OTR, TAZAMA discuss business direction to boost regional energy competitiveness

DAR ES SALAAM- The Office of the Treasury Registrar (OTR) and Tanzania-Zambia Mafuta (TAZAMA) Pipeline Limited have discussed the company's strategic direction, business opportunities and the need to strengthen its competitiveness in the regional energy market.

The discussions took place on November 9, 2026, when OTR received TAZAMA's Zambia-based Acting Managing Director, Ian Mutale, who paid an introductory visit to Treasury Registrar Nehemiah Mchechu in Dar es Salaam.

The Government of Tanzania, through OTR, holds a 33.3 per cent stake in TAZAMA, while the Government of Zambia owns the remaining 66.7 per cent.

Joining Mr Mutale on the visit were TAZAMA Director of Corporate Services, Mussa Mbura, and Director of Operations and Engineering, Dora Ernest.

During the meeting, Mr Mchechu emphasised the importance of managing public investments through a strategic shareholder approach that prioritises commercial sustainability, business growth and value creation.

He stressed that business decisions must make commercial sense and protect shareholder interests, noting that companies should be managed with a clear focus on performance and long-term sustainability.

On his part, Mr Mutale discussed TAZAMA's strategic positioning in the regional petroleum transportation market, drawing attention to alternative transportation infrastructure and its potential implications for the company's future business.

He referred to the Lobito Corridor and other emerging transportation routes, highlighting the changing competitive environment in which TAZAMA operates.

Mr Mutale also pointed to opportunities for expanding the company's business in Tanzania, citing its existing infrastructure, established presence and historical relationships in the country as important advantages when considering new commercial opportunities.

He observed that Tanzania offered a natural area for potential expansion, given that TAZAMA already has an operational foundation in the country, unlike markets where the company would need to establish infrastructure and business relationships from the ground up.