Tanzania and Uganda have announced plans to start exporting crude oil to international markets in July, with leaders from both countries highlighting this initiative as a catalyst for a wider array of energy, transportation, and infrastructure projects. At a press conference in Dar es Salaam following talks between Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, it was revealed that the first shipment of crude oil will soon depart from Hoima in western Uganda via the East African crude oil pipeline to the port of Tanga in Tanzania.

President Hassan emphasized that this development marks the operational start of what is considered one of the largest cross-border investments in the region. She pointed out that exporting oil is not an isolated achievement but a critical component of a broader cooperation framework between the two nations, which also includes additional energy projects like a pipeline for transporting natural gas from Tanzania to Uganda and another for refined petroleum products to Tanga port.

The discussions between the two leaders also touched on enhancing port cooperation, focusing on the roles of the ports of Dar es Salaam, Tanga, and Mtwara in supporting traders. This initiative not only signifies an important economic step for both countries but also showcases a collaborative approach to utilizing regional resources and infrastructure to promote mutual growth and development.