Tanzania, Zambia regulators to enhance energy collaboration

LUSAKA, ZAMBIA: THE boards of Tanzania’s Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) and the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) of Zambia have agreed to enhance cooperation in various economic and infrastructural areas to improve energy services in their respective countries.

After a meeting held at the ERB’s Offices located in Lusaka on Monday, it was revealed that the two sides will soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize their collaboration on the agreed areas.

Some of the key areas of cooperation between EWURA and ERB include the exchange of technical, economic, and infrastructure-related information, capacity building for experts, and sharing professional experiences.

Speaking during the meeting, EWURA Board Chairperson, Prof Mark Mwandosya, stated that the partnership between EWURA and ERB has already yielded significant success in regulating the petroleum, natural gas, and electricity sectors.

He added that this collaboration has contributed to ensuring compliance with safety standards, legal frameworks, and operational efficiency in these sectors.

“One of the major achievements of our cooperation is the joint inspection of the TAZAMA oil pipeline. This inspection has not only enhanced the safety and efficiency of this critical infrastructure but also demonstrates our commitment to improving regulatory standards in the region,” said Prof Mwandosya.

On his part, ERB Board Chairperson, Mr James Banda, emphasized that this cooperation is a crucial step in advancing the sectors under their regulation.

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Mr Banda further noted that the signing of the MoU will provide additional momentum in enhancing energy services and improving operational efficiency in the two neigbouring states.

Prior to the meeting, the Chairman of the Board of the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA), Prof Mark Mwandosya, led board members and management in inspecting the TAZAMA Oil Pipeline, which runs from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to Ndola, Zambia with the aim of assessing operational challenges and find solutions.

Speaking during the visit, which began on March 21, 2025, the Chairman of EWURA’s Energy Committee, Ngosi Mwihava, stated that the objective was to examine the pipeline’s operations, economic aspects, and infrastructure.

“One of EWURA’s key responsibilities in the petroleum sector is regulating the infrastructure used for transporting oil and natural gas. This visit is specifically aimed at inspecting the pipeline, identifying existing challenges, and exploring ways to resolve them to enhance oil transportation services,” Mwihava said.

The delegation visited the Chilolwa station for pipeline security assessment, the Chinsali pumping station, and the Mpika oil storage facility.

Other visited locations included the Kilonje pumping station, the Mulilima station for pipeline cleaning operations, and the Bwana Mkubwa terminal in Ndola, which receives oil deliveries.