Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are expected to push for stronger economic and strategic cooperation as DRC President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo begins a two-day working visit to Tanzania.
President Tshisekedi arrived in Zanzibar on Monday, August 17, 2026, through Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, following an invitation by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
He was received by Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Ambassador Dr Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, Tanzania’s Ambassador to the DRC Said J. Mshana and other government officials.
The visit, which ends on August 18, is expected to focus on areas that have a direct bearing on economic growth and the movement of people, goods and services between the two countries.
Among the key issues on the agenda are trade and investment, agriculture and food security, mining, energy, transport and infrastructure, health and digital technology.
The talks are also expected to address peace and security in the Great Lakes region, alongside regional and international matters of mutual interest.
For Tanzania, the discussions could open further opportunities for businesses seeking access to the vast DRC market, while stronger transport and trade links could help reduce barriers to the movement of goods between the two countries.
The DRC is also an important market for Tanzania, particularly through the Dar es Salaam corridor, which provides a key route for the movement of goods to and from the landlocked country.
The two presidents are expected to review the implementation of existing bilateral agreements and identify practical measures to strengthen cooperation in areas of shared interest.
The visit also comes at a time when both countries are seeking to expand economic opportunities, improve infrastructure connectivity and strengthen regional cooperation.
Beyond government-to-government relations, deeper Tanzania-DRC ties could benefit citizens through increased trade, investment, employment opportunities, improved transport links and wider access to services.
The visit is therefore expected to reinforce the longstanding relationship between Tanzania and the DRC while giving fresh momentum to economic and social cooperation between the two countries.
