President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame on Tuesday witnessed the signing of a wide-ranging energy cooperation agreement between Tanzania and Rwanda, a move expected to strengthen regional energy security, power trade and investment across East Africa.
The agreement was signed on May 19, 2026, at the Kigali Convention Centre during the Second Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit for Africa 2026 (NEISA 2026) in Kigali.
Tanzania’s Minister for Energy, Deogratius Ndejembi, signed the deal on behalf of Tanzania, while Rwanda’s Minister of Infrastructure, Jimmy Gasore, represented Rwanda.
The agreement outlines a broad framework for cooperation in the energy sector, including electricity exchange between the two countries, development of joint power infrastructure projects and expansion of cross-border electricity trade aimed at improving reliability and access to energy.
The two nations will also cooperate in oil and natural gas exploration, petroleum products distribution and investment opportunities linked to Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) projects, reflecting growing regional efforts to diversify energy sources and attract strategic investment.
Another key area of cooperation includes the adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence to improve efficiency, innovation and management within the energy sector.
The signing comes as East African countries continue to strengthen regional integration through shared infrastructure and coordinated energy strategies designed to support industrial growth and economic transformation.
Among senior leaders who attended the ceremony were Tanzania’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, Zanzibar’s Minister of Finance, Khamis Omar, Zanzibar Deputy Minister for Water, Energy and Minerals Seif Pandu, and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy responsible for Electricity and Renewable Energy, Felchesmi Mramba.
Officials from both governments said the partnership marks another milestone in strengthening bilateral ties between Tanzania and Rwanda while positioning the region for greater energy connectivity and long-term economic cooperation.
