DAR ES SALAAM — Tanzania and Uganda have signed a strategic partnership with Bahrain-based energy company Vitol to develop the Tanga Regional Energy Hub, a project expected to strengthen East Africa’s energy security, industrialisation and regional trade.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) and Vitol Bahrain E.C., in a ceremony witnessed by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni at the State House in Dar es Salaam.
President Hassan said the project reflects the commitment by Tanzania and Uganda to maximise the value of their natural resources through greater economic cooperation and local participation in the energy sector.
She said transforming Tanga into a regional energy centre would create new opportunities for employment, investment and economic growth while enabling citizens of both countries to benefit from the wider energy value chain.
“Ninashukuru Mheshimiwa Rais Museveni kwa ushirikiano unaoendelea kuimarisha uhusiano kati ya Tanzania na Uganda na kuleta manufaa kwa wananchi wa nchi zetu,” President Hassan said, highlighting the importance of continued bilateral cooperation.
President Museveni said the partnership builds on the progress made through the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project and represents a broader strategy to ensure Africa derives greater value from its natural resources.
He said the Tanga Energy Hub, together with Uganda’s planned Hoima Refinery, will help shift the region away from exporting raw resources by creating capacity for refining, storage, logistics and manufacturing.
“Together with H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, I witnessed the signing of an MoU between UNOC, TPDC and Vitol Bahrain E.C. to develop the Tanga Regional Energy Hub,” Museveni said.
He added that the initiative reflects a Pan-African approach where countries work together to transform natural resources into drivers of prosperity for their people.
The project is expected to enhance regional energy infrastructure, promote industrial development and strengthen trade links between Tanzania, Uganda and the wider East African Community.
Both leaders said the initiative demonstrates the importance of regional collaboration in building economic resilience and ensuring that Africa’s resources generate greater value for African economies.
