Planned Cross-Border Fibre-Optic Connection between Kigoma and Kalemie

TLDR

• Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have agreed to deepen economic and security cooperation during a visit by DRC President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi to Tanzania from August 17 to 18, 2026.
• The leaders held bilateral talks in Zanzibar on August 18, focusing on enhancing trade, mining, transport, energy, and regional peace.
• They agreed to improve the business environment and expand cooperation in various sectors including agriculture, mining, and information technology.
• A cross-border fibre-optic connection between Kigoma and Kalemie is in progress, which is expected to enhance communication and trade between the two countries.
• Both governments will prepare a Memorandum of Understanding outlining priority areas of cooperation, including a Strategic Partnership on Minerals.