Tanzania, Uganda and Vitol sign pact to transform Tanga Port into regional energy hub

Tanzania and Uganda have entered into a partnership with Vitol, the world’s largest independent oil trader, to convert Tanga Port into a regional energy hub. Uganda is on the verge of launching commercial oil production, with crude expected to flow through the under-construction East African Crude Oil Pipeline to the Tanzanian port for export. At present, most of Uganda’s petroleum needs are met via imports through Kenya’s Port of Mombasa.

Tanzania’s authorities indicated that new facilities such as storage could require investments exceeding $20 billion. The hub is intended to integrate upstream Ugandan crude, downstream refining and new fuel logistics, potentially altering East African dependence on imported fuel. One outlet reported the plan, noting the broader shift in Africa’s energy landscape.