact from the changes as it is able to recover taxes 
payable from the TPDC Profit Gas revenue entitlement under the terms of the PSA.

Management’s Discussion & AnalysisOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 2023 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
51

Accounting Changes

The following pronouncements from the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) became effective or were amended for financial reporting 
periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023. There has been no impact on the Company.

• 

IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts

•  Disclosure of Accounting Policies (Amendments to IAS 1 and IFRS Practice Statement 2)

•  Definition of Accounting Estimate (Amendments to IAS 8)

•  Deferred Tax Related to Assets and Liabilities Arising from a Single Transaction (Amendments to IAS 12)

• 

International Tax Reform – Pillar Two Model Rules (Amendments to IAS 12).

The following standards have been issued but are not yet effective:

•  Non-current Liabilities with Covenants and Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current (Amendments to IAS 1)

•  Lease Liability in a Sale and Leaseback (Amendments to IFRS 16)

•  Supplier Finance Arrangements (Amendments to IAS 7 and IFRS 7)

• 

IFRS S1 General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Information and IFRS S2 Climate-related Disclosures

•  Lack of Exchangeability (Amendments to IAS 21).

The Company intends to adopt these standards when they become effective and is currently evaluating the potential impact.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures and Internal Controls over Financial Reporting

The Company’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) have designed, or caused to be designed under their supervision, 
disclosure controls and procedures (“DC&P”) for Orca. DC&P, as defined in National Instrument 52-109, Certification of Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual and 
Interim Filings, are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in reports filed with, or submitted to, securities 
regulatory authorities is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified under Canadian securities law and include 
controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be so disclosed is accumulated and communicated to management, including 
the CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The CEO and CFO of Orca evaluated the effectiveness of the 
design and operation of the Company’s DC&P. Based on the evaluation, the officers concluded that Orca’s DC&P were effective as at December 31, 2023.

Quarterly Results Summary

The following is a summary of key results for the Company for the last eight quarters:

Figures in $’000
except where otherwise stated

Revenue

Net (loss)/income attributable to 
shareholders

Earnings/(loss) per share

– basic and diluted ($)

Net cash flows from operating activities

Capital expenditures

Q4

24,448

(438)

(0.02)

9,858

2,065

2023

Q3

Q2

Q1

Q4

2022

Q3

Q2

Q1

27,374

28,006

30,407

31,877

30,537

28,223

27,452

256

3,282

3,914

2,325

11,443

6,567

7,391

0.01

14,995

2,928

0.17

16,160

1,405

0.19

7,472

1,705

0.12

15,438

3,615

0.57

19,544

1,222

0.33

28,601

3,306

0.37

4,077

14,263

Revenue increased in Q2 2022 as a result of increased sales to the power sector. Revenue increased in Q3 2022 as a result of increased sales to the 
power sector and a higher current income tax adjustment. Revenue increased in Q4 2022 as a result of a further increase in sales to both the industrial 
sector and the power sector and a higher current income tax adjustment. Revenue decreased in Q1 2023 as a result of a decrease in sales to the 
industrial sector. Revenue decreased in Q2 2023 as a result of a further decrease in sales to both the industrial sector and the power sector partially 
offset by a decreased TPDC share of revenue. Revenue decreased in Q3 2023 as a result of an increased TPDC share of revenue. Revenue decreased in 
Q4 2023 as a result of a decrease in sales to the industrial sector, an increase in TPDC share of revenue and a lower current income tax adjustment.

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202352

Management’s Discussion & Analysis cont.

Quarterly Results Summary cont.

Net income attributable to shareholders was affected by several factors, other than changes in revenue, including:

•  the decrease in Q2 2022 was a result of an increase in finance expense;

•  the increase in Q3 2022 was a result of a collection of TANESCO arrears;

•  the decrease in Q4 2022 was a result of no collection of TANESCO arrears compared to Q3 2022 and the impairment of the investment in Swala 

TZ in Q4 2022;

•  the increase in Q1 2023 was a result of a higher deferred tax recovery;

•  the decrease in Q2 2023 was a result of higher general and administrative and finance expenses;

•  the decrease in Q3 2023 was a result of lower reversal of loss allowance for receivables, an expense in relation to the Long Term Retention Plan 

and a higher foreign exchange loss; and

•  the increase in Q4 2023 was a result of higher foreign exchange in the previous quarter, partially offset by a higher depletion expense.

In addition to the factors impacting net income attributable to shareholders, net cash flows from operating activities were primarily affected by the 
timing and amount of payments received from TANESCO. The increase in Q2 2022 was a result of the payment of the current APT liability in the 
previous quarter and changes in non-cash working capital. The decrease in Q3 2022 was primarily a result of the changes in non-cash working capital, 
namely the decrease in accounts payable related to deferred income on take or pay contracts. The decreases in Q4 2022 and Q1 2023 were primarily  
a result of the changes in the non-cash working capital, namely the decreases in tax payable and trade and other payables. Similarly, the increase in  
Q2 2023 was primarily a result of the changes in the non-cash working capital, namely the decrease in trade and other receivables. The decrease in  
Q3 2023 was primarily a result of the changes in the non-cash working capital, namely the decrease in trade and other payables. The decrease in  
Q4 2023 was primarily a result of the changes in the non-cash working capital, namely the increase in trade and other receivables.

Capital expenditures in Q1 and Q2 2022 were mainly related to the well workover program. Capital expenditures in Q3 2022 were mainly related  
to the well workover program and the 3D seismic acquisition program. Capital expenditures in Q4 2022 and Q1, Q2 and Q3 2023 were mainly related  
to the 3D seismic acquisition program. Capital expenditures in Q4 2023 were mainly related to well planning activities.

Selected Annual Financial Information

Selected annual financial information derived from the audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 
is set out below:

Figures in $’000 except per share amount

Revenue

Net income attributable to shareholders

Earnings – basic and diluted ($ per share)

Cash dividends declared (CDN$ per Class A and B Shares)

Net cash flows from operating activities

Total non-current liabilities

Total assets

2023

110,235

7,014

0.35

0.40

48,485

58,036

215,431

2022

118,089

27,726

1.39

0.40

67,660

81,378

248,083

2021

86,022

16,370

0.81

0.40

40,110

95,744

230,271

The 37% increase of revenue in 2022 compared to 2021 was primarily a result of increased sales to the power sector partially offset by a higher TPDC 
share of revenue as a result of increased gross field revenue. The 7% decrease of revenue in 2023 compared to 2022 was primarily a result of higher 
TPDC share of revenue as an outcome of decreased capital expenditures and lower Cost Gas revenue. This was partially offset by higher sales to the 
power sector.

The increase in net income attributable to shareholders in 2022 was a result of higher revenue and increased reversal of loss allowances related to 
the collection of TANESCO arrears. The decrease in net income attributable to shareholders in 2023 was a result of the decreased revenue, increased 
depletion expense and higher net foreign exchange loss.

In 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company approved quarterly dividends, CDN$0.10 per share for Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4. Please refer to the table in the Normal 
Course Issuer Bid and Dividends section of this MD&A.

The changes in net cash flows from operating activities are primarily related to the changes in non-cash working capital primarily associated with 
variations in prepayments, trade and other receivables and trade and other liabilities. 

The $14.4 million decrease in total non-current liabilities in 2022 compared to 2021 and the $23.3 million decrease in total non-current liabilities in 2023 
compared to 2022 were primarily a result of the payment of a portion of the APT and the repayment of the Loan.

Total assets increased by 8% in 2022 compared to 2021. The increase was primarily a result of increases in cash and cash equivalents and trade 
and other receivables. Total assets decreased by 13% in 2023 compared to 2022 mainly as a result of depletion of capital assets including one time 
accelerated depletion of costs related to the 3D seismic acquisition and processing program.

Management’s Discussion & AnalysisOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202353

Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Ratios

In this MD&A, the Company has disclosed the following non-GAAP financial measures, non-GAAP ratios and supplementary financial measures: capital 
expenditures, operating netback, operating netback per mcf, working capital, net cash flows from operating activities per share and weighted average 
Class A and Class B Shares. 

These non-GAAP financial measures and ratios disclosed in this MD&A do not have any standardized meaning under International Financial Reporting 
Standards (“IFRS”) and may not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. These non-GAAP financial measures and ratios 
should not, therefore, be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, measures and ratios of Company’s financial performance defined or 
determined in accordance with IFRS. These non-GAAP financial measures and ratios are calculated on a consistent basis from period to period.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures is a useful measure as it provides an indication of our investment activities. The most directly comparable financial measure is net 
cash from (used in) investing activities. A reconciliation to the most directly comparable financial measure is as follows:

$’000

Pipelines, well workovers and infrastructure

Other capital expenditures

Capital expenditures

Right of use

Change in non-cash working capital

Net cash used by investing activities

Three Months ended 
December 31

Year ended 
December 31

2023

2,067

(2)

2,065

852

(708)

2,209

2022

3,604

11

3,615

– 

467

4,082

2023

7,984

119

8,103

852

(161)

8,794

2022

22,125

281

22,406

51

3,274

25,731

Operating Netback
Operating netback is calculated as revenue less processing and transportation tariffs, TPDC’s revenue share, and operating and distribution costs. 
The operating netback summarizes all costs that are associated with bringing the gas from the Songo Songo gas field to the market, and is a measure 
of profitability. A reconciliation to the most directly comparable financial measure is as follows:

$’000

Revenue

Production, distribution and transportation expenses 

Net production revenue

Less current income tax adjustment (recorded in revenue)

Operating netback

Sales volumes MMcf

Netback $/mcf

Non-GAAP Ratios

Three Months ended 
December 31

Year ended 
December 31

2023

24,448

(4,576)

19,872

(2,896)

16,976

7,435

2.28

2022

31,877

(4,799)

27,078

(5,783)

21,295

8,786

2.42

2023

110,235

(19,197)

91,038

(16,527)

74,511

31,256

2.38

2022

118,089

(18,011)

100,078

(17,105)

82,973

31,677

2.62

Operating Netback per mcf
Operating netback per mcf represents the profit margin associated with the production and sale of Additional Gas and is calculated by taking the 
operating netback and dividing it by the volume of Additional Gas delivered and sold. This is a key measure as it demonstrates the profit generated  
from each unit of production. 

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202354

Management’s Discussion & Analysis cont.

Supplementary Financial Measures

Working Capital
Working capital is defined as current assets less current liabilities, as reported in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. It is an 
important measure as it indicated the Company’s ability to meet its financial obligations as they fall due.

Net Cash Flows from Operating Activities per Share
Net cash flows from operating activities per share is calculated as net cash flows from operating activities divided by the weighted average number of 
shares, similar to the calculation of earnings per share. Net cash flow from operations is an important measure as it indicates the cash generated from 
the operations that is available to fund ongoing capital commitments. 

Weighted Average Class A and Class B Shares
In calculating the weighted average number of shares outstanding during any period, the Company takes the opening balance multiplied by the number 
of days until the balance changes. It then takes the new balance and multiplies that by the number of days until the next change, or until the period end. 
The resulting multiples of shares and days are then aggregated and the total is divided by the total number of days in the period.

Use of Estimates and Judgments
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions 
that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. The reader is referred to Orca’s 
December 31, 2023 audited consolidated financial statements for a description of estimates and judgments.

Business Risks

Industry and Business Conditions
Competition and Operational Risk
The natural gas industry is intensely competitive and the Company competes with other companies which possess greater technical and financial 
resources. Natural gas drilling and production operations are subject to all the risks typically associated with such operations, including but not limited 
to risks of fires, blowouts, spills, cratering and explosions, mechanical and equipment problems, uncontrolled flows or leaks of oil, well fluids, natural gas, 
brine, toxic gas or other pollutants or hazardous materials, marine hazards with respect to offshore operations, formations with abnormal pressures, 
adverse weather conditions, natural or man-made disasters, premature decline of reservoirs and invasion of water into producing formations.

Drilling wells is speculative and involves significant costs that may be more than estimated and may not result in any discoveries or additions to our 
future production or reserves. Operational activities have numerous inherent risks and our license area is located on an island, 25km offshore mainland 
Tanzania, and partially in shallow water. This generally increases the operating costs, chances of delay, planning time, technical challenges and risks 
associated with production activities. Our inability to access appropriate equipment and infrastructure in a timely manner may hinder our access to 
natural gas markets or delay our natural gas production.

The development of oil and natural gas projects, including the availability and cost of drilling rigs, equipment, supplies, personnel and oilfield services, 
is subject to delays and cost overruns. The Company may be affected by the inability to respond to changing technological developments and remain 
competitive. Slower economic growth rates may materially adversely impact our operating results and financial position. Any material inaccuracies in 
drilling costs, estimates or underlying assumptions will materially affect our business.

Russian-Ukraine Conflict 
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has had wide-ranging consequences on the peace and stability of the region and the world economy. 
Certain countries have imposed strict financial and trade sanctions against Russia which may have far reaching effects on the global economy. 
Disruption of supplies of commodities from Russia had and may continue to have a significant impact on worldwide commodity prices. The long-
term impacts of the conflict and the sanctions imposed on Russia remain uncertain. Any negative impact on economic conditions and global markets 
from these developments could adversely affect our business, financial condition and liquidity. The conflict has not directly impacted the Company’s 
operations except for as detailed in “Foreign Exchange” risks below. Nevertheless, the ongoing war induces greater uncertainties in global financial 
markets and supply chain systems which could lead to volatility in oil and gas prices, inflation rates, interest rates, financing costs, and shortage or 
delays for certain goods or services. The Company continues to assess its exposure. 

Key Staff
Our performance and success are largely dependent on the ability, expertise, judgment and discretion of our management and the ability of our 
technical team to identify, discover, evaluate and develop reserves. We are dependent on members of our management and technical team that may  
not be easily replaced. 

Management’s Discussion & AnalysisOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202355

Business Risks cont.

Industry and Business Conditions cont.
Effects of Climate Change
Risks related to climate change may have an impact on the Company’s operations and the Company may be subject to additional disclosure 
requirements in the future. The International Sustainability Standards Board issued an IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standard with the objective to 
develop a global framework for environmental sustainability disclosure. In addition, the Canadian Securities Administrators also issued a proposed 
National Instrument 51-107 Disclosure of Climate-related Matters which sets forth additional reporting requirements for Canadian reporting issuers. We 
continue to monitor developments on these reporting requirements and the impact they may have on the Company’s financial position and results of 
operating activities in future periods.

The oil and natural gas industry is subject to varying environmental regulations and evolving views on climate change in each of the jurisdictions 
in which the Company may operate. Environmental regulations place restrictions and prohibitions on emissions of various substances produced 
concurrently with oil and natural gas and can impact the selection of drilling sites and facility locations, potentially resulting in increased capital 
expenditures.

The Company operates in Tanzania, where extreme hot weather, heavy rains and floods or other severe weather conditions may cause operational 
difficulties, including downtime and increased costs of maintenance and construction. Extreme weather conditions may also impact workovers of 
existing wells and drilling of new wells.

As of the date of this report, it is difficult to estimate the effect of the climate change-related legislations on our business or whether additional evolving 
climate change legislation, regulations or other measures will be adopted in Tanzania. There are uncertainties regarding timing and effects of the 
emerging climate change regulations, making it difficult to accurately determine the cost impacts and effects on the Company’s operations. 

Contractual
We operate in a litigious environment which could result in title or contractual disputes during the ordinary course of business. The inability of one or 
more third parties who contract with us to meet their obligations to us may adversely affect our financial results.

Marketability, Pricing and Contract Management
The marketability and price of natural gas which may be acquired, discovered or marketed by the Company will be affected by numerous factors 
beyond its control. The natural gas market in Tanzania is developing and there is currently limited access to infrastructure with which to serve potential 
new markets beyond that being constructed by the Company, Songas and TPDC. The ability of the Company to market any natural gas from current 
or future reserves in Tanzania may depend upon its ability to develop natural gas markets in Tanzania and the surrounding region, obtain access to 
the necessary infrastructure to process gas and to deliver sales gas volumes, including acquiring capacity on pipelines which deliver natural gas to 
commercial markets. In addition, the remaining period on the PSA, which will expire in October 2026, is presently a considerable constraint that may 
make new markets unlikely in the next two years. 

Furthermore, in the near term, there is uncertainty with respect to the future allocation of Protected Gas volumes at the end of the Protected Gas 
regime on July 31, 2024 when the Gas Agreement expires with respect to Songas. The gas sales price of future deliveries of gas sold to Songas is not 
known at this stage.

In 2023, the PGSA with TANESCO, which was due to expire on June 30, 2023, was extended to a new expiry date of July 31, 2024. Discussions are now 
ongoing with TANESCO to extend the PGSA, between the Company, TPDC and TANESCO. TANESCO have confirmed their intent to extend to October 
2026 however it is not known at this stage the timing for this. To mitigate these contract risks the Company continues to look to expand its industrial 
customer base. 

The Company is also subject to market fluctuations in the prices of natural gas, uncertainties related to the delivery and proximity of its reserves to 
pipelines and processing facilities and extensive government regulation relating to prices, taxes, royalties, land tenure, allowable production, the export 
of oil and gas and many other aspects of the oil and gas business. The prices that the Company receives for its natural gas affect the Company’s 
revenue, profitability, access to capital and future growth rate. Historically, the oil and natural gas markets have been volatile and will likely continue to 
be volatile in the future. Oil prices have experienced significant and sustained declines in the past and may continue to be volatile in the future; though 
gas prices are less volatile, they may also be significantly affected in the longer run. 

The natural gas prices the Company receives from its industrial customers fluctuate with the price of Heavy Fuel Oil against which most of the  
Company’s industrial customer contracts are priced. Prices can also be affected by gas on gas competition from other producers in Tanzania. There 
have been significant onshore and offshore discoveries of gas in Tanzania over the last ten years and it is expected that the development of these 
discoveries will increase competition in the future. There is also scope for greater government intervention on gas prices as TPDC owns and operates 
the majority of the gas processing and pipeline infrastructure in Tanzania.

A substantial or extended decline in both global and local oil and natural gas prices may adversely affect our business, financial condition and  
results of operations. Localized competition with other gas producers and alternative power sources such as hydropower could adversely impact  
our financial results.

Cyber-attack
The oil and gas industry has become increasingly dependent on digital technologies to conduct day-to-day operations including certain exploration, 
development and production activities. For example, software programs are used to interpret seismic data, manage drilling rigs, conduct reservoir 
modeling and reserves estimation, and to process and record financial and operating data. A cyber incident could result in information theft, data 
corruption, operational disruption, and/or financial loss. There can be no assurance that we will not be the target of cyber-attacks in the future or  
suffer such losses related to any cyber-incident.

