Angola and Tanzania Support Linking Lobito and Tazara
Angolan President Visits Tanzania
Angola’s President Joao Lourenco undertook a state visit to Tanzania from 29 to 30 October 2026. During the visit, the two countries signed foru cooperation Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) covering law and justice, air #connectivity information and communication technologies (ICT), and metrology. It is also reported that both Angola and Tanzania support the linking of the #LobitoCorridor with the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (#TAZARA).
Law and Justice
The Transfer of Sentenced Persons Agreement provides a legal basis for extraditing prisoners form one country to the other. It sets out the legal procedures for such a transfer in accordance to the criminal justice system in both countries.
Air Connectivity
The Bilateral Air Services Agreement establishes a framework for strengthening air transport cooperation. The aim is to improve connectivity, reduce logistical costs, and support growth in trade, tourism, investment and other economic sectors.
Information and Communication Technologies
The Information and Communication Technologies MoU advances collaboration in #digitalization. It seeks to promote knowledge sharing and bolster the digital economy.
Metrology
The Metrology MoU sets the framework for cooperation in measurement science and related fields.
Link Lobito Corridor and Tazara
Tanzania’s President Samia Hassan declared that the Lobito Corridor’s Benguela Railway will link up with the Tanzania-Zambia Railway. Once completed, the strategic rail line will enable a seamless transcontinental connectivity from Lobito Port on the east coast of Africa to Dar es Salaam port on the west coast. In other words, the railway will allow the #Copperbelt region to have easier access to the Atlantic Ocean or the Indian Ocean.
Energy Cooperation
Angola has also invited Tanzania to invest in its oil refinery project. The Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation is assessing the viability of the partnership in the Lobito Oil Refinery Project. At the same time, Tanzania is considering a stake in the oil refinery in Kenya and contemplating its own domestic oil refinery project.