By Our Reporter
Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are seeking to deepen economic ties, with improved transport links, mineral development and private sector investment identified as key drivers of increased bilateral trade.
Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba said the two countries had significant untapped economic opportunities that could be harnessed through stronger cooperation in mining, transport, agriculture and healthcare.
He made the remarks in Dodoma on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, during talks with his DRC counterpart, Ms Judith Suminwa Tuluka, at his office in Mlimwa.
Dr Mwigulu said both countries were endowed with abundant natural resources, including minerals, fertile land, forests, lakes and rivers, providing opportunities to expand trade and investment.
“There are still significant opportunities to strengthen economic cooperation between our two countries,” he said.
He called for greater involvement of the private sector, saying businesses in both countries needed to take advantage of opportunities offered by regional and continental trade arrangements.
“Tanzania and the DRC have many opportunities to increase trade. We will assign ministers responsible for the relevant sectors to continue meeting and address these issues,” he said.
Transport infrastructure featured prominently in the discussions, with Dr Mwigulu highlighting the strategic role of the Port of Dar es Salaam in facilitating the DRC's international trade.
He said the DRC was the largest user of the port among landlocked countries, accounting for 48 per cent of cargo handled for such countries.
The Prime Minister welcomed Ms Tuluka's visit to the Port of Dar es Salaam and Kwala Inland Container Depot in Coast Region, where Tanzania has allocated a substantial area to facilitate cargo handling for the neighbouring country.
“I am pleased that during this visit you had an opportunity to tour the Port of Dar es Salaam and Kwala Inland Container Depot, where we have allocated a large area to the DRC,” he said.
Dr Mwigulu also commended the DRC government for its decision to construct a road linking Lubumbashi with Kalemie, saying the project would open up additional trade opportunities for Tanzania.
The road project is expected to improve connectivity and facilitate the movement of goods between the two countries, further strengthening their economic relations.
On her part, Ms Tuluka thanked Tanzania for its longstanding support to the DRC, including military assistance, hosting refugees and providing food and medical supplies during difficult periods.
She particularly acknowledged President Samia Suluhu Hassan's contribution to regional peace efforts through various regional and international platforms.
“We are grateful to the Government of Tanzania, particularly President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who, through various regional and international meetings, has worked to support the Democratic Republic of Congo in maintaining peace,” she said.
Ms Tuluka said her country would not forget Tanzania's decision to host more than 90,000 Congolese refugees during a period of conflict involving Rwanda.
“We cannot forget Tanzania for receiving and providing shelter to more than 90,000 refugees when our country was facing difficulties. We sincerely appreciate Tanzania's solidarity,” she said.
Turning to the DRC's economic performance, Ms Tuluka said her government had undertaken reforms to strengthen the financial system and restore confidence in the country's economy among international partners.
She cited the appreciation of the Congolese franc against the US dollar as one of the indicators of progress, saying the exchange rate had improved since she took office in June 2024.
“When I took office in June 2024, one US dollar was equivalent to 3,000 Congolese francs. Today, one dollar is equivalent to 2,250 francs,” she said.
She added that the reforms had helped the country regain access to international financing and improve its position in relation to debt sustainability.
“The DRC currently enjoys a positive level of confidence on the international stage,” she said.
The discussions come as Tanzania seeks to strengthen its position as a regional trade and logistics hub, with the DRC remaining an important market for its transport infrastructure and a strategic partner in expanding cross-border commerce.