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202356

Management’s Discussion & Analysis cont.

Business Risks cont.

Financial
Cost of Capital
Our long-term business plan requires substantial additional capital that we may be unable to fund out of working capital and cash flow generated 
from operations or raise on acceptable terms or at all in the future and which may in turn limit our ability to develop our appraisal, development and 
production activities. The Company’s ability to meet its financing obligations or to arrange financing in the future will depend in part upon the prevailing 
capital market conditions as well as the Company’s business performance. There can be no assurance that the Company would be successful in its 
efforts to meet its current commitments or arrange additional financing on terms satisfactory to the Company.

Collectability of Receivables
The Company evaluates the collectability of its receivables on the basis of payment history, frequency and predictability, as well as management’s 
assessment of the customer’s willingness and ability to pay. In the past, the Company has recorded loss allowances for receivables that did not meet the 
criteria for revenue recognition however no allowances have been recorded for the past three years relating to revenue.

Foreign Exchange
The Company operates internationally and is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from currency fluctuations against the US dollar when 
transactions and recognized assets and liabilities of the Company are denominated in a currency that is not the US dollar functional currency. The main 
currencies to which the Company has an exposure are Tanzanian shillings, Euros, British pounds sterling, and Canadian dollars.

The majority of the expenditure associated with the operation of the gas distribution system is denominated in Tanzanian shillings. Whilst conversion of 
Tanzanian shillings into US dollars or Euros is unrestricted, the foreign exchange market for Tanzanian shillings is limited and not highly liquid, reducing 
the Company’s ability to convert large amounts of Tanzanian shillings into US dollars or Euros at any given time. To mitigate the risk of Tanzanian shilling 
devaluation, the Company regularly converts Tanzanian shilling receipts into US dollars or Euros to the extent practicable. Capital stock, equity financing 
and any associated stock based compensation are denominated in Canadian dollars. The operational revenue and the majority of capital expenditures 
are denominated in US dollars. All Loan repayments are also denominated in US dollars. 

The global growth slowdown and the impact of the war in Ukraine have seen an increasing decline in foreign exchange reserves due to inflationary 
pressures on imports in Tanzania and decreased foreign direct investment. This has given rise to decreased availability of US dollars and impaired the 
Company’s ability to convert Tanzanian shillings to US dollars in 2023. The majority of the Company’s revenue is collected in Tanzanian shillings and 
there is a risk that in the future the Company may not be able to convert Tanzanian shillings to US dollars as and when required. It is not known when 
the foreign exchange reserve deficiency in Tanzania may be remedied.

The following table illustrates cash and cash equivalents allocation between Tanzania and corporate locations:

Balances as at December 31, 2023

$’millions

Cash and cash equivalents

Tanzanian
shillings

41.1

Euros

10.1

US dollars

48.4

Other

2.0

Total

101.6

Debt Financing
From time to time the Company may enter into transactions to acquire assets or the shares of other companies. These transactions may be financed 
in part or in whole with debt, which may temporarily increase the Company’s debt levels above industry standards. PAET currently has a Loan that 
includes covenants that, among other things, restrict the incurrence of additional indebtedness, payment of dividends under certain conditions, granting 
of liens, mergers and sale of all or a substantial part of our business or license.

Foreign Operations and Concentration Risk
Asset Concentration
The Company’s natural gas reserves are currently limited to one producing property, the Songo Songo gas field, and the productive potential from this 
field is limited. There is no assurance that the Company will have sufficient deliverability through the existing wells to provide Protected and Additional 
Gas volumes, and there may be significant capital expenditures associated with any remedial work, workovers, or new drilling required to achieve 
optimal deliverability. In addition, any difficulties relating to the operation or performance of the Songo Songo gas field would have a material adverse 
effect on the Company. A loss or material reduction in production capabilities will have a material adverse effect on the total production and funds flow 
from operating activities of the Company. 

Access to Infrastructure
The Company is dependent upon access to the Songas Infrastructure and the GoT owned NNGI to deliver gas to customers. The Company operates 
the Songas Infrastructure however Songas is the owner of the facilities including the 12-inch subsea and the 16-inch surface pipeline systems which 
transport natural gas from Songo Songo Island to Dar es Salaam. There are agreements in place to allow the Company to process and transport gas, 
but there is no assurance that these rights could not be challenged or access curtailed. The inability to access infrastructure would materially impair the 
Company’s ability to realize revenue from natural gas sales.

Management’s Discussion & AnalysisOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202357

Business Risks cont.

Foreign Operations and Concentration Risk cont.
Reputational
Our Tanzanian operations are anticipated to be the sole source of the Company’s near-term revenue earnings. Due to our asset concentration, the 
success of our operations is dependent on positive commercial relationships with a small number of organizations (including states and parastatal 
organizations) and certainty with respect to our rights and obligations arising from those relationships. Any damage to our reputation due to the actual 
or perceived occurrence of any number of events, such as environmental incidents, could negatively impact the Company. Reputation loss may result 
in negative publicity and diminished or adversarial stakeholder relationships, which could lead to increased challenges in developing and maintaining 
community relations, decreased investor confidence, and would likely impede our overall ability to advance our projects, thereby having a material 
adverse impact on financial performance, cash flows and growth prospects.

Country Risk
The geographic location of the Songo Songo gas field offshore Tanzania exposes us to an increased risk of loss of revenue or curtailment of production 
as a result of factors generally associated with foreign operations or arising from factors specifically affecting the area in which we operate or may 
operate. Tanzania may be considered to be politically and/or economically unstable. Development and operational activities in Tanzania may require 
protracted negotiations with host governments, national oil companies and third parties, and are frequently subject to economic and political 
considerations, such as the risks of war, actions by terrorist or insurgent groups, expropriation, nationalization or emerging nationalization, renegotiation 
or nullification of existing contracts and production sharing agreements, taxation policies, foreign exchange restrictions, changing political conditions, 
international monetary fluctuations, currency controls and foreign governmental regulations that favor or require the award of drilling and construction 
contracts to local contractors or require foreign contractors to employ citizens of, or purchase supplies from, a particular jurisdiction. In addition, if a 
dispute arises with foreign operations, the Company may be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of foreign courts.

In Tanzania the state retains ownership of its minerals and consequently retains control of the exploration and production of hydrocarbon reserves.
The GoT has historically been supportive of foreign investment in resource development projects in Tanzania however it has recently adopted a more 
conservative approach toward foreign involvement in the extractive sector, including the production, transmission, processing and marketing of 
natural gas. Factors such as changes in government, an increased nationalist sentiment and pressure to preserve development opportunities for local 
enterprises can result in legal and regulatory changes that can impact our ability to maintain our business operations.

Countries in Africa may lack the resources to effectively contain outbreaks of disease quickly. Such outbreaks if uncontained, may impact our ability 
to explore for natural gas, develop or produce our license areas by limiting access to qualified personnel, and increase costs associated with ensuring 
the safety and health of our personnel, restricting transportation of personnel, equipment, supplies and natural gas production to and from our areas 
of operation and diverting the time, attention and resources of government agencies which are necessary to conduct our operations. In addition, any 
losses we experience as a result of such outbreaks of disease which impact sales or delay production may not be covered by our insurance policies. If 
travel bans are implemented or extended to the countries in which we operate, or contractors or personnel refuse to travel to such locations, we could 
be adversely affected. If services are obtained, costs associated with those services could be significantly higher than planned which could have a 
material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and future cash flow.

Corruption
Tanzania ranks 87 out of 180 on the 2023 Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index (2022: 94 out of 180). Having assessed the 
Company’s exposure to corruption in Tanzania, it has been concluded that the risks of the Company and/or its subsidiaries violating applicable laws 
prohibiting corrupt activities are mitigated or unlikely given the Company’s controls relating to such risks and their effective operation. However, there  
is exposure to liabilities under anti-money laundering and/or anti-corruption laws, and any determination that we violated such laws could have  
a material adverse effect on our business. There can be no assurance that corruption may not indirectly affect or otherwise impair the Company’s  
ability to operate in Tanzania and effectively pursue its business plan in that country.

Contractual, Regulatory and Legislation Risk
License extension
The principal asset of the Company is its indirect interest in the Songo Songo gas field under the PSA between PAET, TPDC and GoT. The PSA covers 
the production and marketing of natural gas from the Songo Songo gas field. The Company has the right to conduct petroleum operations on the 
Discovery Blocks, market and sell all Additional Gas produced and share the net revenue with TPDC for a term of the development license of 25 years, 
expiring in October 2026. Under the PSA, the Company may submit a request to TPDC for a license extension, and TPDC has a contractual obligation to 
seek an extension at PAET’s request. TPDC is expected to make this application as reasonably requested by the Company but no later than 12 months 
before the day on which the license expires. Upon receipt of this application, the MoE will in consultation with the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory 
Authority (“PURA”), consider such request on its own merit and respond accordingly, subject to the licence holder not being in default and approval of 
the Tanzanian Cabinet. 

During Q2 2023, the Company formally requested TPDC to initiate the process of extending the development license in accordance with the terms of 
the PSA. The Government Negotiating Committee held a preliminary meeting with the Company in March 2024 to discuss timing around negotiations. 
The Company continues to seek dialogue with TPDC and the MoE seeking to expedite license extension discussions and will maintain gas sale contract 
discipline going forward by operating in line with our gas supply agreements.

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202358

Management’s Discussion & Analysis cont.

Business Risks cont.

Contractual, Regulatory and Legislation Risk cont.
Contracts and Regulations
The Company’s operations are subject to regulation and control by the GoT (see “Principal Terms of the PSA and Related Agreements”). The Company 
has operated in Tanzania for a number of years and believes that it has had reasonably good relations with the current GoT. Under the principal 
agreements the Company has the right to market and sell Additional Gas provided that such sales do not jeopardize the priority right of Songas  
to sell or otherwise dispose of Protected Gas. There is a risk that Songas could exercise its contractual rights, which may curtail our ability to sell 
Additional Gas if there is insufficient natural gas available for the required volumes of Protected Gas. There can be no assurance that present or future 
administrations in Tanzania will honor all principal agreements which could materially adversely affect the Company’s operations or future cash flows.

PSA operations are regulated by national and parastatal organizations including the energy regulators (“PURA”), the Energy and Water Utilities 
Regulatory Authority (“EWURA”), and TPDC). Under the terms of the Gas Agreement with the GoT, TPDC and Songas, the Company has the right to 
market and sell Additional Gas. The ARGA (as defined below) provided clarification of the Protected Gas volumes and removes all terms dealing with 
the security of the Protected Gas. The ARGA was initialed by all parties but remains unsigned as at the date of this report. In certain respects, the parties 
thereto are conducting themselves as though the ARGA is in effect. In 2017 the AGP2 (as defined below) was signed further delineating the rights of 
the Company to market and sell Additional Gas. If our relationships with these counterparties were to deteriorate, they might choose to exercise their 
contractual rights under our agreements differently and in a manner that is adverse to our interests. Management does not foresee a material risk with 
the conduct of the Company’s business with an unsigned ARGA at this time (see “Principal Terms of the PSA and Related Agreements”).

We have had, and continue to have, disagreements with TPDC and the GoT regarding certain of our rights and responsibilities under the PSA. Pursuant 
to the PSA, the Company plans for development and is required to submit annual work programs to TPDC for comment and subsequently to PURA 
who, under the Petroleum Act, 2015 (“Petroleum Act”), insist on the right to approve the budget. TPDC has also challenged our rights to cost recover a 
number of items under the PSA including the costs of our downstream operations; however, there are currently no disagreements that have risen to the 
level of a formal dispute.

There can be no assurance that all of these disagreements will be resolved in our favor or that future disagreements will not arise in Tanzania or with any 
host government and/or national oil companies in future projects elsewhere that may have a material adverse effect on our exploration or development 
activities, ability to operate, rights under our licenses and local laws or rights to monetize our interests.

Legislation
The GoT has passed several new laws in the past eight years impacting the Company’s operation in Tanzania.

The National Energy Policy (2015) and the Petroleum Act, passed in 2015, provided regulatory framework over upstream, mid-stream and downstream 
gas activity. The Petroleum Act created PURA, a new regulator to oversee the upstream sectors, and conferred upon TPDC the status of “National Oil 
Company” as the sole aggregator of natural gas in the country. Article 260(3) of the Petroleum Act preserves the Company’s pre-existing right with 
TPDC to market and sell Additional Gas together or independently on terms and conditions (including prices) negotiated with third party natural gas 
customers. There remain differences of opinion between the Company and TPDC on the effect of certain provisions within the Petroleum Act and their 
application to the Company.

On October 7, 2016, the GoT issued the Petroleum (Natural Gas Pricing) Regulation made under Sections 165 and 258(I) of the Petroleum Act, which 
may give rise to additional uncertainty. Changes resulting from this regulation could impact the Company’s ability to set gas pricing and the introduction 
of regulated gas pricing could result in operations becoming uneconomical and anticipated revenues could be materially affected. While the PSA has 
been grandfathered under the Petroleum Act, we can provide no assurances that this situation will remain unchanged in the future. 

On July 15, 2017 the GoT passed into law the Natural Wealth and Resources (Permanent Sovereignty) Act, 2017, the WLMAA, 2017, and the Natural 
Wealth and Resources Contracts (Review and Re-Negotiation of Unconscionable Terms) Act, 2017 (“NWRCA”). The first and second of these acts are 
forward looking and only apply to agreements entered into on or after July 15, 2017. The GoT may argue that the NWRCA has retrospective effect in 
terms of its ability to renegotiate pre-existing contracts. On January 31, 2020, the government released the Natural Wealth and Resources Contracts 
(Review and Renegotiation of Unconscionable Terms) Regulations, 2020 which set out further guidance as to how contracts may be renegotiated. 
These acts contain new regulations including but not limited to regulations that all arbitration processes must be heard within Tanzania and potentially 
restrict the ability to move funds out of Tanzania.

In 2016, the TRA introduced significant changes to the income tax treatment of the extractive sector with separate new chapters in Part V of the 
ITA, 2004 for mining and for petroleum to be effective commencing in 2018. Subsequent to this, further changes were made by the WLMAA, 2017 to 
exclude cost oil/cost gas from inclusion in both income and expenditure. We are still evaluating the tax effects of the changes as there are a number of 
uncertainties and ambiguities as to the interpretation and application of certain provisions of the WLMAA, 2017 as there is an absence of regulations 
and guidance from TRA on the implementation of the changes. In the absence of guidance on these matters, we will continue to use what we believe 
are reasonable interpretations and assumptions in applying the WLMAA, 2017 for purposes of determining our tax liabilities and filing our tax returns, 
which interpretations and assumptions may change as we receive additional clarification and implementation guidance. As necessary, we will seek 
adjustments to the PSA to preserve our economic benefits. In addition, the Natural Wealth and Resources (Permanent Sovereignty) Act, 2017 and the 
WLMAA 2017 restrict the ability of companies to repatriate funds out of Tanzania and it is possible that the GoT will seek to argue at some stage that 
these provisions apply to the Company even though the Company’s contracts with the GoT permit the repatriation of funds out of Tanzania.

Management’s Discussion & AnalysisOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202359

Business Risks cont.

Contractual, Regulatory and Legislation Risk cont.
Legislation cont. 
Intervening policy and legislative changes such as those described above may conflict with our pre-existing rights under the PSA and other agreements, 
though it remains unclear how such legislative actions will be implemented and whether and to what extent they will impact us. We are unable to 
predict what legislation may be proposed that might affect our business or when any such proposals, if enacted, might become effective. Such changes 
could require increased capital and operating expenditure and could prevent or delay certain of our operations. If, for reasons beyond our control, we 
are unable to maintain compliance with any legislative changes, whether in the future or past, we may have to cease operations in certain locations.

Principal Terms of the PSA and Related Agreements

The principal terms of the PSA and related agreements are as follows: 

Obligations and Restrictions
(a)  The PSA covers two blocks within the Songo Songo gas field where there are gas reserves (“Discovery Blocks”). The Company has the right  

to conduct petroleum operations on the Discovery Blocks, market and sell all Additional Gas produced and share the net revenue with TPDC for  
a term of 25 years, expiring in October 2026.

(b)  No sale of Additional Gas may be made from the Discovery Blocks if in the Company’s reasonable judgment such sales would jeopardize the 

supply of Protected Gas. Any Additional Gas contracts entered into are subject to interruption. Songas has the right to request that the Company 
and TPDC obtain security reasonably acceptable to Songas prior to making any sales of Additional Gas from the Discovery Blocks to secure the 
Company’s and TPDC’s obligations in respect of Insufficiency (as defined in (c) below).

(c)  “Insufficiency” occurs if there is insufficient gas from the Discovery Blocks to supply the Protected Gas requirements or if the gas is so expensive  

to develop that its cost exceeds the market price of alternative fuels at Ubungo.

Where there have been third party sales of Additional Gas by the Company and TPDC from the Discovery Blocks prior to the occurrence of 
the Insufficiency, the Company and TPDC shall be jointly liable for the Insufficiency and shall satisfy their related liability by either replacing the 
Indemnified Volume (as defined in (d) below) at the price for Protected Gas with natural gas from other sources; or by paying monetary damages 
equal to the difference between: (a) the market price for a quantity of alternative fuel that is appropriate for the five gas turbine electricity 
generators at Ubungo without significant modification together with the costs of any modification; and (b) the sum of the price for such volume of 
Protected Gas (at $0.55/MMbtu escalated) and the amount of transportation revenues previously credited by Songas to the state electricity utility, 
TANESCO, for the gas volumes.

(d)  The “Indemnified Volume” means the lesser of the total volume of Additional Gas sales supplied from the Discovery Blocks prior to an Insufficiency 

and the Insufficiency Volume. “Insufficiency Volume” means the volume of natural gas determined by multiplying the average of the annual 
Protected Gas volumes for the three years prior to the Insufficiency by 110% and multiplied by the number of remaining years (initial term of  
20 years) of the power purchase agreement entered into between Songas and TANESCO in relation to the five gas turbine electricity generators  
at Ubungo from the date of the Insufficiency.

Access and Development of Infrastructure
(e)  The Company is able to utilize the Songas Infrastructure including the gas processing plant and main pipeline to Dar es Salaam. Access to the 

Songas Infrastructure is open and can be utilized by any third party that wishes to process or transport gas.

Revenue Sharing Terms and Taxation
(f)  75% of the gross field revenues derived from the Discovery Blocks, less processing and pipeline tariffs and direct sales taxes in any year (“field net 

revenue”), can be used to recover past costs incurred. Costs recovered out of field net revenue are termed “Cost Gas”.

