Mozambique’s National Petroleum Institute (INP) and Tanzania’s Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and enhancing regulatory capacity in the oil and gas sector.
Signed in Maputo, the agreement establishes a framework for technical cooperation that will enable both regulators to exchange expertise, experience and best practices across key areas, including petroleum data management, cost auditing, operational oversight, institutional development and the harmonisation of regulatory procedures.
The new memorandum updates an earlier cooperation framework between the INP and the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), whose regulatory responsibilities have since been transferred to PURA. It aligns bilateral collaboration with Tanzania’s current institutional structure and the evolving challenges facing the petroleum industry.
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Significance
The agreement carries particular significance given the geographical proximity of Mozambique and Tanzania and the strategic importance of the Rovuma Basin, one of Southern Africa’s most promising natural gas regions. It also comes at a pivotal moment for Mozambique following the recent approval of a new Petroleum Law that reinforces the INP’s mandate as the country’s petroleum sector regulator.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, INP Board Chairperson Nazário Bangalane emphasised that the success of the partnership would depend on its practical implementation.
“The true value of this Memorandum lies not merely in the formal act of signing it, but above all in its effective implementation and the tangible results it can deliver in strengthening our institutions and ensuring the sustainable management of petroleum resources,” Bangalane said.
He also urged the technical teams responsible for implementing the agreement to remain committed, noting that the shared challenges facing both countries require closer cooperation than ever before. PURA Director General Charles Sangweni reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to a results-driven partnership, highlighting the exchange of specialists and technical expertise as essential to strengthening petroleum sector governance while protecting the economic, social and environmental interests of both nations.
To oversee implementation, the two institutions will establish a Joint Monitoring Committee comprising 10 members, with five representatives appointed by each organisation. The committee will monitor progress, determine cooperation priorities and approve joint work plans. The MoU will remain in force for an initial five-year period and may be renewed for a further five years by mutual agreement. The partnership reflects both countries’ commitment to strengthening regulatory institutions and promoting responsible, transparent and sustainable management of petroleum resources as the region continues to develop its significant natural gas potential.
