Tanzania, DRC deepen gas partnership to strengthen regional energy trade

Dodoma. Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have signed a new energy cooperation agreement aimed at expanding the use of natural gas and strengthening petroleum distribution across East and Central Africa.

The deal was reached during talks between Tanzania’s Minister for Energy, Mr Deogratius Ndejembi, and the DRC’s Minister of Hydrocarbons, Ms Acacia Bandubola Mongo, in Dodoma.

The partnership places natural gas development at the centre of regional energy integration efforts. It also seeks to improve fuel supply chains and support industrial growth in both countries.

Mr Ndejembi said Tanzania was ready to use its growing gas sector and strategic energy infrastructure to support the partnership. He noted that the country’s proven natural gas reserves provide a strong foundation for long-term regional cooperation.

He said the agreement would promote joint exploration activities, technical cooperation and investment in gas-related infrastructure.

“Tanzania is committed to building reliable energy partnerships that will support economic growth and reduce dependence on unstable global fuel markets,” he said.

The two countries are also exploring ways of integrating the DRC into Tanzania’s existing and planned energy transport networks. These include the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) and the TAZAMA pipeline.

According to Mr Ndejembi, improved cross-border infrastructure would help ease fuel supply challenges and lower transport costs for petroleum products entering the DRC.

He added that natural gas cooperation would go beyond commercial trade, with both countries seeking to create a more stable regional energy corridor capable of supporting industrialisation.

Tanzania, which holds substantial offshore and onshore gas reserves, is expected to share technical expertise with the DRC to accelerate hydrocarbon exploration and development projects.

Ms Bandubola Mongo praised Tanzania’s progress in developing its energy sector, particularly in natural gas utilisation and infrastructure expansion.

She said the partnership would provide the DRC with a more reliable route for petroleum imports while opening opportunities for future joint investments in gas exploration and production.

The ministers agreed to establish a joint technical task force to coordinate implementation of the agreed projects and oversee cooperation in petroleum distribution and natural gas development.

The agreement reflects growing regional efforts to use natural gas resources to drive economic integration, improve energy security and support industrial expansion across Africa.