The Company pays and recovers costs of exploring, developing and operating the Additional Gas with two exceptions: (i) TPDC may recover 
reasonable market and market research costs as defined under the PSA; and (ii) TPDC has the right to elect to participate in the drilling of at least 
one well for Additional Gas in the Discovery Blocks for which there is a development program as detailed in an Additional Gas plan (“Additional Gas 
Plan”) as submitted to the MoE, provided that TPDC may to elect to participate in a development program only once and TPDC pays a proportion 
of the costs of such development program by committing to pay between 5% and 20% of the total costs (“Specified Proportion”). If TPDC does 
notify the Company within 90 days of notice from the Company that the MoE has approved the Additional Gas Plan, then TPDC is deemed to 
have elected not to participate. If TPDC elects to participate, then it will be entitled to a ratable proportion of the Cost Gas and their profit share 
percentage increases by the Specified Proportion for that development program.

To date, TPDC has neither elected to back in within the prescribed notice period nor contributed any costs associated with backing in.  
The Company has therefore determined that to date there has been no working interest earned by TPDC. For the purpose of the reserves 
certification as at December 31, 2023, there are no planned drilling activities to the end of the license.

(g)  The Company’s long-term gas price to the power sector as set out in the ARGA between the GoT, TPDC and Songas and the PGSA is based on the 

price of gas at the wellhead. As at the date of this report, the ARGA remains an initialed agreement only and the parties are not in agreement with 
all the terms in the ARGA, however the parties are conducting themselves in terms of pricing as though the ARGA is in force.

In Q3 2017 the Company received approval of the Additional Gas Plan 2 (“AGP2”) from the MoE to produce and sell increased volumes of  
Additional Gas. Currently the SS-10, SS-11 and SS-12 wells are connected to the NNGI and the SS-12 well started flowing gas through the NNGI  
in December 2018.

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 2023 
 
 
60

Management’s Discussion & Analysis cont.

Principal Terms of the PSA and Related Agreements cont.

Revenue Sharing Terms and Taxation cont.

In May 2019 the Company and TPDC signed the LTGSA, initially for volumes up to 20 MMcfd which was increased subsequently to 30 MMcfd on 
a best endeavors basis. In 2020 the parties established a 12-month renewable agreement for the supply of volumes above 30MMcfd on an ad-hoc 
basis, allowing TPDC to meet fluctuating demand and compensate for shortfalls in production from their Madimba plant without being penalized 
due to a higher, fixed contractual limit and the subsequent take or pay penalties should the demand reduce again. The agreement has allowed the 
Company to supply volumes in excess of 50 MMcfd on occasion, increasing average sales volumes and revenues. In Q4 2023 the Company advised 
TPDC that the maximum daily quantity (“MDQ”) would revert to the original and contractually agreed 20 MMcfd on the basis TPDC had not fulfilled 
its obligations under the 12-month renewable agreement.

(h)  Profits on sales from the Proven Section (“Profit Gas”) are shared between TPDC and the Company, the proportion of which is dependent on the 

average daily volumes of Additional Gas sold or cumulative production. 

The Company receives a higher share of the field net revenue after cost recovery, based on the higher of the cumulative production or the average 
daily sales. The Profit Gas share available to the Company is a minimum of 25% and a maximum of 55%.

Average daily sales of 
Additional Gas
MMcfd

0 – 20

> 20 <= 30

> 30 <= 40

> 40 <= 50

> 50

Cumulative sales of 
Additional Gas
Bcf

TPDC’s share of 
Profit Gas
%

Company’s share of 
Profit Gas
%

0 – 125

> 125 <= 250

> 250 <= 375

> 375 <= 500

> 500

75

70

65

60

45

25

30

35

40

55

For Additional Gas produced outside of the Proven Section, the Company’s Profit Gas share is 55%.

  Where TPDC elects to participate in a development program, its profit share percentage increases by the Specified Proportion (for that 

development program) with a corresponding decrease in the Company’s percentage share of Profit Gas.

The Company is liable for income tax in Tanzania. Where income tax is payable, the Company pays the tax and there is a corresponding deduction 
in the amount of the Profit Gas payable to TPDC.

(i)  APT is payable when the Company recovers its costs out of Additional Gas revenues plus an annual operating return under the PSA of 25%, plus the 
percentage change in the PPI. The maximum APT rate is 55% of the Company’s Profit Gas when costs have been recovered with an annual return 
of 35% plus PPI return. The PSA is, therefore, structured to encourage the Company to develop the market and the gas fields with the knowledge 
that the Profit Gas share can increase with larger daily gas sales and that the costs will be recovered with a 25% plus PPI annual return before APT 
becomes payable. APT can have a significant negative impact on project economics if only limited capital expenditure is incurred.

(j)  Under the Operatorship Agreement between the Company and Songas, the Company is appointed to develop, produce and process Protected Gas 
and operate and maintain the Songas Infrastructure, including the staffing, procurement, capital improvements, contract maintenance, maintenance 
of books and records, preparation of reports, maintenance of permits, waste handling, liaison with the GoT and taking all necessary safety, health 
and environmental precautions, all in accordance with good oilfield practices. In return, the Company is paid or reimbursed by Songas so that it 
neither benefits nor suffers a loss as a result of its performance.

(k)  In the event of loss arising from Songas’ failure to perform, and the loss is not fully compensated by Songas or through insurance coverage, then 
the Company is liable to a performance and operational guarantee of $2.5 million when (i) the loss is caused by the gross negligence or willful 
misconduct of the Company, its subsidiaries or employees, and (ii) Songas has insufficient funds to cure the loss and operate the project.

Protected Gas
Under the terms of the Gas Agreement for the Songo Songo project, in the event that there is a shortfall/insufficiency in Protected Gas as a 
consequence of the sale of Additional Gas, the Company is liable to pay the difference between the price of Protected Gas ($0.55/MMbtu escalated) 
and the price of an alternative feedstock multiplied by the volumes of Protected Gas up to a maximum of the volume of Additional Gas sold (258 Bcf as 
at December 31, 2023). The Company did not have a shortfall during the reporting period and does not anticipate a shortfall arising during the term of 
the Protected Gas delivery obligation to the end of the current term in July 2024.

Management’s Discussion & AnalysisOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 2023 
 
 
 
61

Principal Terms of the PSA and Related Agreements cont.

Re-Rating Agreement
In 2011 the Company, TPDC and Songas signed the Re-Rating Agreement which evidenced an increase to the gas processing capacity of the Songas 
Infrastructure to a maximum of 110 MMcfd. Under the terms of the Re-Rating Agreement, the Company paid additional compensation of $0.30/mcf for 
sales between 70 MMcfd and 90 MMcfd and $0.40/mcf for volumes above 90 MMcfd by issuing credit notes to TANESCO. This was in addition to the 
tariff of $0.59/mcf payable to Songas as set by the energy regulator, EWURA.

Although Songas notified the Company in 2014 that the Re-Rating Agreement was terminated, the parties have continued to produce, transport and 
sell gas volumes in line with the re-rated plant capacity. In May 2016 the Company notified TANESCO and Songas that the additional compensation for 
sales over 70 MMcfd would no longer be paid effective June 2016. The additional compensation was always intended to be temporary in nature until the 
expansion of the Songas Infrastructure, at which time Songas would apply to EWURA to obtain approval of a new tariff for the processing of volumes 
over 70 MMcfd. The PGSA provides for passing on to TANESCO any tariff charged to the Company should a new tariff be approved. 

The parties to the Re-Rating Agreement are in the process of negotiating a replacement agreement which may address the additional compensation 
paid. In the interim, the processing capacity at the Songas Infrastructure remains unaltered and is fully available for utilization by the Company. This 
capacity is in addition to the capacity available within the NNGI.

Portfolio Gas Supply Agreement
In June 2011 the PGSA was signed (term to June 30, 2023) between TANESCO (as the buyer) and the Company (through its subsidiary PAET) and 
TPDC (collectively as the seller). TANESCO requested a change to the PGSA MDQ which PAET and TPDC approved effective January 29, 2018. In 
accordance with the PGSA, when calculating aggregate excess, extra and overtake gas through the supply period, the MDQ was reduced and the seller 
is now obligated, subject to infrastructure capacity, to sell a maximum of approximately 16 MMcfd (previously 26 MMcfd) for use in any of TANESCO’s 
current power plants, except those operated by Songas at Ubungo. The PGSA, which was due to expire on June 30, 2023, was extended to a new expiry 
date of July 31, 2024. As part of the extension, the MDQ was increased from 16.0 MMcfd to 26.0 MMcfd. Under the agreement, the basic wellhead price 
of approximately $2.98/mcf increased to $3.04/mcf on July 1, 2018, to $3.10/mcf on July 1, 2019, $3.14/mcf on July 1, 2020, $3.20/mcf on July 1, 2021, 
$3.32/mcf on July 1, 2022 and $3.50/mcf on July 1, 2023. This agreement expires on July 31, 2024.

Long-term Gas Sales Agreement
On May 14, 2019 the Company and TPDC signed the LTGSA for an initial delivery of 20 MMcfd through the NNGI, at a price of $3.10/MMbtu as at 
January 1, 2019, (escalating 2% per annum) exclusive of any processing and transportation tariff associated with the NNGI. The LTGSA was amended 
on September 24, 2019 to increase the volumes supplied through the NNGI up to a MDQ of 30 MMcfd. In 2020 the parties established a 12-month 
renewable agreement for the supply of volumes above 30 MMcfd on an ad-hoc basis, allowing TPDC to meet fluctuating demand and compensate 
for shortfalls in production from their Madimba plant without being penalized due to a higher, fixed contractual limit and the subsequent take or pay 
penalties should the demand reduce again. The agreement has allowed the Company to supply volumes in excess of 50 MMcfd on occasion, increasing 
average sales volumes and revenues. In Q4 2023 the Company advised TPDC that the MDQ would revert to the original and contractually agreed  
20 MMcfd on the basis TPDC had not fulfilled its obligations under the 12-month renewable agreement.

TPDC Back-in
TPDC has the rights under the PSA to “back in” to the Songo Songo field development and to convert this into a carried working interest in the PSA. 
The current terms of the PSA require TPDC to provide formal notice in a defined period and contribute a proportion of the costs of any development, 
sharing in the risks in return for an additional share of the gas. To date, TPDC has neither provided notice nor contributed any costs and the definition 
period has closed.

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202362

Management’s Discussion & Analysis cont.

Forward-Looking Statements

This MD&A contains forward-looking statements or information (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable securities 
legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this MD&A, which address activities, events or developments that Orca 
expects or anticipates to occur in the future, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements often contain terms such as may, will, should, 
anticipate, expect, continue, estimate, believe, project, forecast, plan, intend, target, outlook, focus, could and similar words suggesting future outcomes 
or statements regarding an outlook. More particularly, this MD&A contains, without limitation, forward looking statements pertaining to the following: the 
Company’s expectations regarding the demand for gas supply to satisfy power demand; anticipated average gas sales, including Additional Gas sales for 
2024 and average production guidance (Additional Gas) for 2024; ongoing negotiation of new commercial terms and discussion of requirements under 
the Gas Agreement with Songas and TPCPLC; assessment by the Company of the merits of the claim made by the seismic contractor and the timing of 
hearings; planned intervention in offshore well SS-7 including timing, project costs and the anticipated increased gas delivery; planned installation of a 
new common well inlet manifold and its anticipated timing, costs and effects; planned production logging program at various wells and its anticipated 
timing, costs and effects; implementation of a new work program at the Songas plant and forecasted production improvement as a result; the Company’s 
expectation that all capital allocation decisions will be based upon prudent economic evaluations and returns; extension of the development license and 
the Company’s expectation to continue to actively engage with the GoT to progress the license extension; maintenance of gas sale contract discipline by 
the Company in accordance with its gas supply agreements; anticipated award amount payable under the Long Term Retention Plan and achievement 
of its intended positive effects; continued accrual of participation interest until the specified date; the receipt of the payment of arrears from TANESCO; 
forecasts regarding future development capital spending and the anticipated source of funding; the timing and effective rate of the APT payable by the 
Company and credit to the cost pool; the Company’s expectation that there will be no future restrictions on the movement of cash from Jersey, Mauritius 
or Tanzania; continued work by the Company with the GoT on alternative development plan for longer term field development; expectations regarding 
the recovery of workover costs from Songas under the settlement agreement and receipt of such payments in Q1 2024; the Company’s plans to purchase 
Class B Shares under the 2023 NCIB; availability of necessary regulatory approvals; the Company’s debt and interest payments and capital expenditure 
forecasts; the Company’s expectation that it will maintain adequate working capital to cover the Company’s long-term and short-term obligations; the 
Company does not expect to incur any loses from debtors in 2024; all planned capital expenditures can be funded from cash flow generated by current 
operations; the Company’s expectations that no circumstances will significantly impact the Company’s cash flow or liquidity other than disclosed in 
this MD&A, as applicable; the Company’s expectations that it will be able to convert Tanzanian shillings into US dollars during and after the current 
foreign exchange deficiency; continued work by the Company with the GoT on alternative development plan for longer term field development; the 
Company’s debt and interest payments and capital expenditure forecasts; availability of necessary regulatory approvals; the Company’s expectations 
regarding supply and demand of natural gas; the Company’s expectation and evaluations on the timing and results of its position, objections and appeals 
to the decisions and assessments of the TRA and TRAB under “Contingencies – Taxation” in this MD&A, including the timing of the filing of closing 
submissions by the Company and the TRA; the Company’s expectations regarding changes to its tax liabilities and the results of its operations as a result 
of amendments made to the ITA, 2004, the WLMAA, 2017 and the implementation of further legislation; and the Company accessing its exposure to 
the Russian/Ukraine conflict. In addition, statements relating to “reserves” are by their nature forward-looking statements, as they involve the implied 
assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions that the reserves described can be produced profitably in the future. The recovery and reserve 
estimates of the Company’s reserves provided herein are estimates only and there is no guarantee that the estimated reserves will be recovered. As a 
consequence, actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Although management believes that the 
expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, access to resources and 
infrastructure, performance or achievement since such expectations are inherently subject to significant business, economic, operational, competitive, 
political and social uncertainties and contingencies.

These forward-looking statements involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the Company’s control, 
and many factors could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made 
by the Company, including, but not limited to: fluctuations in demand for natural gas and power supply in Tanzania; the Company’s average gas sales 
including sale of Additional Gas and average production guidance (Additional Gas) are lower than anticipated; uncertainties involving the negotiation 
of new commercial terms under the Gas Agreement with Songas and TPCPLC and necessary requirements; risk that the Company may incur losses 
and legal expenses as a result of the claim brought forth by the seismic contractor; risk that the timing of the completion and anticipated benefits 
from the Company’s various development programs in 2024 are different than expected; that not all capital allocation decisions will be based upon 
prudent economic evaluations and returns; inability to extend the development license and inability to maintain gas sale contract discipline; changes 
in the anticipated award amount payable under the Long Term Retention Plan and failure to achieve intended effects; accrual of participation interest 
is different than expected; failure to receive payments from TANESCO; changes to the timing and effective rate of the APT payable by the Company; 
changes to forecasts regarding future development capital spending and source of capital spending; risk of future restrictions on the movement of 
cash from Jersey, Mauritius or Tanzania; occurrence of circumstance or events which significantly impact the Company’s cash flow and liquidity and 
the Company’s ability cover its long-term and short-term obligations or fund planned capital expenditures; occurrence of loses from debtors in 2024; 
prolonged foreign exchange reserves deficiency in Tanzania; inability to convert Tanzanian shillings into US dollars as and when required; discontinuation 
of work by the Company with the GoT on alternative development plan for longer term field development; changes to the Company’s debt and interest 
payments and capital expenditure forecasts; failure to obtain necessary regulatory approvals; risk that the Company does not purchase the maximum 
number of Class B Shares or any Class B Shares under the 2023 NCIB; future TRA assessment and the risks surrounding the Company’s ability to make 
future deposits to object future TRA’s assessments that may arise; risk that the Company will not be successful in appealing claims or decisions made by 
the TRA or TRAB and may be required to pay additional taxes and penalties; risks regarding the uncertainty around evolution of Tanzanian legislation; 
risk of unanticipated effects regarding changes to the Company’s tax liabilities and its operations as a result of amendments made to the ITA, 2004, the 
WLMAA, 2017, the implementation of further legislation and the Company’s interpretation of the same; risk of a lack of access to Songas processing and 
transportation facilities; risk that the Company may be unable to complete additional field development to support the Songo Songo production profile 
through the life of the license; risks associated with the Company’s ability to complete sales of Additional Gas; negative effect on the Company’s rights

Management’s Discussion & AnalysisOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202363

Forward-Looking Statements cont.

under the PSA and other agreements relating to its business in Tanzania as a result of recently enacted legislation, as well as the risk that such 
legislation will create additional costs and time connected with the Company’s business in Tanzania; the impact of general economic conditions in the 
areas in which the Company operates; civil unrest; risk of pandemic; industry conditions; changes in laws and regulations including the adoption of 
new environmental laws and regulations; impact of local content regulations and variances in the interpretation and enforcement of such regulations; 
increased competition; the lack of availability of qualified personnel or management; fluctuations in commodity prices, foreign exchange or interest 
rates; stock market volatility; competition for, among other things, capital, oil and gas field services and skilled personnel; failure to obtain required 
equipment for field development; effect of changes to the PSA on the Company as a result of the implementation of new government policies for the 
oil and gas industry; inaccuracy in reserve estimates; incorrect forecasts in production and growth potential of the Company’s assets; inability to obtain 
required approvals of regulatory authorities; risks associated with negotiating with foreign governments; failure to successfully negotiate agreements; 
risk that the Company will not be able to fulfill its contractual obligations; risk that trade and other receivables may not be paid by the Company’s 
customers when due; inability to satisfy debt conditions of financing; the risk that the Company’s Tanzanian operations will not provide near term 
revenue earnings; and such additional risks listed under “Business Risks” in this report. In addition, there are risks and uncertainties associated with oil 
and gas operations, therefore the Company’s actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, 
these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by these forward-looking statements 
will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits the Company will derive therefrom. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors 
is not exhaustive.

