Uganda, Tanzania, and Zanzibar Sign Historic MOU to Strengthen Regional Cooperation in Oil and Gas Sector

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In a significant step towards enhancing regional integration and regulatory collaboration, the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) has signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA) of Tanzania and the Zanzibar Petroleum Regulatory Authority (ZPRA). The agreement establishes a formal framework for cooperation, information exchange, and capacity building within the East African oil and gas sector.

The landmark signing took place during a high-level ceremony hosted in Entebbe, drawing senior representatives from all three regulatory authorities. The MOU lays the foundation for joint efforts in key areas such as petroleum resource management, cost efficiency, health and safety standards, environmental protection, national content development, and institutional capacity enhancement.

The trilateral agreement is designed to foster long-term collaboration through structured initiatives such as joint technical studies, workshops, exchange programs, and harmonisation of regulatory practices. The framework will enable the three bodies to share critical data, technical expertise, and operational experiences, ensuring that best practices are adopted across the region.

This cooperation comes at a crucial time for East Africa, as countries in the region are increasingly positioning themselves as emerging players in the global oil and gas industry. By formalising their relationship, PAU, PURA, and ZPRA aim to unlock synergies and drive sustainable development in the sector.

One of the key components of the MOU is the support and development of technical teams through knowledge sharing and targeted training programs. The collaboration will also facilitate the exchange of geotechnical and regulatory data, which is expected to improve decision-making and operational efficiency across the three agencies.

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In line with the cooperative spirit of the agreement, visiting officials from PURA and ZPRA will undertake a field tour of Uganda’s oil and gas developments in the Albertine Graben. The tour will provide insights into Uganda’s extensive preparations for its anticipated First Oil and demonstrate best practices in infrastructure development, compliance monitoring, and stakeholder engagement.

The tripartite initiative is guided by the East African proverb “Umoja ni nguvu”—meaning “Unity is strength.” This philosophy underscores the commitment of all three parties to collective progress and mutual benefit.