Tanzania, DR Congo Set Out New Plans to Expand Trade, Mining and Transport Ties

Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo have agreed to deepen economic and social cooperation, with trade, minerals, energy, transport and technology among priority areas.

The agreement was reached on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, during talks between President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her Democratic Republic of Congo counterpart, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, at the State House in Zanzibar.

The two leaders discussed ways to expand cooperation in strategic sectors, including trade and investment, agriculture, mining, energy, transport and infrastructure, healthcare and digital technology.

In trade and investment, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo agreed to create a more favourable environment for businesses by simplifying cross-border trade, improving customs services and border infrastructure, and increasing the production and trade of value-added goods.

The two countries also agreed to strengthen cooperation in the mining sector, including geological research, mineral exploration and extraction, processing and value addition within Africa.

The leaders further committed to developing skills and promoting the use of technology to support the growth of the mining sector and ensure that the two countries benefit more from their mineral resources.

Transport and energy also featured prominently in the discussions, with the two countries agreeing to increase the use of Tanzania’s ports and transport corridors to facilitate trade with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Tanzania and the DRC also expressed their intention to accelerate infrastructure projects involving railways, roads, ports, airports and inland waterways, while strengthening cooperation in the energy sector.

The two governments also reaffirmed the importance of peace and security, describing them as essential foundations for economic and social development.

Tshisekedi said his visit to Tanzania had opened a new chapter in relations between the two countries, with opportunities to strengthen cooperation in existing areas and explore new fields of mutual interest.

He also called for greater value addition to Africa’s natural resources, saying the continent should move away from exporting minerals and other resources in raw form.

“Africa must stop exporting its resources in raw form and instead add value within the continent so that we can create jobs, especially for young people, and ensure that Africa’s wealth benefits Africans,” Tshisekedi said.

The discussions build on the longstanding relationship between Tanzania and the DRC, which has developed through trade, transport and other areas of cooperation.

Tanzania is an important trade and transport gateway for the landlocked DRC, particularly through the port of Dar es Salaam and transport corridors linking Tanzania with eastern and central parts of the DRC.

Tshisekedi’s visit to Tanzania began on August 17 following an invitation from President Samia. The two leaders’ latest talks are expected to provide a framework for expanding bilateral cooperation and increasing economic links between the neighbouring countries.