Such forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions made by the Company in light of its experience and perception of historical trends, 
current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors the Company believes are appropriate in the circumstances, including, 
but not limited to: increased demand for gas supply; the Company’s average Additional Gas sales and average guidance (Additional Gas) are in line with 
forecasts; successful negotiation of the Gas Agreement; successful implementation of various development programs at the budgeted expenditures, 
including the planned intervention in the SS-7 well; all capital allocation decisions will be based upon prudent economic evaluations and returns; 
successful extension of the development license and maintenance of gas sale contract discipline on a go-forward basis pursuant to the Company’s gas 
supply agreements; anticipated award amount payable under the Long Term Retention Plan and achievement of its intended positive effects; accrual of 
participation interest as expected; that the Company will receive payment of arrears from TANESCO; correct forecast on the timing and effective rate 
of the APT payable by the Company; that there will continue to be no restrictions on the movement of cash from Mauritius, Jersey or Tanzania; that 
the Company will have sufficient cash flow, debt or equity sources or other financial resources required to fund its capital and operating expenditures 
and debt and interest obligations as needed; the Company does not incur any loses from debtors in 2024; absence of circumstances or events that 
significant impact the Company’s cash flow and liquidity; the Company will continue to be able to convert Tanzanian shillings into US dollars; long term 
field development will be carried out as planned; continued work by the Company with the GoT on alternative development plan for longer term field 
development as anticipated; timing and amount of capital expenditures and source of funding are in line with forecasts; the Company’s ability to obtain 
necessary regulatory approvals; the ability of the Company to complete the 2023 NCIB as planned; the anticipated supply and demand of natural gas 
are in line with the Company’s expectations; accurate assessment by the Company of the merits of claims brought forward by the seismic contractor; 
accurate assessment by the Company of the merits of its appeal or claims before the TRA and TRAB regarding tax assessments and penalties and 
expectations in respect of submission and hearing timelines; the Company’s interpretation and prediction of the effects regarding changes to the 
Company’s tax liabilities and its operations as a result of amendments made to the ITA, 2004, the WLMAA, 2017 and the implementation of further 
legislation is accurate in all material respects; the Company’s ability to obtain revenue earnings from its operations; access to customers and suppliers; 
availability of employees to carry out day-to-day operations, and other resources; that the Company will successfully negotiate agreements; receipt of 
required regulatory approvals; the ability of the Company to increase production as required to meet demand; infrastructure capacity; commodity prices 
will not deteriorate significantly; the ability of the Company to obtain equipment and services in a timely manner to carry out exploration, development 
and exploitation activities; availability of skilled labour; uninterrupted access to infrastructure; the impact of increasing competition; conditions in general 
economic and financial markets; effects of regulation by governmental agencies; that the Company’s appeal of various tax assessments will be successful; 
current or, where applicable, proposed industry conditions, laws and regulations will continue in effect or as anticipated as described herein; the effect 
of any new environmental and climate change related regulations will not negatively impact the Company; the Company’s ability to maintain strong 
commercial relationships with the GoT and other state and parastatal organizations; the current and future administration in Tanzania continues to honor 
the terms of the PSA and the Company’s other principal agreements; and other matters.

The forward-looking statements contained in this MD&A are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly 
or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by 
applicable securities laws.

Additional Information

Additional information relating to the Company is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202364

Glossary

mcf 

Thousand standard cubic feet 

2P 

Proven and probable reserves

MMcf 

Million standard cubic feet 

Bcf 

Billion standard cubic feet

MMcfd  Million standard cubic feet per day

kWh 

Kilowatt hour

MW 

Megawatt

$ 

US dollars

MMbtu  Million British thermal units

CDN$ 

Canadian dollars

1P 

Proven reserves

Management’s Discussion & AnalysisOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 2023Management’s Report to Shareholders

65

The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Orca Energy Group Inc. are the responsibility of management. The financial and operating 
information presented in this Annual Report is consistent with that shown in the consolidated financial statements.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared by management, on behalf of the Board, in accordance with the accounting policies 
disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. Where necessary, management has made informed judgments and estimates in 
accounting for transactions which were not complete at the balance sheet date. In the opinion of management, the consolidated financial statements 
have been prepared within acceptable limits of materiality and are in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as adopted 
by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) appropriate in the circumstances.

Management maintains appropriate systems of internal controls. Policies and procedures are designed to give reasonable assurance that transactions 
are properly authorized, assets are safeguarded and financial records are properly maintained to provide reliable information for the preparation of 
financial statements. An independent firm of Chartered Professional Accountants, as appointed by the shareholders, audited the consolidated financial 
statements in accordance with the Canadian Generally Accepted Auditing Standards to enable them to express an opinion on the fairness of the 
consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the IASB.

The Board of Directors carries out its responsibility for the financial reporting and internal controls of the Company principally through an Audit 
and Risk Committee. The committee has met with the independent auditors and management in order to determine if management has fulfilled its 
responsibilities in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. The consolidated financial statements have been approved by the Board  
of Directors on the recommendation of the Audit and Risk Committee.

Jay Lyons
Chief Executive Officer
April 4, 2024

Lisa Mitchell
Chief Financial Officer
April 4, 2024

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202366

Independent Auditors’ Report

To the Shareholders of Orca Energy Group Inc.

Opinion

We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Orca Energy Group Inc. (the “Entity”), which comprise:

•  the consolidated statements of financial position as at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022

•  the consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the years then ended 

•  the consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity for the years then ended

•  consolidated statements of cash flows for the years then ended 

•  and notes to the consolidated financial statements, including a summary of material accounting policy information

Hereinafter referred to as the “financial statements”.

In our opinion, the accompanying financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Entity as at 
December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, and its consolidated financial performance and its consolidated cash flows for the years then ended in 
accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards. 

Basis for Opinion 

We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards.  Our responsibilities under those standards are further 
described in the “Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements” section of our auditor’s report.  

We are independent of the Entity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in Canada and 
we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.    

Key Audit Matters

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the financial statements for the year 
ended December 31, 2023. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion 
thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.

We have determined the matters described below to be the key audit matters to be communicated in our auditor’s report.

Assessment and recognition of income tax provision related to positions taken in tax filings in Tanzania 

Description of the matter
We draw your attention to note 3, note 4 (c), note 5(h), and note 21 to the financial statements.

The Entity operates in Tanzania where tax authorities may audit income tax filings and the resolution of such audits may span multiple years. Tax law in 
Tanzania is complex and often subject to changes and to varied interpretations; accordingly, the ultimate outcome with respect to positions taken on 
income tax filings may differ from the amounts recognized. The Entity has taken certain tax positions in its tax filings and these tax filings are subject 
to audit and potential reassessment after the lapse of considerable time. Accordingly, the actual income tax impact may differ significantly from that 
estimated and recorded by management.

The Entity’s assessment of whether it is probable that the position taken by the Entity will be accepted by tax authorities in Tanzania is a significant 
management judgment.  The Entity will record a tax provision where management concludes it is probable the filing position taken by the Entity will not 
be accepted by the relevant taxing authority. At December 31, 2023, the Entity estimated that the total tax contingencies related to uncertain income 
tax filing positions with Tanzanian tax authorities is $60.0 million.  

Financial StatementsOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202367

Why the matter is a key audit matter
We identified the assessment and recognition of income tax provision related to positions taken in tax filings in Tanzania as a key audit matter. This 
matter represented an area of significant risk of material misstatement. In addition, significant auditor judgment and specialized skills and knowledge 
were required to evaluate the Entity’s assessment of the probability of the taxation authorities accepting the tax filing positions taken by the Entity.

How the matter was addressed in the audit
The primary procedures we performed to address this key audit matter included the following:

We involved income tax professionals in Canada and Tanzania with specialized skills and knowledge who assisted in evaluating the Entity’s tax filing 
positions including interpretation of income tax legislation by:

•  Developing an independent assessment of the Entity’s tax filing positions based on their understanding and interpretation of tax laws in Tanzania 

and comparing it to the Entity’s assessment

• 

• 

Inspecting the Entity’s correspondence with Tanzanian tax authorities and evaluating the implications of the matters raised by such authorities

Inspecting evaluations and opinions provided by the Entity’s tax advisors

We assessed whether it was probable that the tax filing positions taken by the Entity would be accepted by the Tanzanian tax authorities by obtaining 
legal enquiry letter responses from law firms engaged by the entity related to identified tax claims and contingencies.

Assessment of the impact of estimated proven natural gas reserves on depletion expense

Description of the matter
We draw attention to note 3, note 4 and note 13 to the financial statements. The Entity amortizes its costs associated with tangible natural gas assets 
using the unit of production method by reference to the ratio of production in the period to the related proven gas reserves, taking into account 
estimated forecasted future development costs necessary to bring those reserves into production. The Entity recorded depletion expense related to its 
tangible natural gas assets of $34.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. 

The estimated proven gas reserves includes significant assumptions related to:

•  Forecasted natural gas prices

•  Forecasted production rates

•  Forecasted operating costs

•  Forecasted future development costs

•  Forecasted cost recovery provisions and additional profit tax

The Entity engages independent petroleum engineers to evaluate the proven natural gas reserves and the related cash flows.

Why the matter is a key audit matter
We identified the assessment of the impact of estimated proven natural gas reserves on depletion expense as a key audit matter. Significant auditor 
judgement was required to evaluate the results of our audit procedures regarding the estimate of proven natural gas reserves.

How the matter was addressed in the audit
The primary procedures we performed to address this key audit matter include the following:

We assessed the depletion expense calculation for compliance with IFRS Accounting Standards.

With respect to the estimate of proven natural gas reserves:

•  We evaluated the competence, capabilities and objectivity of the independent petroleum engineers engaged by the Entity

•  We compared the 2023 actual production rates, operating costs, additional profit tax, and future development costs of the Entity to those 

estimates used in the prior year’s estimate of proven natural gas reserves to assess the Entity’s ability to accurately forecast

•  We evaluated the appropriateness of forecasted natural gas prices, forecasted production rates, forecasted operating costs, forecasted cost 

recovery provisions and additional profit tax, and forecasted future development cost assumptions by comparing to 2023 actual results. We took 
into account changes in conditions and events affecting the Entity to assess the adjustments or lack of adjustments made by the Entity in arriving 
at the assumptions.

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202368

Independent Auditors’ Report cont.

Other Information

Management is responsible for the other information. Other information comprises:

•  the information included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis filed with the relevant Canadian Securities Commissions.

•  the information, other than the financial statements and the auditor’s report thereon, included in a document entitled “Annual Report & Accounts 

2023”.

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not and will not express any form of assurance conclusion 
thereon. 

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information identified above and, in doing so, consider 
whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit and remain alert for 
indications that the other information appears to be materially misstated.  

We obtained the information included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis filed with the relevant Canadian Securities Commissions and the 
information, other than the financial statements and the auditor’s report thereon, included in a document entitled “Annual Report & Accounts 2023” 
as at the date of this auditor’s report.   If, based on the work we have performed on this other information, we conclude that there is a material 
misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact in the auditor’s report.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Responsibilities of Management and Those Charged with Governance for the Financial Statements

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards, and for 
such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, 
whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, management is responsible for assessing the Entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing as 
applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless management either intends to liquidate the Entity 
or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.

Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the Entity’s financial reporting process.

Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due 
to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. 

Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with Canadian generally accepted 
auditing standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. 

Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to 
influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of the financial statements.

As part of an audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards, we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional 
skepticism throughout the audit. 

Financial StatementsOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 2023 
69

We also:

•

Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit
procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

• The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion,

forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.

• Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances,

but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Entity’s internal control.

• Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by

management.

• Conclude on the appropriateness of management’s use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained,

whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Entity’s ability to continue as a going
concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the
financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to
the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Entity to cease to continue as a going concern.

• Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the financial

statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.

• Communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant

audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.

• Provide those charged with governance with a statement that we have complied with relevant ethical requirements regarding independence, and
communicate with them all relationships and other matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable,
related safeguards.

• Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or business activities within the group Entity to

express an opinion on the financial statements. We are responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the group audit. We remain
solely responsible for our audit opinion

• Determine, from the matters communicated with those charged with governance, those matters that were of most significance in the audit of
the financial statements of the current period and are therefore the key audit matters. We describe these matters in our auditor’s report unless
law or regulation precludes public disclosure about the matter or when, in extremely rare circumstances, we determine that a matter should not
be communicated in our auditor’s report because the adverse consequences of doing so would reasonably be expected to outweigh the public
interest benefits of such communication.

The engagement partner on the audit resulting in this auditor’s report is Jason Grodziski.

Chartered Professional Accountants

Calgary, Canada
April 4, 2024

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202370

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

$’000

Revenue

Production, distribution and transportation

Net production revenue

Operating expenses

General and administrative 

Stock based compensation expense/(recovery)

Depletion

Reversal of loss allowance 

Finance income

Finance expense

Income before tax

Income tax expense – current

Income tax (recovery)/expense – deferred

Additional Profits Tax

Net income

Net income attributable to non-controlling interest

Net income attributable to shareholders

Foreign currency translation gain/(loss) from foreign operations

Comprehensive income

Net income attributable to shareholders per share ($)

Basic and diluted

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 

Note

7

17

13

12

9

9

10

10

11

24

Years ended December 31

2023

110,235

19,197

91,038

17,892

6

41,857

(6,915)

(1,888)

14,938

25,148

16,133

(6,161)

8,162

7,014

–

7,014

288

7,302

2022

118,089

18,011

100,078

13,548

(120)

29,174

(6,715)

(613)

10,210

54,594

15,488

1,213

7,613

30,280

2,554

27,726

(95)

27,631

18

0.35

1.39

Financial StatementsOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 2023 
 
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position

$’000

ASSETS

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Prepayments

Non-current assets

Long-term receivables

Capital assets

Total assets

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Tax payable

Current portion of long-term loan

Current portion of Additional Profits Tax

Non-current liabilities

Deferred income taxes

Lease liabilities

Long-term loan

Additional Profits Tax

Total liabilities

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Capital stock

Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)

Accumulated income

Non-controlling interest

Total equity and liabilities

71

As at December 31

Note

2023

2022

101,566

32,837

1,637

96,321

35,100

1,551

136,040

132,972

10

79,381

79,391

2,215

112,896

115,111

215,431

248,083

38,407

4,326

10,000

15,984

68,717

20,095

456

29,961

7,524

58,036

126,753

17

47,067

24

16

41,595

–

88,678

215,431

43,192

5,081

10,000

13,146

71,419

26,256

13

39,762

15,347

81,378

152,797

47,257

(272)

42,631

5,670

95,286

248,083

12

15

13

14

16

11

10

13

16

11

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Nature of operations (Note 1); Contractual obligations (Note 20); Contingencies (Note 21); Subsequent events (Note 25). The consolidated financial 
statements were approved by the Board on April 4, 2024.

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202372

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

$’000

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net income

Adjustment for:

 Depletion and depreciation

 Indirect tax

 Stock based compensation expense/(recovery)

 Deferred income tax (recovery)/expense

 Additional Profits Tax

 Loss allowance

 Unrealized loss/(gain) on foreign exchange

Interest expense

Finance income

Change in non-cash operating working capital

Net cash flows from operating activities

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Capital expenditures

Net cash used in investing activities

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Lease payments

Normal course issuer bid

Long-term loan repayment

Loan interest paid

Dividends paid to shareholders

Purchase of minority interest in subsidiary

Net cash used in financing activities

Increase in cash

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year

Effect of change in foreign exchange on cash for the year

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Years ended December 31

Note

2023

2022

7,014

30,280

13

9

17

10

11

12

9

42,229

1,273

6

(6,161)

8,162

– 

2,869

7,834

241

23

(14,982)

48,485

29,528

1,103

(120)

1,213

7,613

3,240

(235)

8,637

– 

(13,599)

67,660

13

13

17

16

9

17

24

(8,794)

(8,794)

(25,731)

(25,731)

(324)

(271)

(10,000)

(7,770)

(5,873)

(7,500)

(312)

(298)

(5,000)

(6,904)

(6,176)

–

(31,738)

(18,690)

7,953

96,321

(2,708)

101,566

23,239

72,985

97

96,321

Financial StatementsOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 2023Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

$’000

Note

Balance as at December 31, 2022

Share repurchase

Dividends declared

Distribution to non-controlling interest shareholder

Foreign currency translation adjustment on foreign operations

Net income

Balance as at December 31, 2023

$’000

Note

Balance as at December 31, 2021

Share repurchase

Dividends declared

Foreign currency translation adjustment on foreign operations

Net income

Balance as at December 31, 2022

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss

Accumulated
income

17

(272)

42,631

–

–

–

288

–

16

(81)

(5,896)

(1,830)

(243)

7,014

41,595

Non-
controlling
interest

24

5,670

–

–

(5,670)

–

–

–

 Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss

Accumulated
income

Non-
controlling
interest

(177)

–

–

(95)

–

(272)

17

21,061

(101)

(6,055)

–

27,726

42,631

24

3,116

–

–

–

2,554

5,670

Capital
stock

17

47,257

(190)

–

–

–

–

47,067

Capital
stock

17

47,454

(197)

–

–

–

47,257

73

Total

95,286

(271)

(5,896)

(7,500)

45

7,014

88,678

Total

71,454

(298)

(6,055)

(95)

30,280

95,286

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 2023 
 
 
 
74

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

General Information

Orca Energy Group Inc. was incorporated on April 28, 2004 under the laws of the British Virgin Islands with its registered office located at Vistra 
Corporate Service Centre, Wickhams Cay II, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, VG110. The Company produces and sells natural gas to the  
power and industrial sectors in Tanzania. The Company maintains central management and control and has established tax residency in the United 
Kingdom.

The consolidated financial statements of the Company as at and for the year ended December 31, 2023 comprise accounts of the Company and  
its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company” or “Orca Energy”) and were authorized for issue in accordance with a resolution of the directors on  
April 4, 2024. The Company is controlled by Shaymar Limited who is the registered holder of 24.8% of the equity and controls 71.6% of the total votes of 
the Company. The shares are held in a trust that is independently managed for the beneficiaries.

1. Nature of Operations

The Company’s principal operating asset is an interest held by a subsidiary, PanAfrican Energy Tanzania Limited (“PAET”), in a Production Sharing 
Agreement (“PSA”) with the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (“TPDC”) and the Government of Tanzania (“GoT”) in the United Republic  
of Tanzania. This PSA covers the production and marketing of certain gas from the Songo Songo Block offshore Tanzania.

The PSA defines gas in the Songo Songo field as “Protected Gas” and “Additional Gas”. The “Protected Gas” is owned by TPDC and is sold under  
a 20-year gas agreement until July 2024 (“Gas Agreement”) to Songas Limited (“Songas”) and Tanzania Portland Cement PLC. Songas is the owner 
of the infrastructure that enables the gas to be delivered to Dar es Salaam, which includes a gas processing plant on Songo Songo Island (“Songas 
Infrastructure”). The Company operates the gas processing plant and field on a “no gain no loss” basis and receives no revenue for the Protected Gas 
delivered to Songas.

