Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have strengthened their economic cooperation with a renewed commitment to expand trade, attract investment and enhance private sector participation between the two neighbouring countries.
The engagement took place on April 21, 2026, at the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade) headquarters in Dar es Salaam, where officials and business stakeholders discussed practical steps to improve cross-border trade flows and unlock new investment opportunities in key sectors.
TanTrade Director General, Dr Latifa Khamis, said Tanzania is positioning itself as a key regional trade hub through improved systems that facilitate business and reduce operational barriers.
She said TanTrade continues to play a central role in connecting Tanzania with regional markets, noting that efforts are underway to strengthen logistics and ease the movement of goods.
“Tanzania is committed to ensuring that trade processes are efficient and predictable so that both local and international investors, including those from the DRC, can access opportunities without unnecessary delays,” she said.
Dr Khamis added that the focus is on expanding industrial production and value addition, particularly in food and manufactured goods, to enhance competitiveness within the region.
She said stronger cooperation with the DRC will help widen market access for businesses on both sides, adding that private sector involvement remains central to regional economic growth.
“The private sector is the engine of regional trade, and our goal is to ensure it operates in an environment that supports growth, innovation and cross-border partnerships,” she said.
On his part, the Governor of South Kivu Province (Bukavu), Prof Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki, encouraged Tanzanian investors to take advantage of opportunities available in the DRC, particularly in agriculture, mining, energy and infrastructure.
He said the country is undertaking reforms aimed at improving the investment climate and ensuring security for investors.
“The Democratic Republic of Congo is committed to creating a stable and secure environment that allows investors to operate with confidence and grow their businesses,” he said.
Prof Sadiki added that stronger trade relations with Tanzania will contribute to regional economic stability and shared prosperity, noting that cooperation between the two countries is increasingly important for market expansion.
He also pledged to mobilise Congolese business communities to participate in Tanzania’s major trade events, including the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (Sabasaba 2026), saying such platforms are critical for building networks and strengthening commercial ties.
The discussions mark a continued effort by both countries to deepen economic diplomacy and strengthen trade and investment flows within East and Central Africa, with expectations of increased business linkages and expanded market opportunities.
