East African nations discuss plans to build a joint oil refinery
Tanzanian president expands meetings with regional leaders
Written by Ziad Abdel Fattah:
Since the beginning of May 2026, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhi has been hosting high-level regional leaders in Dar es Salaam to strengthen economic and trade relations, including Recent activities Meetings with Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Kenyan President William Ruto to discuss trade, transport and regional security.
The President of Tanzania speaks to citizens of the Dodoma region.
Before heading to Dar es Salaam on Friday, the President of the United Republic of Tanzania spoke to citizens from different areas of Dodoma city on the outskirts of Dodoma airport.
Samia Salouhi, who is the first veiled Muslim woman to head an African state, usually takes opportunities to speak to the people to be close to the public.
Discussions are underway to establish a joint oil refinery in the port of Tanga, Tanzania.
East African countries are discussing plans to establish a joint oil refinery in Tanzania’s Tanga port, modeled after Nigeria’s Dangote refinery. Currently, East Africa imports all of its refined petroleum products, mainly from the Middle East, making the region vulnerable to supply disruptions and price hikes as a result of the Iranian conflict. .
The refinery will receive oil from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, South Sudan, and Uganda.
Aliko Dangote, Africa's richest man, said he could launch a Nigerian oil refinery with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day in East Africa, provided that the region's governments support the initiative.
Dangote said: ”My commitment requires an agreement between the three or four governments regarding the refinery, and its implementation will be completed within the next four or five years.”.
Two days ago, President Samia Salouhi Hassan issued a strongly worded warning to newly sworn-in leaders, stressing that leadership positions are a trust and not an opportunity for boasting, and urging leaders to realize that their primary responsibility is to serve citizens with integrity and humility.
She pointed out that holding a leadership position does not make one immune from accountability, warning that leaders who fail to serve the public effectively will face dire consequences, stressing that power is a public trust that must be exercised in the interest of the people.
She also revealed that the government has begun expanding job opportunities, with more than 7,000 young people having received opportunities this year, stressing the importance of protecting their rights and well-being through legal frameworks and effective oversight.
President Samia also stressed the need to strengthen the tripartite relationship between the government, employers and employees, noting that this cooperation is essential for workplace stability and sustainable national development.
She added that the Prime Minister's office has been tasked with expanding communication between the government and various social groups to promote inclusive governance.