Under the PSA, the Company has the right to produce and market all gas in the Songo Songo Block in excess of the Protected Gas requirements 
(“Additional Gas”) until the PSA expires in October 2026.

The Tanzania Electricity Supply Company Limited (“TANESCO”) is a parastatal organization which is wholly-owned by the Government of Tanzania, with 
oversight by the Ministry of Energy (“MoE”). TANESCO is responsible for the majority of electricity generation, transmission and distribution throughout 
Tanzania. The Company and TPDC as joint sellers currently supply Additional Gas directly to TANESCO by way of a Portfolio Gas Supply Agreement 
(“PGSA”) and indirectly through the supply of Protected Gas and Additional Gas to Songas. The Company also delivers gas to TPDC through a long-
term gas sales agreement (“LTGSA”) to the TPDC operated National Natural Gas Infrastructure (“NNGI”) on Songo Songo Island where the natural gas 
is processed before being transported to Dar es Salaam for power and industrial use. The PGSA expires on July 31, 2024 and the LTGSA expires on 
October 10, 2026.

In addition to gas supplied to TPDC, Songas and TANESCO, the Company has developed and supplies an industrial gas market in the Dar es Salaam area.

During 2023, the Company formally requested TPDC to initiate the process of extending the development license in accordance with the terms of 
the PSA. The Company continues to seek dialogue with TPDC and the MoE seeking to expedite a license extension. However, there are currently no 
certainties on the timing, nature and extent of any such extensions. Until such extension has been finalized, a high degree of uncertainty exists with 
respect of the extent of the Company’s operating activities subsequent to October 2026.

2. Basis of Preparation

Statement of Compliance
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards. 

Basis of Measurement
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis using the accrual basis of accounting. The consolidated financial 
statements are presented in US dollars (“$”) unless otherwise stated.

Basis of Consolidation
Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are those enterprises controlled by the Company. The following companies have been consolidated within the Orca Energy financial 
statements:

Subsidiary

Orca Energy Group Inc.

Orca Exploration UK Services Limited

PAE PanAfrican Energy Corporation (“PAEM”)

PanAfrican Energy Tanzania Limited

Registered

Holding

Functional currency

British Virgin Islands

Parent Company

US dollar

United Kingdom

Mauritius

Jersey

100%

100%

100%

British pound

US dollar

US dollar

Financial StatementsOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202375

2. Basis of Preparation cont.

Transactions Eliminated Upon Consolidation
Inter-company balances and transactions and any unrealized gains or losses arising from inter-company transactions are eliminated in preparing the 
consolidated financial statements.

Foreign Currency
i) Foreign Currency Transactions
Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate of exchange prevailing at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities in foreign 
currencies are translated at period-end rates. Non-monetary items are translated at historic rates, unless such items are carried at market value, in 
which case they are translated using the exchange rates that existed when the values were determined. Any resulting exchange rate differences are 
recognized in earnings.

ii) Foreign Currency Translation
Foreign currency differences are recognized in comprehensive income and accumulated in the translation reserve. The assets and liabilities of these 
companies are translated into the functional currency at the period-end exchange rate. The income and expenses of the companies are translated into 
the functional currency at the average exchange rate for the period. Translation gains and losses are included in other comprehensive income.

Climate Change Regulations
Risks related to climate change may have an impact on the Company’s operations and the Company may be subject to additional disclosure 
requirements in the future. The International Sustainability Standards Board issued an IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standard with the objective to 
develop a global framework for environmental sustainability disclosure. In addition, the Canadian Securities Administrators also issued a proposed 
National Instrument 51-107 Disclosure of Climate-related Matters which sets forth additional reporting requirements for Canadian reporting issuers. We 
continue to monitor developments on these reporting requirements and the impact they may have on the Company’s financial position and results of 
operating activities in future periods.

3. Summary of Material Accounting Policies

The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to all periods presented in these consolidated financial statements.

Capital Assets
i) Capital Assets
Capital assets comprises the Company’s tangible natural gas assets, development wells, leasehold improvements, computer equipment, motor 
vehicles and fixtures and fittings carried at cost, right-of-use assets less any accumulated depletion, depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. 
Cost includes purchase price and construction costs for qualifying assets. Depletion of these assets commences when the assets are ready for their 
intended use. Only costs that are directly related to the discovery and development of specific oil and gas reserves are capitalized. The costs associated 
with tangible natural gas assets are amortized on a unit of production method based on commercial proven reserves, taking into account estimated 
forecasted future development costs necessary to bring those reserves to production. The calculation of the unit of production method by reference to 
the ratio of production in the period to the related proven gas reserves.

ii) Impairment of Property, Plant and Equipment
At each balance sheet date, the Company reviews the carrying amounts of its property, plant and equipment to determine if indicators of impairment 
exist. Individual assets are grouped together as a cash generating unit (“CGU”) for impairment assessment purposes at the lowest level at which there 
are identifiable cash flows that are independent from other group assets. If any such indication of impairment exists, the Company makes an estimate 
of its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. Where the carrying amount of a CGU 
exceeds its recoverable amount, the CGU is considered impaired and is written down to its recoverable amount. In assessing the value in use, the 
estimated future cash flows are adjusted for the risks specific to the CGU and are discounted to their present value with a pre-tax discount rate that 
reflects the current market indicators. The fair value less costs to sell is the amount that would be obtained from the sale of a CGU in an arm’s length 
transaction between knowledgeable and willing parties. Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset CGU is 
increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that 
would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognized for the CGU in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognized in 
earnings.

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202376

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements cont.

3. Summary of Material Accounting Policies cont.

Operatorship
The Company operates the Songo Songo gas field, flowlines and gas processing plant. The Songas wells, flowlines and gas plant are operated  
by the Company on behalf of Songas on a “no gain no loss” basis. The cost of operating and maintaining the wells and flowlines is paid for by the 
Company and Songas in proportion to the respective volumes of Protected Gas and Additional Gas sales. The costs of operating and maintaining the 
wells and flowlines are reflected in the accounts to the extent that the costs were incurred to accomplish Additional Gas sales. The cost of operating 
the gas processing plant and pipeline to Dar es Salaam is paid by Songas. Costs incurred by the Company in connection with the operatorship of the 
Songas plant are recorded as receivables which are re-charged to Songas. Subsequent payments received from Songas are credited to receivables. 
When there are Additional Gas sales, a tariff is paid to Songas as compensation for using the gas processing plant and pipeline.

Employment Benefits
Long Term Retention Plan
In 2023, the Company approved the cash-based long-term retention award plan effective for the period from October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2026 
(“Long Term Retention Plan”) to encourage retention of its employees, promote employee performance to increase shareholder value over the  
four-year period, and align the Company’s approach to compensation with the Company’s strategy to continue and expand its operations in Tanzania. 
The total potential award amount payable to eligible participants is payable at an award payment date of September 30, 2026. This award amount is 
being recognized on a straight-line basis over the four-year period. 

Asset Retirement Obligations
No provision has been made for future site restoration costs in Tanzania because the Company currently has no legal or contractual or constructive 
obligation under the PSA to restore the fields at the end of their commercial lives, should such occur within the term of the PSA. If an amendment to the 
PSA is agreed requiring the Company to restore the fields at the end of the commercial lives, a provision will be made for future site restoration costs.

Revenue Recognition, Production Sharing Agreements and Additional Profits Tax
Pursuant to the terms of the PSA, the Company has exclusive rights (i) to carry on Exploration Operations in the Songo Songo gas field; (ii) to carry on 
Development Operations in the Songo Songo gas field and (iii) jointly with TPDC, to sell or otherwise dispose of Additional Gas.

The Company recognizes revenue related to Additional Gas sales to all customers at specified delivery points at benchmark and contractual prices.  
A good or service is transferred when the customer obtains control of that good or service. The transfer of control of natural gas occurs at the metering 
points at the inlet to the customer’s facility. Under the terms of the PSA, the Company pays both its share and TPDC’s share of operating, administrative 
and capital costs. The Company recovers all reasonably incurred operating, administrative and capital costs including TPDC’s share of these costs 
from future revenues over several years (“Cost Gas”). TPDC’s share of operating and administrative costs is recorded in operating and general and 
administrative costs when incurred and capital costs are recorded in capital assets. All recoveries are recorded as Cost Gas revenue in the year of 
recovery.

The Company has gas sales contracts under which the customers are required to take, or pay for, a minimum quantity of gas. In the event that a 
customer has paid for gas that was not delivered, the additional income received by the Company is carried on the balance sheet as deferred revenue. 
If the customer consumes volumes in excess of the minimum, it will be charged at the current rate, but may receive a credit for volumes paid but not 
delivered. At the end of each reporting period the Company reassesses the volumes for which the customer may receive credit; any remaining balance 
is credited to income. 

In any given year, the Company is entitled to recover as Cost Gas up to 75% of the net revenue (gross revenue less processing and pipeline tariffs).  
Any net revenue in excess of the Cost Gas (“Profit Gas”) is shared between the Company and TPDC in accordance with the terms of the PSA. Under 
the PSA the Profit Gas payable to TPDC is adjusted by the amount necessary to fully pay and discharge the Company’s liability for taxes on income. 
Revenue represents the Company’s share of Profit Gas and Cost Gas during the period.

The Company records revenues for sales to TANESCO based on the expected amount to be collected, which represents a percentage of the amounts 
invoiced to TANESCO determined by comparison of TANESCO’s payment history to the amounts invoiced by the Company. Management believes this 
approach provides the best estimate of TANESCO’s ability to pay and remain reasonably current; it also reflects the economic reality of the situation 
(see Notes 4 and 7).

Financial StatementsOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202377

3. Summary of Material Accounting Policies cont.

Revenue Recognition, Production Sharing Agreements and Royalties cont.
The estimated percentage used to recognize TANESCO revenue will be reviewed periodically as circumstances require. If there is a significant difference 
between the amount of revenue recorded and amounts received, the percentage used to record revenue as well as any existing receivable or deferred 
revenue balance will be revised accordingly. The Company recognized 100% of amounts invoiced for deliveries to TANESCO as revenue during 2023 and 
2022. During 2023 the Company invoiced TANESCO $32.9 million (2022: $29.8 million) for gas deliveries and received $30.8 million (2022: $33.7 million) 
in payments. Based on the consistent payments from TANESCO, the Company: (i) recognized all amounts invoiced for gas deliveries in 2023 and 2022 
as revenue; and (ii) recognized $ nil during the year (2022: $5.6 million) as a reversal of loss allowance relating to the amounts collected during the year 
that were applied towards the long-term TANESCO receivables previously allowed for. In addition, during 2023 TANESCO paid the Company  
$13.2 million against the 2020 and 2021 take or pay invoices (2022: $30.0 million paid against the 2017 and 2018 take or pay invoices). As of December 
31, 2023, the Company had $5.9 million of TANESCO current receivables which was settled in Q1 2024.

The Company sells its natural gas to power customers (TANESCO, TPDC and Songas) and one industrial customer (a cement manufacturer) pursuant to 
fixed-price contracts. Sales to other industrial customers are at fixed-price discounts (subject to certain floors and ceilings) to the lowest alternative fuel 
source in Dar es Salaam, Heavy Fuel Oil (“HFO”) and coal. Under all contracts, the Company is required to deliver volumes of natural gas to the contract 
counterparty. Natural gas revenue is recognized when the Company gives up control of the natural gas which occurs at metering points located at the 
inlets of customers’ facilities. The amount of production revenue recognized is based on the agreed transaction price and the volumes delivered.

Additional Profits Tax
Under the terms of the PSA, in the event that all costs have been recovered with an annual return from the PSA of 25% plus the percentage change in 
the United States Industrial Goods Producer Price Index, an Additional Profits Tax (“APT”) is payable to the Government of Tanzania. APT is provided 
for by forecasting the total APT payable in the future as a proportion of the forecast Profit Gas over the term of PSA license. The actual APT that will 
be paid is dependent on the achieved value of the Additional Gas sales and the quantum and timing of the operating costs and capital expenditure 
program.

The PSA states that APT shall be calculated for each year and shall vary with the real rate of return earned by the Company on the net cash flow from 
the Contract Area (as defined in the PSA). The calculation of APT includes a working capital adjustment reflecting the effect of the timing of actual 
receipt of amounts owing from TANESCO on net cash flow.

Income Taxes
Income tax expense comprises current and deferred tax. It is recognized in profit or loss except to extent they relate to items recognized directly in 
equity, in which case the tax is recognized in equity. 

Current tax comprises the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable income or loss for the year and any adjustments to the tax payable or 
receivable in respect to previous years. Where current income tax is payable, this is shown as a current tax liability. The amount of the current tax 
payable is the best estimate of the tax amount expected to be paid that reflects uncertainty related to income taxes, if any. It is measured using tax 
rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date. 

Deferred tax is recognized using the asset and liability method, providing for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and 
liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected 
manner of realization or settlement of carrying amounts of assets and liabilities using tax rates substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.  
A deferred tax asset is recognized only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available, against which the asset can be 
utilized. Deferred tax assets are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefits will be realized.

Uncertainties over positions taken in income tax filings are evaluated on the basis of whether it is probable the position taken by the Company in the tax 
filing will be accepted upon examination by the relevant taxing authorities. These uncertainties impact the amount of income taxes recognized.

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202378

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements cont.

3. Summary of Material Accounting Policies cont.

Financial Instruments
All financial instruments are initially recognized at fair value on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The Company has classified each 
financial instrument into one of the following categories: (i) fair value through the statement of comprehensive income (loss), (ii) loans and receivables, 
and (iii) other financial liabilities. Measurement in subsequent periods depends on the classification of the financial instrument as described below:

•  Fair value through profit or loss: financial instruments under this classification include cash and cash equivalents and derivative assets and 

liabilities.

•  Amortized cost: financial instruments under this classification include accounts receivable, investments in bonds, investments, accounts payable 

and accrued liabilities, dividends payable, finance lease obligations, and long-term debt.

Financial assets and liabilities are recognized when the Company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets 
are derecognized when the rights to receive cash flows from the assets have expired or have been transferred and the Company has transferred 
substantially all risks and rewards of ownership. Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount is reported on the statement of financial 
position when there is a legally enforceable right to offset the recognized amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis, or realize the asset 
and settle the liability simultaneously.

Financial Instruments Classification and Measurement
The Company’s financial instruments include trade and other receivables, long-term receivables, trade and other liabilities and long-term loan.  
The Company classifies the fair value of these financial instruments according to the following hierarchy based on the amount of observable inputs  
used to value the instrument. 

•  Level 1 – Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date. Active markets are those in which 

transactions occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. 

•  Level 2 – Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1. Prices in Level 2 are either directly or indirectly 

observable as of the reporting date. Level 2 valuations are based on inputs, including quoted forward prices for commodities, time value and 
volatility factors, which can be substantially observed or corroborated in the marketplace. 

•  Level 3 – Valuations in this level are those with inputs for the assets or liabilities that are not based on observable market data. 

The fair value of trade and other receivables and trade and other liabilities approximate their carrying amount due to the short-term nature of those 
instruments. The fair value of long-term receivables also approximates their carrying amount. 

The Company’s long-term loan (“Loan”) with the International Finance Corporation (“IFC”) is classified as a Level 2 measurement. The Loan bears 
interest at a fixed rate which is close to the current market rates and accordingly the fair market value of the Loan approximates the carrying value.

Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, term deposits and short-term highly liquid investments with the original term to maturity of three 
months or less, which are convertible to known amounts of cash and which, in the opinion of management, are subject to an insignificant risk of 
changes in value. The fair value of cash and cash equivalents approximates their carrying amount. There are no restrictions on the movement of funds 
out of Tanzania.

Impairment of Financial Assets
A financial asset is assessed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any objective evidence that it is impaired. A financial asset is 
considered to be impaired if objective evidence indicates that one or more events have had a negative effect on the estimated future cash flows  
of that asset.

An impairment loss in respect of a financial asset measured at amortized cost is calculated as the difference between its carrying amount and the 
present value of the estimated future cash flows discounted at the original effective interest rate. Individually significant financial assets are tested for 
impairment on an individual basis. The remaining financial assets are assessed collectively in groups that share similar credit risk characteristics.

All impairment losses are recognized in earnings. An impairment loss is reversed if the reversal can be related objectively to an event occurring after  
the impairment loss was recognized. For financial assets measured at amortized cost the reversal is recognized in earnings.

Financial StatementsOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202379

3. Summary of Material Accounting Policies cont.

Accounting Changes
The following IFRS Accounting Standards became effective or were amended for financial reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023. 
There has been no impact on the Company.

• 

IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts

•  Disclosure of Accounting Policies (Amendments to IAS 1 and IFRS Practice Statement 2)

•  Definition of Accounting Estimate (Amendments to IAS 8)

•  Deferred Tax Related to Assets and Liabilities Arising from a Single Transaction (Amendments to IAS 12)

• 

International Tax Reform – Pillar Two Model Rules (Amendments to IAS 12).

The following standards have been issued but are not yet effective:

•  Non-current Liabilities with Covenants and Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current (Amendments to IAS 1)

•  Lease Liability in a Sale and Leaseback (Amendments to IFRS 16)

•  Supplier Finance Arrangements (Amendments to IAS 7 and IFRS 7)

• 

IFRS S1 General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Information and IFRS S2 Climate-related Disclosures

•  Lack of Exchangeability (Amendments to IAS 21).

The Company intends to adopt these standards when they become effective and is currently evaluating the potential impact.

4. Use of Estimates and Judgments

The following are the critical judgments, apart from those involving estimations (see below), that management has made in the process of applying the 
Company’s accounting policies and that have the most significant effect on the accounts recognized in these consolidated financial statements.

Critical Judgments in Applying Accounting Policies:
A. Natural Gas Assets
The Company assesses its natural gas assets for impairment when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of its assets may not 
be recoverable. If any indication of impairment exists, the Company performs an impairment test on the CGU, which is the lowest level at which there 
are identifiable cash flows. The carrying amount of the CGU is compared to its recoverable amount which is defined as the greater of its fair value 
less cost to sell and value in use and is subject to management estimates. These estimates include quantities of reserves and future production, future 
commodity pricing, development costs, operating costs, and discount rates. Any changes in these estimates may have an impact on the recoverable 
amount of the CGU.

