In a significant step toward regional energy collaboration, the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA) of Tanzania, the Zanzibar Petroleum Regulatory Authority (ZPRA), and the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) have entered into a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance joint efforts in oil and gas exploration, development, and production.
The MoU was officially signed during a recent ceremony in Entebbe, Uganda, attended by top regulatory officials and stakeholders. Key figures present included PURA Board Chairman Mr. Halfan Halfan, PAU Board Chairperson Ms. Lynda Biribonwa, PURA Director General Eng. Charles Sangweni, PAU Executive Director Eng. Ernest Rubondo, and ZPRA Managing Director Eng. Muhammed Said.
Areas of Cooperation
The agreement outlines cooperation in several critical areas within the petroleum industry, including oil and gas resource management, petroleum data handling, cost auditing, and environmental safeguards. Other collaborative efforts will focus on community engagement in energy projects, occupational health and safety, and the harmonization of legal and regulatory frameworks governing the petroleum sector.
According to the MoU, the three regulatory bodies aim to strengthen institutional capacity and share technical expertise, reinforcing the sustainable development of the region’s energy resources.
Speaking at the ceremony, PURA Board Chairman Mr. Halfan Halfan emphasized the importance of knowledge sharing and joint development strategies. “Through this agreement, it is evident that exploration, development, and production of oil and natural gas in our countries will be significantly strengthened,” he said.
PAU Board Chairperson Ms. Lynda Biribonwa echoed this sentiment, highlighting the necessity of collaboration for effective and responsible management of energy resources in East Africa.
Building on Strategic Projects
The MoU reinforces existing bilateral cooperation between Tanzania and Uganda, especially as both countries are central players in the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project. This massive infrastructure initiative will transport oil extracted from Uganda’s Lake Albert oilfields to the Tanzanian coast at Tanga Port, opening the way to international markets.
Spanning approximately 1,443 kilometers—80 percent of which lies within Tanzania—EACOP is a buried, thermally insulated 24-inch pipeline supported by six pumping stations (two in Uganda and four in Tanzania). The pipeline concludes at Tanga Port, where a terminal and jetty will facilitate export operations.
Upon completion, topsoil and vegetation will be restored along the pipeline’s path, enabling free movement of people and animals and minimizing environmental disruption.
Economic and Social Impact
With a total investment of roughly $4 billion, EACOP is regarded as a key project for unlocking Uganda’s oil potential while simultaneously boosting Tanzania’s infrastructure and economic development. It is expected to generate widespread benefits, including technology transfer, logistics improvements, and enhanced livelihoods for communities along the corridor.
The new partnership between PURA, ZPRA, and PAU reflects a shared vision for harnessing natural resources to drive regional prosperity. As regulatory frameworks become more integrated and expertise continues to grow across borders, East Africa is positioning itself as a competitive player in the global energy landscape.
