Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan publicly questioned Kenyan President William Ruto about his announcement of a new oil refinery in Tanga, Tanzania, without her prior knowledge.

• The proposed refinery in Tanga was announced at the Africa We Build Summit 2026 in Nairobi on April 23.
• Key individuals involved include President William Ruto, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, and Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote.
• The project, supported by Dangote, would be a 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery aimed at processing crude for the wider East African region.

The Voi-Mwatate-Taveta railway line, dormant for over two decades, is set to be fully operational by April 2027, President William Ruto announced during a state visit to Tanzania.

• The 127-kilometre meter-gauge line officially commenced construction last month.
• The project involves collaboration between Kenya and Tanzania, with both sides committed to timely completion.
• Additionally, over 20 commercial agreements valued at USD 500 million were finalized, spanning tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing, deepening economic ties between the two nations.

Kenya and Tanzania have signed eight agreements to deepen bilateral ties and boost regional integration, aiming to accelerate economic growth.

• The two nations set a June 30, 2026 deadline to eliminate all remaining non-tariff barriers that hinder cross-border commerce.
• Agreements cover sectors including infrastructure, trade facilitation, energy, agriculture, and security, signed by President William Ruto and President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
• Bilateral trade reached $860.3 million in 2025, representing nearly 40 percent of intra-East African Community commerce.