B. Collectability of Receivables
The Company evaluates the collectability of its receivables on the basis of payment history, frequency and predictability, as well as management’s 
assessment of the customer’s willingness and ability to pay. Management performs impairment tests each period on the Company’s current and long-
term receivables.

C. Statutory Taxes
The Company operates in Tanzania where tax authorities may audit income tax filings and the resolution of such audits may span multiple years.  
Tax law in Tanzania is complex and often subject to changes and to varied interpretations; accordingly, the ultimate outcome with respect to positions 
taken on income tax filings may differ from the amounts recognized. The Company has taken certain tax positions in its tax filings and these tax filings 
are subject to audit and potential reassessment after the lapse of considerable time. Accordingly, the actual income tax impact may differ significantly 
from that estimated and recorded by management.

The recognition or reversal of deferred tax assets requires judgment as to whether or not there will be sufficient taxable profits available to offset the 
tax assets when they do reverse. This requires assumptions regarding future profitability and is therefore inherently uncertain.

The Company’s assessment of whether it is probable that the position taken by the Company will be accepted by tax authorities in Tanzania is a 
significant management judgment. The Company will record a tax provision where management concludes it is probable the filing position taken by the 
Company will not be accepted by the relevant taxing authority.

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202380

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements cont.

4. Use of Estimates and Judgments cont.
Key Sources of Estimation of Uncertainty
A. Reserves
There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proved and probable reserves and cash flows to be derived therefrom, including 
many factors beyond the control of the Company. The reserves and estimated future net cash flow from the Company’s properties have been 
evaluated by independent petroleum engineers. These evaluations include a number of significant assumptions relating to factors which includes 
forecasted natural gas prices, production rates, operating costs, future development costs and cost recovery provisions and additional profits tax. 
Other assumptions include transportation costs, TPDC “back-in” methodology and other Government levies that may be imposed over the producing 
life of the reserves. These assumptions were based on price forecasts in use at the date the relevant evaluations were prepared and many of these 
assumptions are subject to change and are beyond the control of the Company. To date, TPDC has neither elected to back in within the prescribed 
notice period nor contributed any costs associated with backing in.

Reserves are integral to the amount of depletion and impairment test.

B. Cost Recovery
The Company is able to recover reasonable costs incurred on the development of the Songo Songo project out of 75% of the gross field revenue less 
processing and pipeline tariffs (“field net revenue”). There are inherent uncertainties in estimating when costs have been recovered as these costs are 
subject to Government audit and under certain circumstances a potential reassessment after the lapse of a considerable period of time.

5. Risk Management

The Company, by its activities in oil and gas exploration, development and production, is exposed to the risk associated with the unpredictable nature of 
the financial markets as well as political risk associated with conducting operations in an emerging market. The Company seeks to manage its exposure 
to these risks wherever possible.

A. Foreign Exchange Risk
Foreign exchange risk arises when transactions and recognized assets and liabilities of the Company are denominated in a currency that is not the US 
dollar functional currency.

The Company operates internationally and is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from currency exposures to US dollars. The main currencies to 
which the Company has an exposure are: Tanzanian shillings, British pounds sterling, Euros and Canadian dollars. As of December 31, 2023, $56.1 million 
of the total cash and cash equivalents of $101.6 million were held in Tanzania. Of the $56.1 million, the equivalent of $41.1 million was denominated in 
Tanzanian shillings.

The majority of contracts with customers are based on US dollar prices for gas delivered, however the majority of invoices and sales receipts are paid 
in Tanzanian shillings. Invoices are priced and then converted to Tanzanian shillings at the time of invoicing, however payments are based on the US 
dollar invoiced amount translated to shillings at the time of payment. While conversion of Tanzanian shillings into US dollars is unrestricted, the foreign 
exchange market for Tanzanian shillings is limited and not highly liquid, reducing the Company’s ability to convert large amounts of Tanzanian shillings 
into US dollars at any given time. To mitigate the risk of Tanzanian shilling devaluation, the Company regularly converts Tanzanian shilling receipts into 
US dollars and Euros to the extent available taking into consideration that the majority of operating expenditures are denominated in Tanzanian shillings. 
The availability of US dollars and Euros during the period has declined compared to prior periods.

The majority of capital expenditures are denominated in US dollars. Capital stock and equity financing are denominated in Canadian dollars. All Loan 
repayments are also denominated in US dollars. There is a risk that US dollars may not be available from conversion in country for future capital 
requirements and loan repayments.

There are no forward exchange rate contracts in place.

A 10% increase in the US dollar against the relevant foreign currency would result in an overall increase in working capital (defined as current assets less 
current liabilities) of $5.0 million from $67.3 million to $72.3 million and an increase in the income before tax from $25.1 million to $30.1 million.

The sensitivity includes only outstanding foreign currency denominated monetary items and adjusts their translation at period end for a 10% change in 
the foreign currency rates. A 10% sensitivity rate is used when reporting foreign currency risk internally to key management personnel and represents 
management’s assessment of the reasonable possible change in foreign exchange rates.

Financial StatementsOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202381

5. Risk Management cont.

A. Foreign Exchange Risk cont.
The following balances are denominated in foreign currency (stated in US dollars at period end exchange rates):

Balances as at December 31, 2023

$’millions

Cash

Trade and other receivables

Trade and other liabilities

Net

Tanzanian
shillings

41.1

29.7

(30.2)

40.6

Euros

10.1

–

–

10.1

Canadian
dollars

British 
pounds 

1.7

–

(2.1)

(0.4)

0.4

–

(0.3)

0.1

Total

53.3

29.7

(32.6)

50.4

B. Commodity Price Risk
The Company negotiated industrial gas sales contracts with gas prices which, subject to certain floors and ceilings, are determined as a discount to the 
lowest cost alternative fuels in Dar es Salaam, namely Heavy Fuel Oil (“HFO”) and coal. The price of HFO is exposed to the volatility in the market price 
of crude oil.

C. Interest Rate Risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that future cash flows will fluctuate as a result of changes in market interest rates. The Company has minimal exposure 
to interest rates as the Loan has a fixed interest rate, interest rates on short-term investments are fixed and interest received on cash balances is not 
significant.

D. Concentration Risk
All the Company’s sales are currently made in Tanzania. The sales are made to the power sector and the industrial sector. In relation to sales to the 
power sector, the Company has a contract with Songas for the supply of gas to the Ubungo power plant, a contract with TANESCO to supply gas 
to some of the TANESCO power plants, and a contract with TPDC to supply gas through NNGI. The contracts with Songas, TANESCO and TPDC 
accounted for 61% of the Company’s gross field revenue operating revenue during 2023 and $9.7 million of the short and long-term receivables at 
December 31, 2023.

E. Credit Risk
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Company if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations and 
arises principally from the Company’s receivables from TANESCO, Songas and TPDC. The carrying amount of accounts receivable and the long-term 
receivable represents the maximum credit exposure. As at December 31, 2023 and 2022, loss allowance exists against all of the long-term TANESCO 
receivable, gas plant operations receivables from Songas, and a receivable of $0.5 million from one industrial customer. 

The Company manages the credit exposure related to cash and cash equivalents by selecting counterparties based on credit ratings and monitoring  
all investments to ensure a stable return, avoiding complex investment vehicles with higher risk such as asset backed commercial paper. The Company’s 
cash resources are placed with reputable financial institutions with no history of default.

F. Liquidity Risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not have sufficient funds to meet its liabilities. Cash forecasts identifying liquidity requirements of the 
Company are produced on a regular basis. These are reviewed to ensure sufficient funds exist to finance the Company’s current operational and 
investment cash flow requirements. At December 31, 2023 the Company has working capital, defined as total current assets less total current liabilities, 
of $67.3 million which is net of $68.7 million of financial liabilities with regards to trade and other liabilities of which $39.4 million is due within one to 
three months, $23.2 million is due within three to six months, and $6.1 million is due within six to twelve months (see Note 14).

At the end of the year approximately 25% of the current liabilities relate to TPDC (see Note 14). The amounts due to TPDC represent its share of Profit 
Gas. In accordance with the terms of the PSA, TPDC is entitled to the payment of its share of Profit Gas on a quarterly basis proportional to the cash 
receipts during the quarter. A substantial proportion of the TPDC liability is associated with the long-term TANESCO arrears and payments to TPDC are 
made when cash is received for the arrears.

COVID-19 reduced travel throughout the world. Tourism is a major source of revenue and foreign currency for Tanzania and the decrease in travel 
combined with global economic slowdown and the Ukraine war have seen an increasing decline in foreign exchange reserves in Tanzania. During 2023, 
it has been more difficult for the Company to convert Tanzanian shillings to US dollars in country, however, as at the date of this report, this has not 
significantly impacted PAET’s ability to meet its US dollar liabilities or obligations. There is a risk that in the future the Company may not be able to 
convert Tanzanian shillings to US dollars or other hard currencies as and when required to attract capital. It is unknown how long this risk will continue.

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 2023 
82

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements cont.

5. Risk Management cont.

G. Capital Risk Management
The Company’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern in order to provide returns for 
shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders and to achieve an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital.

H. Country Risk
The Company has unresolved disputes with TPDC related to Cost Gas revenue, TANESCO and Songas regarding unpaid invoices, and the Tanzanian 
Revenue Authority (“TRA”) in relation to tax disputes (see Note 21). The Company continues to rely upon its rights under the existing PSA and has 
initiated notices of disputes as required under the PSA and by local tax regulations to resolve outstanding issues. 

6. Segment Information

The Company has one reportable industry segment which is international exploration, development and production of petroleum and natural gas. 
During 2023 and 2022 the Company’s producing assets were entirely located in Tanzania.

7. Revenue 

$’000

Industrial sector

Power sector

Gross field revenue

TPDC share of revenue

Company operating revenue

Current income tax adjustment

Years ended December 31

2023

43,694

97,378

141,072

(47,364)

93,708

16,527

110,235

2022

43,437

95,388

138,825

(37,841)

100,984

17,105

118,089

Throughout the term of the PGSA, there were periods of time when TANESCO did not pay the Company the full amounts invoiced for gas delivered 
under the contract. Due to the uncertainty in ultimate collection, the Company did not recognize 100% of the amounts invoiced for delivery during 
certain of these periods. The Company recognized 100% of amounts invoiced for deliveries to TANESCO as revenue during 2023 and 2022. During 2023 
the Company invoiced TANESCO $32.9 million (2022: $29.8 million) for gas deliveries and received $30.8 million (2022: $33.7 million) in payments. 
These amounts are inclusive of value added tax (“VAT”). Based on the consistent payments from TANESCO, the Company: (i) recognized all amounts 
invoiced for gas deliveries in 2023 and 2022 as revenue; and (ii) recognized $ nil during the year (2022: $5.6 million) as a reversal of loss allowance 
relating to the amounts collected during the year that were applied towards the long-term TANESCO receivables previously allowed for. In addition, 
during 2023 TANESCO paid the Company $13.2 million against the 2020 and 2021 take or pay invoices (2022: $30 million paid against the 2017 and 
2018 take or pay invoices). As of December 31, 2023, the Company had $5.9 million of TANESCO current receivables which was settled in Q1 2024. 
Subsequent to December 31, 2023 the Company has invoiced TANESCO $8.9 million for 2024 gas deliveries and TANESCO has paid the Company 
$10.6 million to date.

8. Personnel Expenses

$’000

Employee and related costs included in: 

 Production, distribution and transportation

 General and administrative

Stock based compensation expense (recovery) (Note 17)

Long Term Retention Plan

Years ended December 31

2023

2022

3,137

8,644

11,781

6

1,500

13,287

3,000

7,139

10,139

(120)

– 

10,019

Personnel expenses include Company employees who operate the Songas facilities on behalf of Songas; these expenses are recharged to Songas.

Financial StatementsOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 2023 
 
 
 
9. Finance Income and Expense

Finance Income

$’000

Interest income

Finance Expense

$’000

Base interest expense

Participation interest expense

Lease interest expense

Interest expense

Net foreign exchange loss

Indirect tax

Trade and other receivables write off

83

Years ended December 31

2023

1,888

2022

613

Years ended December 31

2023

4,850

2,970

14

7,834

5,001

1,273

830

14,938

2022

5,678

2,936

23

8,637

470

1,103

– 

10,210

Base interest expense and participation interest expense relate to the Loan. Base interest on the Loan is payable quarterly in arrears at 10% per 
annum on a “pay-if-you-can-basis” using a formula to calculate the net cash available for such payments as at any given interest payment date. The 
participation interest expense is paid annually in arrears and equates to 6.4% of PAET’s net cash flows from operating activities net of net cash flows 
used in investing activities for the year. Such participation interest will continue to accrue until October 15, 2026 regardless of whether the Loan is repaid 
prior to its contractual maturity date (see Note 16).

Net foreign exchange loss includes realized and unrealized revaluation gains and losses. The unrealized revaluation loss is mainly due to changes in the fair 
value of cash balances denominated in Tanzanian shillings. The indirect tax includes VAT on the invoices to TANESCO for interest on late payments. The 
trade and other receivables write off relates primarily to VAT on the invoices to TANESCO for interest on late payments. 

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202384

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements cont.

10. Income Taxes

The tax charge is as follows:

$’000

Current income tax expense

Deferred income tax (recovery)/expense

Years ended December 31

2023

16,133

 (6,161)

9,972

2022

15,488

1,213

16,701

Tax of $1.9 million was paid during 2023 in relation to the settlement of the prior year’s tax liability (2022: $0.7 million). Installment tax payments totaling 
$15.0 million were made in respect of 2023 (2022: $12.5 million). These are presented as a reduction in tax payable on the Consolidated Statements of 
Financial Position.

Tax Rate Reconciliation

$’000

Income before tax per Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

Less Additional Profits Tax

Income before statutory tax

Provision for income tax calculated at the statutory rate of 30%

Effect on income tax of:

 Administrative and operating expenses

 Foreign rate difference

 Foreign exchange loss

 Stock based compensation 

 TANESCO interest not recognized as interest income

 Change in unrecognized tax asset

 Changes in estimates

Years ended December 31

2023

25,148

(8,162)

16,986

5,096

1,485

1,006

–

1

2,122

(222)

484

9,972

2022

54,594

(7,613)

46,981

14,094

1,492

1,022

1

(23)

1,839

(2,714)

990

16,701

As at December 31, 2023 the loss allowance for TANESCO had resulted in a $21.3 million unrecognized deferred tax asset (December 31, 2022: $19.2 
million). If this debt is ultimately not recovered, the Company will also be entitled to a $12.8 million (2022: $13.5 million) refund of VAT. As at December 
31, 2023, the Company has not recognized the benefit of unused trading loss carryforwards of $18.6 million (2022: $9.5 million), which do not expire, as 
it is not probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the benefit can be utilized.

In respect of each type of temporary difference the amounts of deferred tax assets/(liabilities) recognized in the consolidated balance sheet were as 
follows:

$’000

Differences between tax base and carrying value of property, plant and equipment

Tax recoverable from TPDC

Loss allowances

Additional Profits Tax

Unrealized exchange losses/other provisions

As at December 31

2023

(21,853)

(6,808)

353

7,108

1,105

2022

(31,740)

(6,166)

3,069

8,603

(22)

(20,095)

(26,256)

Financial StatementsOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202385

11. Additional Profits Tax

Under the terms of the PSA, APT is payable when the Company has recovered its costs plus a specified return out of Cost Gas revenue and Profit Gas 
revenue. As a result: (i) no APT is payable until the Company recovers its costs out of Additional Gas revenues plus an annual operating return under the 
PSA of 25% plus the percentage change in the United States Industrial Goods Producer Price Index (“PPI”); and (ii) the maximum APT rate is 55% of the 
Company’s Profit Gas when costs have been recovered with an annual return of 35% plus the percentage change in PPI.

The timing and the effective rate of APT depend on the realized value of Profit Gas which in turn depends on the level of expenditure. The Company 
provides for APT by annually forecasting the total APT payable in the future as a proportion of the forecast Profit Gas over the term of the PSA. The 
forecast takes into account the timing of future development capital spending. As at December 31, 2023 the current portion of APT payable was 
estimated at $16.0 million (December 31, 2022: $13.1 million) with a long-term APT payable of $7.5 million (December 31, 2022: $15.3 million).

The effective APT rate of 14.5% (2022: 16.8%) has been applied to the Company’s share of Profit Gas revenue of $56.2 million for the year ended 
December 31, 2023 (2022: $45.4 million). Accordingly, $8.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 (2022: $7.6 million) of APT has been recorded 
in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

12. Current Trade and Other Receivables

$’000

Trade receivables

Songas

TPDC

TANESCO

Industrial customers

Loss allowance

Other receivables

Songas gas plant operations

Songas well workover program

Other

Loss allowance

Trade Receivables Aged Analysis 

$’000

$’000

As at December 31

2023

2022

2,389

3,841

5,851

11,500

(452)

23,129

3,127

2,630

4,676

(725)

9,708

32,837

2,511

4,694

3,736

11,072

(452)

21,561

2,304

7,825

4,135

(725)

13,539

35,100

As at December 31, 2023

Current 

 >30 <60

>60 <90

22,191

 66

–

>90

872

Total

23,129

As at December 31, 2022

Current

19,263

>30 <60

>60 <90

529

– 

>90

1,769

Total

21,561

Songas
As at December 31, 2023 Songas owed the Company $8.1 million (December 31, 2022: $12.6 million), while the Company owed Songas $3.0 million 
(December 31, 2022: $2.9 million). The amounts due to the Company are mainly for sales of gas of $2.4 million (December 31, 2022: $2.5 million), the 
well workover program of $2.6 million (December 31, 2022; $7.8 million) and for the operation of the gas plant of $3.1 million (December 31, 2022: $2.3 
million) against which the Company has made a loss allowance of $0.7 million (December 31, 2022: $0.7 million). The amounts due to Songas primarily 
relate to pipeline tariff charges of $2.3 million (December 31, 2022: $2.4 million). The operation of the gas plant is conducted at cost and the charges are 
billed to Songas on a flow through basis.

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 2023 
 
 
86

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements cont.

12. Current Trade and Other Receivables cont.

TPDC
The current receivable from TPDC is for gas deliveries through the NNGI pursuant to the signing of the LTGSA. In accordance with the LTGSA, any 
unpaid, overdue amounts are offset against TPDC profit share.

