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Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are considering a cooperation agreement to jointly explore and develop hydrocarbon resources in the Lake Tanganyika and Lake Mweru regions.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by Mines and Minerals Development Ministry Principal Public Relations Officer Shamwinda Tembo, the initiative follows growing geological evidence pointing to significant untapped oil and gas reserves in the area.
Speaking during a meeting with the DRC’s Minister of Hydrocarbons, Aimé Sakombi Molendo, Zambia’s Mines and Minerals Development Minister Paul Kabuswe—through a speech delivered on his behalf by Permanent Secretary Hapenga Kabeta—emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership.
“Mining has been central to Zambia’s economy for over a century, but beyond copper, we are now turning our attention to hydrocarbon exploration as a key driver for energy security and economic growth,” Kabuswe noted.
He also recalled that Zambia’s interest in petroleum exploration was reignited in 2005 due to rising global oil prices and high import costs.
Although Zambia does not currently produce oil, recent soil sample analyses from European laboratories have revealed promising signs of crude oil deposits, renewing exploration efforts that trace back to the 1970s.
Zambia has identified eight sedimentary basins with potential for oil and gas, particularly in areas where the Great Rift Valley extends into the country—a region that has already yielded significant petroleum discoveries in East Africa.
“The Rift Valley has already yielded major petroleum discoveries in East Africa, and preliminary microbial studies in Zambia further support the presence of hydrocarbons,” Kabuswe said.
In a bid to harness this potential, Zambia demarcated petroleum blocks and held its first licensing round in 2011, granting exploration licenses to private firms under the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act of 2008.
The proposed agreement builds on recent bilateral collaborations, including a joint initiative to establish a regional value chain for electric vehicle (EV) battery production.
Kabuswe underscored the importance of aligning policies, fostering technical collaboration, and attracting investment to ensure the success of the hydrocarbon partnership.
DRC’s Minister Molendo called for the mobilization of expertise and skilled personnel from both countries to accelerate the process.
“Our shared geological formations present a unique opportunity that requires combined expertise and resources for maximum benefit,” Molendo said.
The meeting marks a significant step toward enhanced regional energy cooperation, positioning both countries to benefit from shared resources and expertise in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.
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