Tanzania & DR Congo Forge Unprecedented Strategic Alliance

Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have embarked on a new chapter of strengthened strategic ties. This commitment was solidified during the state visit of DRC President Felix Antoine Tshisekedi to Tanzania.

During discussions at her residence in Kizimkazi, Unguja South Region, Zanzibar, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan emphasized that these renewed ties would focus on crucial areas such as improving transport links, boosting trade and investment, enhancing cooperation in infrastructure development, and promoting peace and security.

These efforts are aimed at accelerating socio-economic growth in both nations, building on their friendly, neighboring, and longstanding partnership.

The historical relationship between Tanzania and the DRC has seen extensive cooperation, particularly in trade, transport, and infrastructure. Trade between the two countries reached an impressive 794 billion Tanzanian shillings last year, with the Port of Dar es Salaam serving as a vital gateway for DRC-bound cargo via the Central Corridor.

Recognizing this critical link, the leaders held extensive discussions on implementing the Multimodal Transportation Project. This ambitious project seeks to integrate port, railway, road, and water transport services, aiming to significantly reduce the cost and time associated with transporting goods.

President Samia highlighted that this initiative would not only enhance efficiency along the Central Corridor but also stimulate trade and investment between Tanzania, the DRC, and other regional countries.

Tanzania is actively investing in major infrastructure projects to support this vision. The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) is being extended to the western parts of the country, with plans to eventually connect with Burundi and the DRC, thereby facilitating seamless movement of passengers and cargo.

Furthermore, the government is upgrading key ports on Lake Tanganyika, including Kigoma and Karema, and strengthening water transport services through the construction of new vessels.

President Samia underscored the importance of these investments, noting that "More than 60 per cent of the cargo passing through the Port of Dar es Salaam is destined for the DRC." She also commended the DRC for commencing construction of the Kalemie-Manono Road, a project expected to further solidify economic and social ties between communities.

Beyond physical infrastructure, the two nations agreed to dismantle non-tariff barriers to trade, streamline border services, and encourage greater private sector involvement in development projects. Tanzania expressed its readiness to continue providing the DRC with readily available agricultural, livestock, and fisheries products, stressing the need to expand regional trade in these sectors.

In the mining industry, a critical economic pillar for both countries, cooperation will intensify through the exchange of expertise, technology, and knowledge on mineral extraction and value addition. Tanzania has extended an invitation for the DRC to collaborate with the East and Central African Mining Centre, fostering research, training, and knowledge-sharing.

Peace and security also featured prominently in the discussions, particularly addressing the longstanding challenges in eastern DRC. President Samia reiterated Tanzania's unwavering commitment to working closely with the DRC to build resilient economies, strengthen trade and investment, improve infrastructure, and promote peace for the collective benefit of their citizens and the African continent.

She also praised President Tshisekedi's efforts in combating infectious disease outbreaks like Ebola, recognizing public health as an essential component of national security and development.

President Tshisekedi echoed these sentiments, affirming the determination of both countries to fortify bilateral cooperation in key areas. He announced the agreement to revive the Joint Cooperation Commission, which will serve to coordinate and enhance the implementation of bilateral agreements.

His talks focused on consolidating peace and security while simultaneously boosting trade through strategic investments in infrastructure such as roads, ports, and bridges. Regarding public health, President Tshisekedi assured Tanzanians of the DRC's robust capacity to contain Ebola outbreaks, drawing on the country's experience and internationally recognized expertise.

Looking towards a sustainable future, President Tshisekedi emphasized the critical need for African nations to add value to their natural resources by processing them domestically, rather than exporting raw materials.

He articulated that this approach would be instrumental in creating jobs for the continent's youthful population, which comprises over 60 percent of Africa's demographic, and significantly increasing government revenues.

Achieving this vision, he noted, would necessitate substantial investments in infrastructure and energy, including power generation and renewable sources like solar energy.

Expressing deep satisfaction with the progress made in Tanzania-DRC cooperation, President Tshisekedi concluded his visit with renewed optimism. He emphasized that stronger bilateral partnerships are fundamental to building a more prosperous and developed Africa and assuring continued collaboration in safeguarding peace, security, and stability.