Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have signed a trade facilitation and cooperation agreement in Dar es Salaam. The agreement aims to grow both economies and open more trade and investment opportunities. The signing ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials from both countries. This development is expected to strengthen economic ties between the two nations.
The agreement was signed by Minister for Industry and Trade, Judith Kapinga, and DRC Minister of Trade, Julien Paluku Kahongya. The signing followed a recent visit by the DRC President focused on trade opportunities. The DRC relies heavily on the Port of Dar es Salaam to transport goods to the country. This highlights the importance of the port in regional trade.
The priority areas of cooperation outlined by Kapinga include transport, exports, trade facilitation, infrastructure, and cross-border trade. A joint trade committee will be established to improve the business environment between the two countries. This committee will play a crucial role in implementing the agreement and identifying areas for further cooperation.
The DRC delegation visited the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) to observe the operations of the Port of Dar es Salaam. The port is a key link in trade between Tanzania and the DRC. The delegation's visit demonstrates the DRC's interest in learning from Tanzania's experience in port management.
Sempeho Manongi, Director of Trade Development at the Ministry of Industry and Trade, described the DRC as an important country for Tanzania in trade relations. Goods produced in the DRC, including minerals, can pass through the Port of Dar es Salaam and use Tanzanian infrastructure. In return, goods produced in Tanzania can reach the DRC market.
Trade between Tanzania and the DRC has grown into a substantial economic relationship centred on the Port of Dar es Salaam. In 2025, Tanzania exported goods worth TZS 795 billion to the DRC, while imports from the DRC were valued at TZS 24 billion. This significant trade imbalance highlights the potential for further cooperation and growth.
The presidents of both countries agreed to strengthen economic and social cooperation in strategic areas, including trade and investment, agriculture, mining, energy, transport, infrastructure, and health. The DRC has begun preparations to build a dry port in Dar es Salaam to streamline the handling of Congolese cargo moving through Tanzania's main gateway to international markets.
Key points
- The agreement aims to grow both economies and open more trade and investment opportunities.
- The DRC relies heavily on the Port of Dar es Salaam to transport goods to the country.
- Trade between Tanzania and the DRC was valued at TZS 819 billion in 2025.
