Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo have agreed to strengthen economic cooperation by expanding trade and investment opportunities across mining, transport, agriculture and healthcare sectors. The commitment came during talks between Tanzanian Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba and his DRC counterpart, Ms Judith Tuluka, on Wednesday in Dodoma. Dr Nchemba said the two countries are endowed with abundant natural resources, including minerals, fertile land, forests, lakes and rivers, and have significant potential to increase their current trade volumes by encouraging the private sector to take advantage of opportunities available through regional and continental economic frameworks.
Dr Nchemba highlighted the strategic importance of Tanzania's ports to the DRC, noting that the Democratic Republic of Congo is the largest user of Dar es Salaam Port, accounting for 48 per cent of the total cargo handled for landlocked countries. He said Tanzania has allocated a large area at Kwala Dry Port for DRC use and commended the DRC government's decision to construct a road from Lubumbashi to Kalemie, which he said would open up more trade opportunities for Tanzania. He said ministers responsible for relevant sectors would continue meeting to finalise cooperation arrangements.
Ms Tuluka expressed gratitude for Tanzania's support to the DRC during periods of conflict and instability. She highlighted that Tanzania has hosted and provided shelter to more than 90,000 DRC refugees and has provided military assistance, food and medical supplies. She said Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan has advocated for the DRC to maintain peace through various regional and international meetings.
Ms Tuluka also outlined economic improvements in the DRC, saying the country has implemented reforms through various domestic and international programmes that have improved its financial system and international standing. She said the DRC's currency has strengthened against the US dollar, moving from an exchange rate of 3,000 Congolese francs per US dollar when she took office in June 2024 to 2,250 francs currently. She said these improvements have enabled the DRC to secure loans worth one million US dollars and move away from being classified as a country with distressed debt, noting that the DRC currently has positive credibility at the international level.