Reversal of loss allowance

$’000

Reversal of loss allowance

Loss allowance

Years ended December 31

2023

(6,915)

– 

(6,915)

2022

(10,150)

3,435

(6,715)

The reversal of loss allowance in 2023 follows: (i) the recognition of $4.9 million resulting from agreement with Songas on a revision to the cost sharing 
in respect of the 2015-2016 workover of the SS-5 and SS-9 wells; and (ii) indirect taxation of $2.0 million relating to the 2020 and 2021 take or pay 
invoices to TANESCO that were paid in 2023.

The reversal of loss allowance in 2022 follows: (i) collection of TANESCO arrears of $5.6 million which represents the excess of receipts over gas sales 
invoiced during the year; and (ii) indirect taxation of $4.6 million related to the TANESCO 2017 and 2018 take or pay invoices that were paid in 2022. 

The loss allowance in 2022 represents: (i) $3.2 million with respect to impairment of Swala Oil & Gas (Tanzania) plc (“Swala TZ”) convertible preference 
shares (“Preference Shares”) (see Note 24); and (ii) the net amount of $0.5 million previously allowed for in 2021 with respect to the dispute with the 
TRA on the issue of withholding tax on services performed outside Tanzania by non-resident persons in 2010 and 2015-16 and $0.7 million representing 
the settlement amount with respect to the above withholding tax dispute.

13. Capital Assets

$’000

Costs

As at December 31, 2022

Additions

Disposals

As at December 31, 2023

Accumulated depletion and depreciation

As at December 31, 2022

Additions

Disposals

As at December 31, 2023

Net book values

As at December 31, 2023

Natural gas
interests

Office 

and other Right-of-use

Total

290,001

7,984

(958)

3,189

119

(202)

1,135

852

– 

294,325

8,955

(1,160)

297,027

3,106

1,987

302,120

177,541

41,857

(717)

2,971

120

(202)

917

252

–

181,429

42,229

(919)

218,681

2,889

1,169

222,739

78,346

217

818

79,381

Financial StatementsOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202387

Natural gas
interests

Office 

and other Right-of-use

Total

267,876

22,125

290,001

148,367

29,174

177,541

2,908

281

3,189

2,901

70

2,971

1,084

51

1,135

633

284

917

271,868

22,457

294,325

151,901

29,528

181,429

112,460

218

218

112,896

13. Capital Assets cont.

$’000

Costs

As at December 31, 2021

Additions

As at December 31, 2022

Accumulated depletion and depreciation

As at December 31, 2021

Additions

As at December 31, 2022

Net book values

As at December 31, 2022

In determining the depletion charge the Company takes into account an estimate of future development costs, the capital expenditure required to 
ensure the Company can produce the required gas volumes to meet its contractual obligations for the remaining life of the license. As at December 31, 
2023 the estimated future development costs required to bring the total proved reserves to production were $16.6 million (December 31, 2022: $59.2 
million). The decrease in estimated future development costs is a result of downward revision of the future cost estimates. During the year, the Company 
recorded total depletion expense of $41.9 million, of which $34.9 million related to unit of production depletion and $7.0 million related to accelerated 
depletion on engineering, acquisition, processing and associated costs related to the 3D seismic acquisition and processing program which will not be 
pursued in the foreseeable future.

During the year the Company recorded depreciation of $0.4 million (2022: $0.4 million) in general and administrative expenses.

Right-of-use assets 

$’000

As at December 31, 2022

Additions

Depreciation

As at December 31, 2023

As at December 31, 2021

Additions

Depreciation

As at December 31, 2022

218

852

(252)

818

451

51

(284)

218

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202388

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements cont.

13. Capital Assets cont.

Lease liabilities 

$’000

As at December 31, 2022

Additions

Lease interest expense

Lease payments

Lease foreign currency translation difference

As at December 31, 2023

As at December 31, 2021

Additions

Lease interest expense

Lease payments

As at December 31, 2022

170

852

14

(324)

5

717

408

51

23

(312)

170

Right-of-use assets are presented as part of capital assets on the Company’s balance sheet. Of the total lease liability of $0.7 million (2022: $0.2 million), 
$0.2 million (2022: $0.2 million) is current and is presented in trade and other liabilities.

On November 1, 2023, the Company entered into two office rental agreements, for the office in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, at an annual rent of $0.1 million. 
The agreements will expire in October 2026.

14. Trade and Other Liabilities

$’000

Songas

Other trade payables

Trade payables

TPDC Profit Gas entitlement, net

Deferred income – take or pay contracts

Accrued liabilities

TPDC share of Profit Gas 

$’000

TPDC share of Profit Gas

Less “Adjustment Factor”

TPDC share of Profit Gas entitlement

As at December 31

2023

2,981

2,331

5,312

17,199

1,144

14,752

38,407

2022

2,933

2,738

5,671

19,440

10,665

7,416

43,192

As at December 31

2023

26,075

(8,876)

17,199

2022

28,677

(9,237)

19,440

Under the PSA revenue sharing mechanism, the Company adjusts TPDC’s Profit Gas share by the “Adjustment Factor”. The Adjustment Factor is equal 
to the amount necessary to fully pay and discharge the PAET liability for taxes on income derived from petroleum operations. A significant percentage 
of the settlement of the $17.2 million liability to TPDC is dependent on receipt of payment from TANESCO for long-term arrears that have been fully 
allowed for.

Financial StatementsOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 2023 
15. Long-term Receivables

$’000

Amounts invoiced to TANESCO

Trade receivables – TANESCO 

Unrecognized amounts not meeting revenue recognition criteria1

Loss allowance

Net TANESCO receivable

VAT – Songas workovers

Lease deposit

89

As at December 31

2023

89,809

(5,851)

(61,940)

(22,018)

–

–

10

10

2022

92,547

(3,736)

(66,793)

(22,018)

–

2,205

10

2,215

1  The amount includes invoices for interest on late payments from TANESCO. 

The Company recognized 100% of amounts invoiced for deliveries to TANESCO as revenue during 2023 and 2022. During 2022, the amounts received 
from TANESCO were in excess of the revenue recognized for gas sales to TANESCO and $5.6 million of cumulative excess cash receipts over sales 
invoiced were recorded in 2022, reducing the long-term arrears and allowing the reversal of the associated loss allowances.

In 2017, based on agreement with TPDC, $12.3 million relating to the Songas share of workover costs of the wells SS-5 and SS-9 was transferred to the 
Cost Pool (as defined herein) to recover the costs via the PSA cost recovery mechanism. This resulted in $2.2 million relating to VAT on the workovers 
that had already been paid being reclassified as a long-term receivable. In Q2 2023, Songas agreed to pay the Company $7.6 million as full and final 
settlement of their share of the workover costs of the SS-5 and SS-9 wells. Pursuant to the agreement with Songas, the originally issued invoices will not 
be settled, hence the recovery of the associated VAT of $2.2 million has been written off in Q2 2023. In Q3 and Q4 2023, the Company credited the PSA 
Cost Pool with the $7.6 million. As of December 31, 2023, $5.0 million of the amount was received from Songas; of the remaining outstanding amount of 
$2.6 million, $2.0 million has been received subsequent to December 31, 2024.

16. Long-term Loan

In 2015 PAET took out the Loan with the IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, for $60 million. The Loan was fully drawn down in 2016. 

The Loan is to be paid out through six semi-annual payments of $5.0 million starting October 15, 2022 and one final payment of $25.2 million due on 
October 15, 2025. The Company may voluntarily prepay all or part of the Loan but must simultaneously pay any accrued base interest costs related 
to the principal amount being prepaid. The Loan is an unsecured subordinated obligation of PAET and was initially guaranteed by the Company to a 
maximum of $30.0 million. The guarantee may only be called upon by IFC at maturity in 2025 and, subject to IFC approval and receipt of all required 
regulatory approvals, the Company, at its discretion, may issue shares in fulfillment of all or part of its guarantee obligation in 2025. Pursuant to the sale 
of the non-controlling interest in PAEM, the parent company of PAET, in 2018, the Company agreed with the IFC to reduce the outstanding amount 
of the Loan by the percentage interest sold of 7.933% ($4.8 million) before the fourth anniversary of the first drawdown. PAET made this payment on 
October 16, 2019.

Dividends and distributions from PAET are restricted if at any time amounts of interest, principal or participating interest are due and outstanding. All 
amounts due under the Loan have been paid when due.

$’000

Loan principal

Financing costs

Current portion of long-term loan

As at December 31

2023

40,240

(279)

2022

50,240

(478)

(10,000)

(10,000)

29,961

39,762

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 2023 
90

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements cont.

17. Capital Stock 

Authorized
50,000,000 

Class A common shares (“Class A Shares”) 

No par value

100,000,000 

Class B subordinate voting shares (“Class B Shares”) 

No par value

100,000,000 

First preference shares 

No par value

The Class A and Class B Shares rank pari passu in respect of dividends and repayment of capital in the event of winding-up. Class A Shares carry twenty 
(20) votes per share and Class B Shares carry one (1) vote per share. The Class A Shares are convertible at the option of the holder at any time into 
Class B Shares on a one-for-one basis. The Class B Shares are convertible into Class A Shares on a one-for-one basis in the event that a take-over bid is 
made to purchase Class A Shares which must, by reason of a stock exchange or legal requirements, be made to all or substantially all of the holders of 
Class A Shares and which is not concurrently made to holders of Class B Shares. 

Changes in the Capital Stock

Number of shares

Class A Shares

Class B Shares

First preference shares

Total

Authorized
(000)

50,000

100,000

100,000

2023

Issued
(000)

1,750

18,051

–

As at December 31

Amount
($’000)

983

46,084

–

Authorized
(000)

50,000

100,000

100,000

2022

Issued
(000)

1,750

18,126

–

Amount
($’000)

983

46,274

–

250,000

19,801

47,067

250,000

19,876

47,257

The normal course issuer bid announced on July 5, 2022 (“2022 NCIB”) was in effect from July 11, 2022 until July 11, 2023. During 2023 the Company 
repurchased and cancelled 33,800 Class B Shares at a weighted average price of CDN$4.92 per Class B Share under the 2022 NCIB. In total, the 
Company has repurchased and cancelled 81,000 Class B Shares at a weighted average price of CDN$4.89 per share pursuant to the 2022 NCIB. 

On November 1, 2023 the Company announced a normal course issuer bid (“2023 NCIB”) to commence on November 6, 2023 to purchase Class B 
Shares through the facilities of the TSX Venture Exchange and alternative trading systems in Canada. As at December 31, 2023 the Company has 
repurchased for cancellation 40,900 Class B Shares at a weighted average price of CDN$4.59 pursuant to the 2023 NCIB. All issued capital stock is fully 
paid.

Changes in Stock Appreciation Rights

Outstanding as at January 1

Exercised

Forfeited

Outstanding as at December 31

Change in Restrictive Stock Units

Outstanding as at January 1

Exercised

Outstanding as at December 31

2023

SARs
(000)

Exercise price
(CDN$)

14

(14)

–

–

5.02

5.02

–

–

2022

SARs
(000)

Exercise price
(CDN$)

746

3.87 to 6.65

(678)

3.87 to 5.32

(54)

14

6.65

5.02

2023

2022

RSUs
(000)

Exercise price
(CDN$)

RSUs
(000)

Exercise price
(CDN$)

3

(3)

–

0.01

0.01

–

76

(73)

3

0.01

0.01

0.01

Financial StatementsOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202317. Capital Stock cont. 

Dividend Summary

Declaration date

February 1, 2024

November 15, 2023

August 16, 2023

May 17, 2023

February 24, 2023

18. Earnings Per Share 

(000)

Outstanding shares

Record date

March 29, 2024

December 29, 2023

September 29, 2023

June 30, 2023

March 31, 2023

Payment date

April 12, 2024

January 12, 2024

October 13, 2023

July 14, 2023

April 14, 2023

Weighted average number of Class A and Class B Shares, basic

Weighted average number of Class A and Class B Shares, diluted

91

Amount per share (CDN$)

0.10

0.10

0.10

0.10

0.10

As at December 31

2023

2022

19,841

19,841

19,923

19,923

The calculation of basic earnings per share is based on a net income attributable to shareholders for the year of $7.0 million (2022: $27.7 million) and a 
weighted average number of Class A and Class B Shares outstanding during the period of 19,841,448 (2022: 19,923,039).

19. Related Party Transactions

The Chair of the Company’s Board of Directors is a partner of Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer LLP, a law firm that provides legal advice to the Company 
and its subsidiaries. During the year ended December 31, 2023 fees for services provided by this firm totaled $0.8 million (2022: $0.5 million).

As at December 31, 2023 the Company had a total of $0.6 million (December 31, 2022: $0.1 million) recorded in trade and other liabilities in relation  
to related parties.

20. Contractual Obligations

Protected Gas
Under the terms of the Gas Agreement for the Songo Songo project, in the event that there is a shortfall/insufficiency in Protected Gas as a 
consequence of the sale of Additional Gas, the Company is liable to pay the difference between the price of Protected Gas ($0.55/MMbtu escalated) 
and the price of an alternative feedstock multiplied by the volumes of Protected Gas up to a maximum of the volume of Additional Gas sold which 
was 258 Bcf as at December 31, 2023 (December 31, 2022: 289 Bcf). The Company did not have a shortfall during the reporting period and does not 
anticipate a shortfall arising during the term of the Protected Gas delivery obligation to July 2024.

Terms of the Gas Agreement were modified by the Amended and Restated Gas Agreement (“ARGA”) which was initialed by all parties but remains 
unsigned. In certain respects, the parties thereto are conducting themselves as though the ARGA is in effect. Management does not foresee a material 
risk with the conduct of the Company’s business with an unsigned ARGA at this time.

Re-Rating Agreement
In 2011 the Company, TPDC and Songas signed a Re-Rating Agreement which evidenced an increase to the gas processing capacity of the Songas 
Infrastructure to a maximum of 110 MMcfd (the pipeline and delivery pressure requirements at the Ubungo power plant restrict the infrastructure 
capacity to a maximum of 102 MMcfd). Under the terms of the Re-Rating Agreement, the Company paid additional compensation of $0.30/mcf for 
sales between 70 MMcfd and 90 MMcfd and $0.40/mcf for volumes above 90 MMcfd by issuing credit notes to TANESCO. This was in addition to the 
tariff of $0.59/mcf payable to Songas as set by the energy regulator, EWURA.

Although Songas notified the Company in 2014 that the Re-Rating Agreement was terminated, the parties have continued to produce, transport and 
sell gas volumes in line with the re-rated plant capacity. In May 2016 the Company notified TANESCO and Songas that the additional compensation for 
sales over 70 MMcfd would no longer be paid effective June 2016. The additional compensation was always intended to be temporary in nature until the 
expansion of the Songas Infrastructure, at which time Songas would apply to EWURA to obtain approval of a new tariff for the processing of volumes 
over 70 MMcfd. The PGSA provides for passing on to TANESCO any tariff charged to the Company in the event that a new tariff is approved.

The parties to the Re-Rating Agreement are in the process of negotiating a replacement agreement which may address the additional compensation 
paid. In the interim, the processing capacity at the Songas Infrastructure remains unaltered and is fully available for utilization by the Company. This 
capacity is in addition to the capacity available within the NNGI.

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 2023 
 
92

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements cont.

20. Contractual Obligations cont.

Portfolio Gas Supply Agreement (“PGSA”)
On June 17, 2011, the PGSA was signed (term to June 2023) between TANESCO (as the buyer) and the Company and TPDC (collectively as the seller). 
TANESCO requested a change to the PGSA maximum daily quantity (“MDQ”) in accordance with clause 7.6(b) which PAET and TPDC approved 
effective January 29, 2018. In accordance with the PGSA, when calculating aggregate excess, extra and overtake gas through the supply period, the 
MDQ was reduced and the seller is now obligated, subject to infrastructure capacity, to sell a maximum of approximately 16 MMcfd (previously 26 
MMcfd) for use in any of TANESCO’s current power plants, except those operated by Songas at Ubungo. Previously under the PGSA any sales in excess 
of 36 MMcfd were subject to a 150% increase in the basic wellhead gas price. On December 22, 2018 a side letter amendment to the PGSA was agreed 
with TPDC to allow PGSA volumes up to a maximum monthly average volume of 35 MMcfd to temporarily flow through the NNGI. The temporary 
arrangement was terminated in September 2019 once the refrigeration unit became fully operational and all PGSA volumes were again processed 
through the Songas Infrastructure. In 2023, the PGSA, which was due to expire on June 30, 2023, was extended to a new expiry date of July 31, 2024. 
The Company has received confirmation from TANSECO that they wish to extend the PGSA post July 31, 2024.

Long-term Gas Sales Agreement (“LTGSA”)
On May 14, 2019 the Company and TPDC signed the LTGSA for an initial delivery of 20 MMcfd through the NNGI, at a price of $3.10/MMbtu as at 
January 1, 2019 (escalating 2% per annum) exclusive of any processing and transportation tariff associated with the NNGI. The LTGSA was amended on 
September 24, 2019 to increase the volumes supplied through the NNGI up to a MDQ of 30 MMcfd. In 2020 parties established a 12-month renewable 
agreement for the supply of volumes above 30 MMcfd on an ad-hoc basis, allowing TPDC to meet fluctuating demand and compensate for shortfalls in 
production from their Madimba plant without being penalized due to a higher, fixed contractual limit and the subsequent take or pay penalties should 
the demand reduce again. The agreement has allowed the Company to supply volumes in excess of 50 MMcfd on occasion, increasing average sales 
volumes and revenues.

21. Contingencies

Upstream and Downstream Activities
The Petroleum Act, 2015 (the “Petroleum Act”) provides TPDC with exclusive rights over the distribution of gas in Tanzania. The Petroleum Act has 
grandfathering provisions upholding the rights of the Company to develop and market natural gas produced under the PSA as it was signed prior to the 
Petroleum Act coming into effect in 2015. 

On October 7, 2016 the Government of Tanzania issued the Petroleum (Natural Gas Pricing) Regulation made under Sections 165 and 258 (I) of the 
Petroleum Act. Article 260 (3) of the Petroleum Act preserves the Company’s pre-existing right with TPDC to market and sell Additional Gas together 
or independently on terms and conditions (including prices) negotiated with third party natural gas customers. To date there has been no impact on the 
Company as a result of the Natural Gas Pricing Regulation, however, any future impact cannot be determined at this time.

TPDC Back-in
TPDC has the right under the PSA to “back in” to the Songo Songo field development and convert this into a carried working interest in the PSA. The 
current terms of the PSA require TPDC to provide formal notice in a defined period and contribute a proportion of the costs of any development, 
sharing in the risks in return for an additional share of the gas. To date, TPDC has not contributed towards any costs.

