Tanzania and Zambia Explore New Gas Pipeline and Discuss Safety Measures for Tazama Pipeline

Tanzania and Zambia are set to hold a high-level meeting today to discuss the establishment of a new gas pipeline, as well as review the security and extension of the existing Tanzania-Zambia Mafuta (Tazama) pipeline. The meeting will involve key ministers from both countries, including Tanzania’s Energy Minister, January Makamba, Defense Minister, Innocent Bashungwa, and Home Affairs Minister, Hamad Yussuf Masauni. The Zambian delegation will be represented by Defense Minister, Ambrose Lufuma, Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister, Jacob Mwiimbu, and Energy Minister, Peter Kapala.

The primary focus of the meeting is to review the security and extension of the Tazama pipeline, which plays a vital role in facilitating the transportation of oil between Tanzania and Zambia. The Tazama pipeline spans an impressive 1,710 kilometers, connecting Kigamboni in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to Indeni in Ndola, Zambia. It has a capacity to transit 90 million liters of oil per month, making it a crucial infrastructure link for petroleum transportation in the region.

The decision by both countries to transport refined oil instead of crude oil has highlighted the need to reassess the safety and security measures for the Tazama pipeline. This transition brings new considerations and challenges that require robust strategies to ensure the safe and efficient transportation of petroleum products. The meeting will evaluate the implementation of security and safety measures that were agreed upon during the first meeting of the three ministries in December 2022 in Dar es Salaam.

Minister January Makamba emphasized the significance of addressing safety and security concerns surrounding the Tazama pipeline. The meeting will assess the progress made in implementing the agreed-upon security measures, including the involvement of local communities residing along the pipeline route. Collaboration between the two countries and the engagement of local communities are essential to safeguarding the pipeline’s integrity and preventing any unauthorized activities that may pose risks to its operations.

In addition to reviewing the security and safety aspects, Tanzania and Zambia have expressed their intention to expand the Tazama pipeline. The expansion aims to accommodate a wider range of petroleum products and extend its reach to serve the southern regions of Tanzania. This expansion project reflects the commitment of both countries to enhancing their energy infrastructure to meet the growing demand for petroleum products and promote regional integration in the energy sector.

The meeting between Tanzania and Zambia signifies a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations and advancing cross-border energy cooperation. Establishing a new gas pipeline and reviewing the Tazama pipeline’s security and extension demonstrate the commitment of both countries to enhancing energy connectivity and promoting sustainable development. These collaborative efforts in the energy sector will contribute to economic growth, energy security, and regional integration, fostering a more interconnected and prosperous future.