Zanzibar. Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have agreed to strengthen economic and social cooperation in strategic areas, including trade and investment, agriculture, minerals, energy, transport, infrastructure, health and digital technology.
The agreement was reached on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, following talks between President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her DRC counterpart, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, at the State House in Zanzibar.
President Samia said the two countries had agreed to deepen cooperation in the mining sector, noting that Tanzania and the DRC possess significant mineral resources and could benefit from sharing expertise and experience in mining, processing, value addition and mineral marketing.
She said the discussions also covered trade and investment, with the two countries agreeing to create a more conducive environment for businesses and investors, facilitate cross-border trade and promote the production of value-added goods.
The two countries also agreed to strengthen customs services and border infrastructure to remove unnecessary trade barriers and facilitate the movement of goods and people.
On transport and infrastructure, President Samia said the completion of the Kalemie-Manono road would strengthen connectivity between Tanzania and the DRC while stimulating economic activity in the two countries and the wider East and Central African regions.
She said Tanzania, as a close partner of the DRC, was ready to continue working with the country to build an interconnected economy, increase trade and investment, improve infrastructure and promote peace and shared prosperity.
The two leaders also discussed strengthening transport corridors and the use of ports to facilitate trade, alongside accelerating the implementation of railway, road, port and energy projects.
President Samia said peace and security remained an important foundation for economic development, adding that the two countries had emphasised the need to strengthen cooperation in this area for the benefit of the region and the continent.
President Tshisekedi said the visit had laid a foundation for deepening the historical and strategic relationship between Tanzania and the DRC.
He also stressed the importance of African countries adding value to their natural resources within the continent to create jobs and ensure that Africa’s wealth benefits Africans.
President Samia said President Tshisekedi’s visit had opened a new chapter in efforts to strengthen the historical ties and strategic partnership between Tanzania and the DRC.
