Tanzania and Uganda have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to transform the northeastern Tanzanian port city of Tanga into a regional energy hub, marking a significant step toward strengthening energy cooperation and regional economic integration.
The agreement was witnessed by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni at the State House in Dar es Salaam during Museveni’s working visit to Tanzania.
Tanzania’s Minister of Energy, Deogratius Ndejembi, said the agreement is designed to capitalize on Tanga’s strategic location and existing energy transport infrastructure.
“The agreement aims to leverage Tanga’s strategic geographic position and existing energy transport infrastructure to transform it into a key regional energy hub,”Ndejembi said.
He added that the initiative is expected to boost regional and economic cooperation, attract investment in the energy sector, and strengthen East Africa’s position in the global energy market.
Tanga is also the terminus of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), currently under construction from Hoima in western Uganda to Chongoleani in Tanzania’s Tanga region.
Uganda’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Monica Masanza, described the agreement as a major milestone in deepening long-term cooperation between the two countries.
“The energy, oil, and mining sectors are central to Africa’s development,” Masanza said, adding that the project will create jobs for young people, expand trade, and further strengthen economic ties between Tanzania and Uganda.
