ZANZIBAR, Tanzania — August 18, 2026 — The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Tanzania have agreed to deepen cooperation across critical minerals, transport infrastructure, energy, agriculture, digital connectivity, trade and regional security, following President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo’s official visit to Tanzania on August 17–18.
President Tshisekedi and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan held bilateral talks at State House in Zanzibar on Tuesday, where the two leaders agreed on measures aimed at strengthening economic integration and opening new opportunities for businesses and communities in both countries.
DRC and Tanzania Agree on Strategic Minerals Partnership
One of the most significant outcomes was an agreement to establish a Strategic Partnership on Minerals.
The partnership will cover critical minerals, geological data, mineral processing, value addition and responsible investment. The two governments instructed their authorities to prepare a Memorandum of Understanding defining priority actions.
Tanzania also welcomed the DRC’s interest in joining the African Minerals and Geosciences Centre (AMGC) in Dar es Salaam.
The initiative could deepen cooperation between two countries occupying increasingly important positions in Africa’s critical-minerals and regional logistics landscape.
Central Corridor, Kigoma and Kalemie Connectivity
The two presidents reaffirmed their commitment to improving the Central Corridor, including connections through the ports of Dar es Salaam, Kigoma and Kalemie.
Cooperation will cover lake transport, roads and the progressive interconnection of railway networks, subject to technical and financial studies.
PRESS RELEASE
DRC and Tanzania Open New Chapter in Strategic Partnership
Aug 18, 2026
Aug 19, 2026
5 min read
Published
Updated:
ZANZIBAR, Tanzania — August 18, 2026 — The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Tanzania have agreed to deepen cooperation across critical minerals, transport infrastructure, energy, agriculture, digital connectivity, trade and regional security, following President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo’s official visit to Tanzania on August 17–18.
President Tshisekedi and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan held bilateral talks at State House in Zanzibar on Tuesday, where the two leaders agreed on measures aimed at strengthening economic integration and opening new opportunities for businesses and communities in both countries.
DRC and Tanzania Agree on Strategic Minerals Partnership
One of the most significant outcomes was an agreement to establish a Strategic Partnership on Minerals.
The partnership will cover critical minerals, geological data, mineral processing, value addition and responsible investment. The two governments instructed their authorities to prepare a Memorandum of Understanding defining priority actions.
Tanzania also welcomed the DRC’s interest in joining the African Minerals and Geosciences Centre (AMGC) in Dar es Salaam.
The initiative could deepen cooperation between two countries occupying increasingly important positions in Africa’s critical-minerals and regional logistics landscape.
Central Corridor, Kigoma and Kalemie Connectivity
The two presidents reaffirmed their commitment to improving the Central Corridor, including connections through the ports of Dar es Salaam, Kigoma and Kalemie.
ADVERTISEMENT
Cooperation will cover lake transport, roads and the progressive interconnection of railway networks, subject to technical and financial studies.
This could strengthen the DRC’s access to Tanzania’s transport infrastructure and provide additional routes linking Congolese production centres with international markets.
The governments also welcomed progress toward establishing a cross-border fibre-optic connection between Kigoma and Kalemie, calling for the remaining technical, regulatory and security arrangements to be completed.
Energy Cooperation Could Expand
Kinshasa and Dodoma will also assess cooperation in oil and gas exploration, transportation, storage and refining, alongside electricity interconnection and renewable energy.
The two countries agreed to explore potential synergies with regional infrastructure, including EACOP and TAZAMA, where technically and economically viable.
Agriculture, Trade and Private Investment
The partnership will extend to agricultural mechanisation, irrigation, fisheries, aquaculture, livestock improvement, agro-processing, storage, agricultural finance and food security.
ADVERTISEMENT
The presidents also agreed to reinvigorate the Joint Permanent Commission, which will serve as the central mechanism for monitoring bilateral cooperation.
Its economic and trade component is expected to meet annually at ministerial level to address non-tariff barriers, customs and transit constraints and encourage greater private-sector participation.
Both governments also committed to making greater use of the African Continental Free Trade Area, SADC Free Trade Area and East African Community Common Market.
Tanzania Backs DRC Sovereignty and Withdrawal of Foreign Forces
Peace and security in eastern Congo featured prominently in the talks.
The joint communiqué reaffirmed support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity of the DRC and called for implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions, including the cessation of hostilities and withdrawal of foreign forces from Congolese territory.
The leaders simultaneously supported efforts to neutralise armed groups, including the FDLR, through disarmament, demobilisation, repatriation or reintegration alongside accountability and transitional justice.
ADVERTISEMENT
TRENDING NOW
POPULAR TODAY
They also backed the Washington and Doha peace processes and agreed to strengthen cooperation against the illegal exploitation and trafficking of natural resources.
A New Chapter in DRC–Tanzania Relations
President Samia congratulated the DRC on its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2026–2027, while President Tshisekedi reaffirmed Congo’s support for Tanzania’s candidature for the 2029–2030 term.
The two leaders described the visit as opening “a new chapter in the strategic partnership” between their countries.
President Tshisekedi subsequently invited President Samia to make an official visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo at a mutually agreed date. The invitation was accepted.
The joint communiqué was issued in Zanzibar on August 18, 2026, in English and French, with both texts considered equally authoritative.
ADVERTISEMENT
RELATED ARTICLE
