Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are set to deepen economic and diplomatic cooperation as President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo begins a two-day state visit to Tanzania on August 17, 2026.
President Tshisekedi is visiting at the invitation of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, with the talks expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in strategic sectors including mining, oil and gas, infrastructure, transport and digital technology.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation on Sunday, the two leaders are also expected to discuss peace, security and regional stability.
A key outcome of the visit is expected to be the signing of several agreements between Tanzania and the DRC.
The agreements are expected to cover areas of mutual interest, including investment, mining, oil and gas, infrastructure, transport and digital technology, potentially creating new opportunities for businesses and investors in both countries.
The two presidents are also expected to address the media jointly after their official talks to outline the outcomes of the visit and measures agreed upon to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
The visit marks President Tshisekedi’s third trip to Tanzania, following previous visits in 2019 and 2022.
Those visits helped strengthen cooperation between Tanzania and the DRC in areas including mining, port services, infrastructure, business and investment.
The latest engagement comes at a time when economic ties between the two countries are becoming increasingly important, particularly given Tanzania’s role as a transport and trade gateway for the landlocked DRC.
The two countries have opportunities to further expand cooperation in transport infrastructure, logistics, energy, minerals and cross-border trade.
For Tanzania, stronger economic relations with the DRC could support increased use of its ports and transport corridors while creating opportunities for local businesses involved in logistics, construction, trade and related services.
For the DRC, deeper cooperation with Tanzania could strengthen access to regional and international markets through Tanzania’s infrastructure and ports.
The Ministry said the visit is also intended to reinforce the historical and diplomatic ties between Tanzania and the DRC.
The two countries are expected to review progress in existing areas of cooperation and identify new areas for partnership, particularly projects capable of supporting economic growth and improving connectivity between their populations.
The discussions on peace and security are also significant given the importance of stability to trade, investment and infrastructure development in the Great Lakes region.
With mining, infrastructure, energy and transport high on the agenda, the visit is expected to provide a platform for Tanzania and the DRC to translate their longstanding diplomatic relationship into broader economic opportunities.
