Energy Policy & Regulation

Mozambique's National Petroleum Institute (INP) and Tanzania's Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation and enhance regulatory capacity in the oil and gas sector. Signed in Maputo, the agreement provides a framework for technical collaboration, enabling both regulators to share expertise, best practices, and knowledge in areas such as petroleum data management, cost auditing, operational oversight, institutional development, and regulatory harmonization.

The MoU updates an earlier cooperation arrangement between the INP and the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), whose regulatory functions have since been transferred to PURA. By aligning cooperation with Tanzania's current regulatory structure, the agreement reflects the evolving needs of the petroleum industry and reinforces efforts to improve governance and oversight in both countries.

The partnership is particularly important given the shared strategic interests of Mozambique and Tanzania in the Rovuma Basin, one of Southern Africa's most promising natural gas regions. The agreement also comes as Mozambique implements its newly approved Petroleum Law, which expands the INP's role as the country's petroleum sector regulator and strengthens its oversight responsibilities.

To ensure effective implementation, the two institutions will establish a 10-member Joint Monitoring Committee, with equal representation from each country, to oversee progress, set cooperation priorities, and approve work plans. The MoU will remain in force for an initial five-year period, with the option of renewal, underscoring both countries' long-term commitment to strengthening petroleum sector governance and sustainable resource management.