Uganda, Tanzania, Zanzibar sign MoU to boost East Africa’s oil and gas cooperation

The Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) has signed a landmark tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Zanzibar Petroleum Regulatory Authority (ZPRA) and Tanzania’s Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA), formalising a strategic partnership to enhance collaboration and knowledge sharing in the region’s oil and gas sector.

The agreement, signed on Tuesday in Entebbe, brings together three key regulators in East Africa and is expected to foster cooperation in areas such as petroleum resource management, cost monitoring, health and safety, national content development, and capacity building.

Speaking at the ceremony, PAU Board Chairperson Ms Lynda Biribonwa emphasised the need for regional synergy. “The East African region is one of the most prolific frontier areas for oil and gas exploration and development. Collaboration among regulators is paramount to leverage existing expertise and resources in this specialised, capital-intensive sector,” she said.

Ms Biribonwa described the MoU as a milestone that will deepen ties and support mutual growth. “I am happy that we can sign this MoU and take forward these areas of cooperation for the mutual benefit of our countries and sister institutions,” she added.

Mr Halfani R. Halfani, Chairperson of the PURA Board, welcomed the formalisation of a relationship that has long existed informally. “This MoU will facilitate sharing best practices so that the region can maintain the capability to attract and retain investment,” he said.

ZPRA Managing Director Mr Muhammed S. Said echoed similar sentiments, noting that the partnership is a platform for collective progress. “By putting all of our resources together, we can learn from each other and drive the industry forward for the benefit of all.”

PURA’s Director General, Mr Charles J. Sangweni, revealed that discussions around the tripartite MoU had been ongoing for nearly a year. He expressed optimism that the agreement will “strengthen our bonds” and enhance technical cooperation, including data exchange and joint capacity building.

Mr Sangweni also hinted at the possibility of expanding the regional cooperation framework to include other countries such as Kenya.

The signing was hailed as a timely step toward regional integration in the extractives sector, resonating with the Swahili proverb “Umoja ni nguvu”—unity is strength.

The visiting delegations are scheduled to tour Uganda’s oil and gas sites in the Albertine Graben to appreciate progress as the country gears up for its first oil production.

Ms Biribonwa concluded: “Together, let us chart a transformative path forward for the petroleum industry in East Africa.”