Tanzania urges Africa to build cross-border energy links to boost AfCFTA

Tanzania urged African countries to strengthen cross-border energy infrastructure and accelerate implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area to boost industrialization, trade, and energy security. Energy Minister Deogratius Ndejembi spoke at an Africa50 forum in Dar es Salaam, calling for collaborative, bankable regional projects. He said gas should be a strategic asset, not solely an export. Tanzania plans pipelines to Mozambique, Kenya, Uganda, and DR Congo. Nigeria's gas minister cited West African exports to Ghana, Togo, and Benin, with a planned pipeline to Morocco. AfCFTA chief Wamkele Mene stressed that common trade rules are essential for cross-border energy and goods movement.