East Africa petroleum regulators sign MoU to strengthen regional energy cooperation

The Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) has formalised a partnership with the Zanzibar Petroleum Regulatory Authority (ZPRA) and the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA) of Tanzania, through the signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). 

This agreement is set to foster significant collaboration and knowledge exchange within the East African oil and gas sector.

The ceremony, held in Entebbe brought together key leaders from the three regulatory bodies, among them Lynda Biribonwa, Chairperson of the Board of Directors at PA,U who highlighted the importance of regional cooperation.

"The East African region is one of the most prolific frontier areas for Oil and Gas exploration and development. The collaboration among regulators is paramount to leverage on the existing expertise and resources given the sector's specialised, technologically driven, and capital-intensive nature,” Biribonwa said.

The MOU outlines cooperation in critical areas such as petroleum resource management, cost monitoring and management, health, safety, and environment, national content development, and capacity building and knowledge exchange.

Biribonwa expressed her pleasure in signing the MOU, adding that the signing will take forward the areas of cooperation for the mutual benefit of the three countries and sister institutions.

Halfani R. Halfani, Board Chair for the Tanzania PURA, reflected on the long-standing informal relationship between Uganda and Tanzania in oil and gas, emphasising that formalisation makes operations sustainable.

“This MoU will facilitate sharing best practices so that the region can maintain the capability to bring in investment in the region.”

Muhammed S. Said, the Managing Director of ZPRA, underlined the collective benefit of the partnership. He explained that putting all their resources together will benefit the industry further.

The collaboration cemented by this MOU is expected to foster shared growth and expertise, aligning with the regional proverb, "Umoja ni nguvu" – unity is strength.

The visiting delegation will also tour Uganda’s oil and gas operational areas in the Albertine Graben, gaining insight into the progress as Uganda prepares for First Oil.