Regulators Sign Memorandum of Understanding in Maputo
Maputo | 18-06-2026
The National Petroleum Institute (INP) and the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA) of Tanzania signed, this Thursday, in Maputo, a Memorandum of Understanding (MdE) to strengthen bilateral relations between the two institutions. The Memorandum also aims to consolidate the existing institutional coordination technical platform, contributing to a more efficient, transparent and sustainable management of oil resources in the region.
The Memorandum establishes a framework for technical cooperation between the two regulatory authorities, focusing on sharing experiences and knowledge, strengthening institutional capacities, managing oil data, cost auditing, monitoring oil operations and harmonizing regulatory practices in areas of common interest.
The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding gives continuity to the cooperation previously established between the National Petroleum Institute (INP) and the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), whose regulatory powers have, however, been exercised by the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA). In this context, the new instrument updates and strengthens an already consolidated institutional partnership, adapting it to the current regulatory framework of the two countries and to the emerging challenges of the oil industry.
This cooperation is particularly important because of the geographical and geological proximity between Mozambique and Tanzania and the strategic relevance of the Rovuma Basin, shared by both countries. The Memorandum is also signed at a particularly significant time for Mozambique, marked by the recent approval of the Oil Act, which reinforces the role of the INP as regulatory authority in the sector.
During the signing ceremony, the Chairman of the Board of Directors (PCA) of the National Petroleum Institute (INP), the National Engineer Bangalane, called for the commitment and commitment of the technical teams responsible for the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding. On this occasion, he stressed that cooperation is of greater importance, taking into account the strategic importance of the Rovuma Basin and the common challenges facing the two countries in the field of oil regulation.
The Nazarite Engineer Bangalane also stressed that "the true value of the Memorandum lies not only in the formal act of its signature, but above all in its effective implementation and concrete results that could come from it for institutional strengthening and sustainable management of oil resources.”.
In turn, the Director-General of PURA, Engineer Charles Sangweni, reiterated the institution's commitment to promote open, pragmatic and result-oriented cooperation. In his speech, he stressed the importance of the exchange of experts, the sharing of technical knowledge and the adoption of good regulatory practices as essential tools for strengthening the governance of the oil sector and for safeguarding the economic, social and environmental interests of Mozambique and Tanzania.
In order to ensure the effective implementation of the actions provided for in the Memorandum of Understanding, the Parties agreed to set up a Joint Monitoring Committee comprising ten members, of which five will be indicated by each institution. This body shall be responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Agreement, for defining cooperation priorities and for drawing up activity plans and their implementation timetables.
It should be noted that the Memorandum of Understanding will have an initial validity of five years and may be renewed for the same period by mutual agreement between the parties.
