Tanzania and DRC Move to Deepen Trade, Mining and Infrastructure Ties

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Democratic Republic of Congo President Félix Tshisekedi held talks during Tshisekedi’s working visit to Tanzania, signaling a renewed push to expand economic ties and regional cooperation between the two nations.

The leaders met at Ikulu Ndogo in Zanzibar, where discussions centered on strengthening physical connectivity, eliminating unnecessary trade barriers, improving border services, and creating a more favorable environment for private-sector investment. President Samia invited the DRC to increase trade with Tanzania in sectors where the East African nation holds strong production capacity, notably agriculture, fisheries, and livestock.

Mining emerged as a key area of focus. Both sides agreed to broaden collaboration across the full mineral value chain, including exploration, extraction, processing, value addition, marketing, research, and the exchange of technical expertise. The partnership aims to leverage the DRC’s vast mineral resources alongside Tanzania’s growing role as a regional logistics and processing hub.

The two presidents also reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing peace and security cooperation, underscoring its importance for stability and shared prosperity in Tanzania, the DRC, and the wider Great Lakes region.

The talks mark a clear intent by Kinshasa and Dodoma to build a deeper economic partnership spanning infrastructure, minerals, trade, and regional security. Further details on specific projects, timelines, and implementation mechanisms are expected as follow-up discussions continue.