Cost Recovery
TPDC conducted an audit of historical costs (the “Cost Pool”) and in 2011 objected approximately $34.0 million of costs that had been recovered from 
the Cost Pool from 2002 through to 2009. In 2014 a portion of the objected costs were agreed to be cost recoverable by TPDC with $25.4 million 
remaining as being objected. Under the dispute mechanism outlined in the PSA, parties are to agree the appointment of an independent specialist to 
assist the parties in reaching agreement on costs that are still subject to queries. In 2014, prior to appointing an independent specialist, TPDC suspended 
the process. From 2010 to 2015 TPDC rejected a further $16.8 million of costs. In 2016 the Tanzanian Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (“PURA”) 
assumed the role of auditing the PSA Cost Pool from TPDC and for 2016 to 2020 have rejected all costs pertaining to downstream development 
amounting to $15.0 million and a further $9.5 million of other costs. In 2022 the Company and PURA negotiated a settlement on certain rejections with 
respect to 2016 to 2018 audits. As a result of this, $2.7 million was credited to the Cost Pool in Q2 2022. In 2023 the Company and PURA negotiated a 
settlement on certain rejections with respect to 2019 to 2020 audits. As a result of this, $0.7 million was credited to the Cost Pool in Q2 2023. 

In Q4 2023, the Company credited to the Cost Pool an additional $0.03 million with respect to 2021 audit. To date there remains a total of $66.6 million 
of costs that have been queried or rejected by TPDC or PURA through the Cost Pool audit process.

During 2019, discussions on the disputed amounts briefly resumed with TPDC. At the time of writing this report no independent specialist has been 
appointed and neither TPDC nor PURA have issued a formal dispute regarding cost recovery. If the matter is not resolved to the Company’s satisfaction, 
the Company intends to proceed to arbitration via the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes pursuant to the terms of the PSA. 
The Company’s view is that all costs have been correctly included in the Cost Pool, however should any of the costs be rejected as not being cost 
recoverable, the Company would be required to retroactively adjust its share of revenue for the period under dispute.

Financial StatementsOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202393

21. Contingencies cont.

Taxation
The following table provides a summary of the Company’s tax contingencies that are outstanding with the Tanzanian tax authorities:

Amounts in $’millions

Area

Income tax

Period

2008-09,  
2011-20

Reason for dispute

Deductibility of capital expenditures and expenses 
(2012, 2015 and 2016), additional income tax (2008, 
2011 and 2012), foreign exchange rate application 
(2013 to 2015, 2018 to 2020), underestimation of 
tax due (2014, 2016 and 2020) and methodology of 
grossing up income taxes paid (2015 to 2017).

Tax on repatriated 
income

2012-21

Applicability of withholding tax on repatriated 
income (2012 to 2021)

VAT

2012-20

VAT already paid (2012 to 2014), VAT on imported 
services (2015 and 2016), interest on VAT 
decreasing adjustments (2017) and input VAT on 
services (2017 to 2020).

Principal

Interest 
and penalties

As at December 31

2023

Total

2022

Total

20.8

20.4

0.2

41.4

13.3

4.0

1.3

18.6

34.1(1)

24.4(2)

1.5(3)

60.0

34.2

24.9

1.6

60.7

During 2022, following the expiry of the statutory deadline for the TRA to respond to the Company’s objections, the Company filed notices of intention 
to appeal to the Tanzania Revenue Appeals Board (“TRAB”) against the corporate income tax assessments for the years of 2012 to 2016, tax on 
repatriated income for the years of 2012 to 2014, and VAT for the years of 2015 to 2016. On several occasions during 2022 these matters came for 
hearing, and in April 2023, the Company received determination letters from the TRA. Further to that, in May 2023, the TRA issued final corporate 
income tax assessments for the years of 2012 to 2016, in which the TRA agreed to drop certain claims with respect to previously assessed corporate 
income tax for the years of income of 2012 and 2016. These claims are no longer represented in the table above.

On May 15, 2023, the Company filed statements of appeal at the TRAB for the remainder of claims on TRA’s notice of assessments with respect to 
the corporate income tax assessments for the years of 2012 to 2016 and tax on repatriated income for the years of 2012 to 2014. The TRAB adjourned 
the hearings of appeals and the date of hearing is now on notice. The TRAB further received written submissions from both parties on the preliminary 
objection raised by the TRA against the Company’s repatriated income tax appeals for the years of 2012 to 2014 and the parties are awaiting TRAB’s 
decision.

On May 22, 2023, the TRAB pronounced its judgment on the VAT appeal for the years of 2015 and 2016 ($0.2 million) in favor of the Company.  
A written judgment is still pending. The TRA did not file a Notice of Intention to Appeal at Tax Revenue Appeals Tribunal (“TRAT”) by the statutory filing 
deadline. The Company continues to monitor actions taken by the TRA. 

In Q4 2022, the TRA issued seven assessments for tax on repatriated income ($10.6 million) for the years of 2015 to 2021. The Company objected to 
the assessments on the grounds of the assessments lacking merit; additionally, the assessments for the years of 2015 and 2016 were time-barred. In 
Q1 2023, the Company received TRA’s proposals to settle the objections. In Q2 2023, the Company responded to the proposals. In Q3 2023, following 
TRA’s failure to issue final determination on the objections within the statutory time limit, the Company filed Notices of Intention at Appeal at the TRAB 
and later filed statements of appeal and is awaiting a hearing date.

In Q4 2022, the TRA issued six assessments for income tax and for ensuing interest on deemed delayed payments ($0.5 million) for the years of 2018 
to 2020. The Company objected to the assessments on the grounds of incorrect disallowance of expenses and use of exchange rates. In Q1 2023, the 
Company received TRA’s proposals to settle the objections. In Q2 2023, the Company responded to the proposals. In Q3 2023, following TRA’s failure to 
issue a final determination on the objections within the statutory time limit, the Company filed Notices of Intention at Appeal at the TRAB. In Q4 2023, 
the Company filed statements of appeal. On March 1, 2024 and March 19, 2024, the appeals came for hearing at the TRAB. Parties are expected to file 
closing submissions by April 9, 2024.

In Q3 2023, the TRAT pronounced its judgment on the corporate income tax appeal for the year 2011 ($1.6 million) in favor of the TRA. The Company 
filed a Notice of Intention to Appeal at the Court of Appeal of Tanzania (“CAT”). In Q4 2023, the Company filed a Memorandum of Appeal and is 
awaiting a hearing date. In Q4 2023, the Company recorded a provision of approximately $0.3 million.

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 202394

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements cont.

21. Contingencies cont.

Taxation cont.
In Q4 2022, the TRA issued an assessment for VAT ($0.1 million) for the years of 2019 and 2020. The Company objected to the assessment on the 
grounds that TRA incorrectly disallowed input VAT on certain services. In Q1 2023, the Company received TRA’s proposals to settle the objections. In Q2 
2023, the Company responded to the proposals. In Q3 2023, following TRA’s failure to issue final determination on the objections within the statutory 
time limit, the Company filed Notices of Intention at Appeal at the TRAB. In Q4 2023, the Company filed statements of appeal. On March 18, 2024 the 
Company filed its written submissions and the TRA is expected to file its reply by April 1, 2024.

Management, with advice from its legal counsel, has reviewed the Company’s position on the objections and appeals related to the disputed amounts 
and has concluded that no further provision is required. However, if the TRA reassesses the Company’s tax returns for open taxation years on a similar 
basis, the Company may be required to make future deposits to object such assessments.

The process of appealing assessments issued by the TRA starts by initially filing an appeal with the TRA. If this is not successful, claims can be taken 
to higher authorities starting with the TRAB, followed by an appeal to the TRAT and finally to the CAT. Below is a summary of the status of the various 
assessments:

(1)  (a)   2008 ($0.6 million): The Company objected to the TRA assessment that did not recognize a tax loss carried forward and is awaiting a response;

(b)   2009 ($0.7 million): The Company objected to an amended assessment from the TRA for being time-barred and arbitrary and is awaiting a TRA response;
(c)   2011 ($1.6 million): The Company is awaiting a CAT hearing date following the TRAT ruling in favor of the TRA;
(d)   2012 ($9.2 million): The Company appealed to the TRAB objecting to the TRA assessment with respect to understated revenue and deductibility of capital expenditures and 

expenses;

(e)   2013 ($1.9 million): The Company appealed to the TRAB objecting to the TRA assessment as being time-barred and without merit;
(f)   2014 ($4.9 million): The Company appealed to the TRAB objecting to the TRA assessment on the grounds that the TRA assessment incorrectly disallowed certain expenses and 

applied erroneous foreign exchange rates;

(g)   2015-16 ($8.1 million): The Company appealed to the TRAB as to TRA’s assessments on the grounds that the TRA assessments failed to recognize provisional tax payments, incorrectly 

disallowed capital expenditures and certain expenses and applied erroneous foreign exchange rates;

(h)   2017 ($6.6 million): The TRA issued an assessment for corporation tax which questioned the Company’s methodology of grossing up already paid corporation tax ($6.5 million) and 

raised the issue of imposing interest on deemed delayed payment ($0.1 million). The Company filed an objection and is awaiting the TRA’s response;

(i)   2018 ($0.02 million): The Company appealed to the TRAB objecting to the TRA’s assessment on the grounds that the TRA incorrectly disallowed certain expenses and applied 

erroneous foreign exchange rates;

(j)   2018-20 ($0.5 million): The Company appealed to the TRAB objecting to the TRA assessment on the grounds that the TRA incorrectly disallowed certain expenses and failed to 

recognise payments already made;

(2)  (a)  2012 ($2.9 million): The Company objected to the TRA assessment as being without merit and, following expiry of the statutory deadline for the TRA to respond, filed an appeal at the 

TRAB and is awaiting TRAB’s decision;

(b)   2013 ($7.5 million): The Company objected to the TRA assessment as being time-barred and without merit and, following expiry of the statutory deadline for the TRA to respond, filed 

an appeal at the TRAB and is awaiting TRAB’s decision;

(c)   2014 ($3.4 million): The Company objected to the TRA assessment as being without merit and, following expiry of the statutory deadline for the TRA to respond, filed an appeal at the 

TRAB and is awaiting TRAB’s decision;

(f)   2015-21 ($10.6 million): The Company appealed to the TRAB objecting to the TRA assessments for the year of income of 2015 ($1.9 million), 2016 ($1.9 million), 2017 ($1.6 million), 2018 

($1.1 million), 2019 ($1.6 million), 2020 ($1.1 million) and 2021 ($1.4 million) for being without merit and is awaiting hearing dates;

(3)  (a)    2012-16 ($0.2 million): The TRAB ruled in favor of the Company, parties are awaiting the written judgment. The TRA has not appealed the decision to the TRAT;

(b)   2017-18 ($1.2 million): The Company filed an objection to a TRA assessment and is awaiting a response. The Company objected to incorrect imposition of interest on VAT decreasing 

adjustments in respect of delayed TANESCO payment ($1.2 million) and disallowing input VAT claimed in certain services ($0.1 million);

(c)   2019-20 ($0.1 million): The Company appealed to the TRAB objecting to a TRA assessment on the grounds of incorrectly disallowing input VAT claimed.

In 2016 the TRA introduced significant changes in relation to the income tax treatment of the extractive sector with separate new chapters in Part V of 
the Income Tax Act 2004 (“ITA, 2004”) for mining and for petroleum to be effective commencing in 2018. Further changes were subsequently made by 
the Written Laws (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act, 2017 (“WLMAA, 2017”) and in particular section 36(a)(ii) of the WLMAA, 2017. The WLMAA, 2017 
amended sections 65M and 65N of the ITA, 2004 to exclude cost oil/cost gas from inclusion in both income and expenditure. The Company continues 
to review the tax effects of the changes as there are a number of uncertainties and ambiguities as to the interpretation and application of certain 
provisions of the WLMAA, 2017. In the absence of guidance on these matters, the Company has used what it believes are reasonable interpretations and 
assumptions in applying the WLMAA, 2017 for purposes of determining its tax liabilities and the results of operations, which may change as it receives 
additional clarification and implementation guidance. The Company does not expect a significant impact from the changes as it is able to recover taxes 
payable from the TPDC Profit Gas revenue entitlement under the terms of the PSA.

22. 

Directors’ and Officers’ Emoluments

$’000

Directors

Directors

Officers

Officers

Year

2023

2022

2023

2022

Base

500

500

1,532

1,250

Bonus

–

–

468

243

Stock based 
compensation
expense

–

–

–

–

Total

500

500

2,000

1,493

The table above provides information on compensation relating to the Company’s officers and directors. Four officers (year ended December 31, 2022: 
four) and three non-executive directors (year ended December 31, 2022: three) comprised the key management personnel during the year ended 
December 31, 2023. 

Financial StatementsOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 2023 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
23. Change in Non-Cash Operating Working Capital

$’000

Decrease (increase) in trade and other receivables

Increase in prepayments

Decrease in trade and other payables

Decrease in APT

(Decrease) increase in tax payable

Decrease in long-term receivable

24. Non-Controlling Interest

95

As at December 31

2023

945

(86)

(4,144)

(13,147)

(755)

2,205

2022

(5,463)

(418)

(1,460)

(8,503)

2,245

–

(14,982)

(13,599)

The Company sold 7.933% (7,933 Class A common shares) of PAEM to a wholly owned subsidiary of Swala TZ, Swala (PAEM) Limited’s (“Swala UK”) in 
2018 for $15.4 million cash and $4.0 million of Swala TZ’s Preference Shares pursuant to a share purchase agreement. The Preference Shares entitled the 
Company to a 10% per annum distribution payable 15 days after each quarter end commencing from the closing date, January 16, 2018. Payment of the 
quarterly distributions was at the discretion of Swala TZ based on funds available, however, the liability accrued if any amount was unpaid when due. 
For any distributable amount remaining unpaid at December 31, 2021, the Company may demand settlement and Swala TZ was obligated to comply 
by transferring and returning the Class A common shares of PAEM sold to Swala TZ. The aggregate value of these shares will equal the amount of the 
outstanding distributions.

Swala TZ was obligated to redeem 20% of the Preference Shares for cash annually starting from December 31, 2021 until all shares are redeemed.  
If at any time Swala TZ did not redeem in cash the required number of Preference Shares, Swala TZ was obligated to redeem the Preference Shares  
by transferring and returning the Class A common shares of PAEM sold to Swala TZ. The aggregate value of these Class A common shares is equal 
to the amount of any outstanding redemption. On August 8, 2022, the Company issued a redemption notice to Swala TZ, requesting that Swala TZ 
redeem 20% of the outstanding Preference Shares by August 23, 2022. On January 31, 2023 the Company issued a further redemption notice to Swala 
TZ, requesting that Swala TZ redeem a further 20% of the outstanding Preference Shares by February 15, 2023. 

On April 3, 2023, Swala TZ announced that its creditors resolved that Swala TZ be placed into liquidation at a creditors’ meeting held on March 31, 2023. 
On March 31, 2023, Apex Corporate Trustees (UK) Limited appointed representatives of Grant Thornton UK LLP as administrators of Swala UK. On July 
21, 2023, the Company repurchased the 7.933% shares in PAEM held by Swala UK for $7.5 million and the non-controlling interest is therefore eliminated 
in 2023.

A reconciliation of the non-controlling interest is detailed below:

$’000

Balance, beginning of year

Net income attributable to non-controlling interest

Distribution to non-controlling interest shareholder

Elimination of non-controlling interest

Balance, end of year

25. Subsequent Events

As at December 31

2023

5,670

–

(7,500)

1,830

2022

3,116

2,554

– 

–

–

5,670

On February 1, 2024 the Company declared a dividend of CDN$0.10 per share on each of its Class A Shares and Class B Shares for a total of $1.5 million 
to holders of record as of March 29, 2024 to be paid on April 12, 2024.

On March 20, 2024 PAET received a summons from the Tanzanian High Court (Commercial Division) to file a written statement of defense against a 
claim made by the seismic contractor for losses arising from PAET’s termination of the contract. The contractor seeks to claim $30.0 million for losses 
incurred plus legal costs, interest and general damages. The Company in consultation with its legal advisor believes that there are limited merits to the 
claim and as such does not consider it necessary to include a further provision in the 2023 financial statements. The initial hearing of the claim has been 
set as April 18, 2024.

Orca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 2023 
96

Corporate Information

Board of Directors

Jay Lyons
Executive Director and 
Chief Executive Officer 
Vancouver, Canada

Lisa Mitchell
Executive Director and 
Chief Financial Officer 
London, UK

David W. Ross
Chairman and Non-Executive Director 
Calgary, Canada

Dr Frannie Léautier
Non-Executive Director 
Washington DC, United States

Linda Beal
Non-Executive Director 
London, UK

Advisor to the Board and PAET 

Lloyd Herrick
Director, PAET
Calgary, Canada

Officers

Jay Lyons
Chief Executive Officer 
Vancouver, Canada

Lisa Mitchell
Chief Financial Officer
London, UK

Ewen Denning
Chief Operating Officer
London, UK

Andrew Hanna 
Managing Director, PAET 
Surrey, UK

Operating Office

Engineering Consultants

McDaniel & Associates Consultants Ltd.
Calgary, Canada

Auditors

KPMG LLP
Calgary, Canada

Website

orcaenergygroup.com

Lawyers

Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer LLP
Calgary, Canada

Transfer Agent

TSX Trust Company
Calgary, Canada

PanAfrican Energy Tanzania Limited 
Oyster Plaza Building, 5th Floor, 
Haile Selassie Road
P.O. Box 80139, 
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Tel: + 255 22 2138737
Fax: + 255 22 2138938

Registered Office

Orca Energy Group Inc. 
Vistra Corporate Service Centre  
Wickhams Cay II,
Road Town, Tortola
British Virgin Islands, VG110

Investor Relations

Jay Lyons
Chief Executive Officer  
ir@orcaenergygroup.com

Lisa Mitchell
Chief Financial Officer 
ir@orcaenergygroup.com

International Subsidiaries

PanAfrican Energy Tanzania Limited 
Oyster Plaza Building, 5th Floor, 
Haile Selassie Road
P.O. Box 80139, 
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Tel: + 255 22 2138737
Fax: + 255 22 2138938

PAE PanAfrican Energy Corporation
3rd Floor, Rogers House,
5 President John Kennedy Street 
Port Louis, Mauritius
Tel: + 230 207 8888
Fax: + 230 207 8833

Financial StatementsOrca Energy Group Inc.  Annual Report & Accounts 2023O

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Orca Energy Group Inc.
Wickhams Cay II
Road Town, Tortola
VG1110
British Virgin Islands
orcaenergygroup.com