The Government of Tanzania has stated that it is ready to engage in discussions across various commercial sectors with the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), including food trade.

This was stated by Hon. Daniel Chongolo (MP), Minister for Agriculture, during his meeting with Mr. Tony Bandio Munongo, Economic and Investment Advisor to the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), held on 13 March 2026 in Dodoma Region.

Other participants in the meeting included Mr. Fredy Matamba, Assistant Advisor to the President of the DRC on Economic and Investment Affairs, together with a delegation of nine officials from the Government of the DRC; Prof. Peter L. M. Msoffe, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Crop Development and Food Security); Dr. Andrew Komba, Chief Executive Officer of the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA), and his team of experts.

The delegation is in the country as part of the initial implementation of the bilateral discussions between Minister Chongolo and the DRC Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Muhindo Nzangi Butondo, who met in Germany on the sidelines of the 18th Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA).

During their visit, the delegation will witness the quality of maize produced and stored under the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA), as well as learn and hold discussions on procurement procedures and transportation systems for exporting the maize to the DRC.

During the discussions, Minister Chongolo welcomed cooperation that will expand the scope of trade in food crops, markets, transportation, and other commercial areas. He emphasized that such cooperation implements the vision of H.E. President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan to produce sufficient food and surplus for commercial supply to countries within the EAC and SADC regions.