Tanzania and DRC Forge Strategic Energy Alliance to Expand Regional Oil and Gas Trade

The Minister for Energy of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Deogratius Ndejembi, has held bilateral talks with the Minister of Hydrocarbons of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Hon. Acacia Bandubola Mongo, to discuss strategies aimed at strengthening cooperation in the oil and natural gas sector.

The discussions focused on collaboration in petroleum and natural gas exploration and development, as well as the implementation of petroleum transportation and distribution projects to improve the availability of petroleum products in the DRC.

The meeting took place today, May 7, 2026, at the Ministry of Energy offices in Mtumba Government City, Dodoma.

Speaking during the meeting, Hon. Ndejembi noted that Tanzania is endowed with substantial natural gas resources and is currently implementing major strategic oil and gas infrastructure projects, including the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) from Hoima in Uganda to Tanga in Tanzania, as well as the new TAZAMA pipeline project.

He stated that these projects present significant opportunities for enhanced cooperation between Tanzania and the DRC, particularly in petroleum supply, distribution, and the broader development of the downstream oil sector, which could improve the efficiency of energy trade across the East and Central African regions.

“Our nations have significant opportunities to collaborate in advancing the oil and natural gas sector for the benefit of our people, while also promoting investment and regional energy trade,” Hon. Ndejembi stated.

For her part, Hon. Acacia Bandubola Mongo commended Tanzania’s progress in developing its energy sector and expressed the DRC’s readiness to cooperate with Tanzania in various areas related to oil and natural gas development.

The meeting was also attended by the Permanent Secretary for Petroleum and Natural Gas at the Ministry of Energy, Dr. James Mataragio; the Managing Director of the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation, Mr. Mussa Makame; the Petroleum Commissioner, Mr. Goodluck Shirima; and the Commissioner for Electricity and Renewable Energy, Engineer Innocent Luoga.

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