Tanzania and Uganda have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop the northeastern Tanzanian port city of Tanga into a regional energy hub. The agreement was signed on Thursday during Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni’s working visit to Tanzania and was witnessed by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the State House in Dar es Salaam.
Tanzania’s Energy Minister Deogratius Ndejembi said the initiative would utilise Tanga’s strategic location and existing energy infrastructure to strengthen regional cooperation, attract investment and increase East Africa’s participation in global energy trade.
Tanga serves as the endpoint of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, which is being constructed to transport crude oil from Hoima in western Uganda to Chongoleani in Tanga.
Uganda’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Development Monica Masanza described the agreement as a major step towards strengthening long-term energy cooperation between the two countries. She said the project would support economic growth, create jobs, boost trade and deepen ties between Tanzania and Uganda.