DAR ES SALAAM– Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have taken a step in strengthening their bilateral trade and investment ties, paving the way for businesses and investors across both nations.
The Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade) has announced that a visit by the Governor from Uvila Province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Prof. Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki, has opened a new chapter of business cooperation between Tanzania and its neighboring country.
During the visit, the Governor toured various factories and investment sites across the country to witness the opportunities available, as one of the direct outcomes of the Lake Tanganyika Regional Trade Forum held recently.
Speaking on April 21, 2026, during the visit in Dar es Salaam, TanTrade Director General Dr. Latifa Khamis stated that they have identified the existence of business opportunities through the Lake Tanganyika corridor, particularly through the Kigoma gateway, which serves as an important link between Tanzania and eastern DRC.
“When we talk about our strategies, we are looking at ways to grow trade between ourselves and Congo. We have the advantage of geographical proximity, so we must make full use of this opportunity,” said Dr. Latifa.
TanTrade further emphasized that Tanzania’s strategic positioning along the western corridor through Kigoma facilitates the movement of manufactured goods and agricultural products. This strengthens the private sector’s contribution to the regional economy while creating new and sustainable ways for cross-border investment between the two nations. Also, it has encouraged Tanzanians to take advantage of these investment opportunities in order to grow personal income and the national economy as a whole, emphasizing that regional cooperation is the engine of business development
Governor Sadiki accepted TanTrade’s invitation to attend the 50th Saba Saba International Trade Fair, set to open on June 28, 2026. He will be accompanied by a high-profile delegation of leading DRC business figures creating an opportunity for investors and entrepreneurs to forge partnerships, explore new markets, and be part of a growing regional economic story.
Tanzania has long been recognized as one of Africa’s most investor-friendly countries, offering a stable political climate, a growing consumer base, strategic geographical location, and a government actively working to reduce barriers to trade and investment. This engagement with the DRC is widening the opportunity for both local and international investors.
The Investment Implications of the Tanzania-DRC Partnership
The planned construction of the Kigoma dry port is the most transformative development in this partnership. A fully operational dry port at Kigoma would dramatically reduce the cost and time of moving goods between the Indian Ocean coast and Central Africa. For investors, this infrastructure development represents an opportunity. Businesses stand to benefit as trade volumes between Tanzania and the DRC continue to grow.
Also, the partnership signals a shift in how East and Central Africa are integrating economically. For foreign and local investors alike, this means a market that is rapidly expanding, better connected, and increasingly supported by government policy on both sides. Tanzania’s emphasis on regional cooperation is backed by real infrastructure investment, active diplomatic engagement, and institutional support through bodies like TanTrade and the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA).
