The Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (PURA) has held discussions with Algeria's national oil company, Sonatrach, to explore potential investment opportunities in the oil and natural gas sectors of both Tanzania and Algeria. The talks also focused on collaboration in capacity building and professional training.

The talks held on September 07, 2025 in Algiers, Algeria were attended by the Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania to Algeria, Hon. Iman Njalikai, the Chairman and CEO of Sonatrach, Mr. Rachid Hachichi, the representative of the Director General of PURA, Mr. Shigela Malosha and senior leaders and officials from PURA and Sonatrach.

Speaking at the session, Ambassador Iman noted that while Tanzania and Algeria have collaborated across various sectors for many years, this is the first time that discussions have involved PURA.

"I understand that Sonatrach and the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding that laid the foundation for close collaboration between them. We are grateful to Sonatrach for its continued cooperation, and indeed, we have begun to witness the positive outcomes of this partnership," added Ambassador Njalikai.

For his part, