Uganda, Tanzania, and Zanzibar Forge Historic Oil Regulatory Alliance
Tripartite agreement accelerates East Africa’s push toward 2026 oil production targets
Uganda has signed a groundbreaking tripartite agreement with Tanzania and Zanzibar to revolutionize regulatory cooperation in the oil and gas sector, marking a pivotal step toward the region’s ambitious 2026 first oil production timeline. The historic deal, signed in Entebbe, unites Uganda’s Petroleum Authority, Tanzania’s Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority, and the Zanzibar Petroleum Regulatory Authority under a comprehensive framework.
The agreement aims to harmonize regional standards and coordinate joint efforts across petroleum resource management, cost control, environmental compliance, local content development, and capacity building initiatives. This collaboration directly supports the $5 billion East African Crude Oil Pipeline project, designed to transport Ugandan oil to international markets via Tanzania’s Tanga port.
“The East African region is one of the most prolific frontier areas for oil and gas exploration and development,” declared PAU Board Chairperson Lynda Biribonwa. “Collaboration among regulators is essential to leverage existing expertise and maximize investment opportunities.”
The timing proves crucial as Uganda faces infrastructure challenges, particularly regarding its proposed $4 billion refinery in Hoima District. While Uganda signed a development deal with UAE-based Alpha MBM Investments LLC in March, construction timelines remain uncertain, potentially forcing the country to export all crude through EACOP initially.
With Uganda’s recoverable oil reserves estimated at 1.4 billion barrels, the regulatory alliance strengthens the foundation for transforming East Africa’s petroleum industry. Delegations from Tanzania and Zanzibar are scheduled to tour Uganda’s Albertine Graben oil fields this week to assess production readiness.
Source: The Independent Uganda