Dodoma. Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have entered a strategic partnership to revolutionise the hydrocarbon sector across East and Central Africa.
The agreement, aimed at intensifying joint exploration and streamlining petroleum distribution, marks a pivotal shift in how the two nations manage their vast natural resource wealth.
The partnership was formalised during a high-level summit between Tanzania’s Minister of Energy, Deogratius Ndejembi, and the DRC’s Minister of Hydrocarbons, Acacia Bandubola Mongo.
The talks focused on a comprehensive roadmap for the development of natural gas reserves and the expansion of cross-border infrastructure to stabilise fuel supplies in the DRC.
Central to these discussions is the integration of the DRC into Tanzania’s existing and upcoming energy corridors.
Mr Ndejembi confirmed that Tanzania is prepared to leverage major strategic assets, including the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) and the TAZAMA pipeline, to facilitate the flow of petroleum products to the DRC.
This infrastructure-led approach is designed to eliminate supply bottlenecks and lower the cost of energy for industrial and domestic use.
Beyond logistics, the bilateral agreement covers the technical and commercial aspects of natural gas development.
Tanzania, which possesses significant proven gas reserves, intends to share technical expertise with the DRC to accelerate exploration efforts.
Mr Ndejembi noted that this synergy is not merely about trade, but about creating an energy-independent corridor that can withstand global market volatility.
Ms Bandubola Mongo expressed the DRC’s full commitment to the venture, praising Tanzania’s rapid modernisation of its energy sector.
She emphasised that the cooperation will provide the DRC with a reliable gateway for energy imports while laying the groundwork for future joint ventures in upstream exploration.
Both nations have agreed to establish a joint technical task force to oversee the immediate implementation of these petroleum distribution projects.
