Tanzania and Uganda have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), agreeing to develop the northeastern Tanzania port city of Tanga into a regional energy hub, according to a statement issued by Tanzania’s Directorate of Presidential Communications.
Uganda is a landlocked country which could benefit from the future development of the port.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Museveni presided over the agreement 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 capitalise 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.
Monica Masanza, Uganda’s minister of energy and mineral development, described the agreement as a significant milestone in advancing long-term energy cooperation between the two countries.
She noted that the energy, oil, and mining sectors are central to Africa’s development, adding that the project will create jobs for the youth, boost trade, and deepen economic ties between Tanzania and Uganda.
MG/as/APA