Presidents Dr.Samia and Museveni witness signing of deal to transform Tanga into energy hub

BY DIRAMAKINI

PRESIDENT of the United Republic of Tanzania, Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan and President of the Republic of Uganda, His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni have witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop Tanga into a regional energy hub.

The MoU was signed today, 6 August 2026, at the State House in Dar es Salaam during President Museveni’s Working Visit to Tanzania at the invitation of his host, President Samia.

The agreement brings together the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC),the Uganda National Oil Company Limited (UNOC), and Vitol Bahrain E.C.

Earlier, President Samia welcomed President Museveni at the State House, where the two leaders held a tête-à-tête.

Speaking after the signing ceremony, Tanzania’s Minister for Energy, Hon. Deogratius Ndejembi, said the agreement is intended to transform Tanga into a regional energy hub by leveraging its strategic geographical location and existing energy transportation infrastructure.

He said implementation of the agreement will strengthen regional and economic cooperation, unlock new investment opportunities in the energy sector, and enhance East Africa’s role in regional and global energy trade.

Minister Ndejembi added that the agreement reflects the commitment of African countries

to work together as strategic partners in planning, financing and implementing major

projects that drive economic growth and regional development.

Uganda’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Dr. Monica Masanza, described

the agreement as a significant milestone in advancing the long-term energy partnership

between Tanzania and Uganda.

She said the energy, petroleum and mining sectors are central to Africa’s development and

noted that the project will create employment opportunities for young people, promote trade and deepen economic cooperation between the two countries.

Tanga is also the export terminal for the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), which is under construction from Hoima in Uganda to Chongoleani in Tanga, Tanzania. The 24-inch pipeline stretches 1,443 kilometres and has the capacity to transport up to 216,000 barrels of crude oil per day to international markets.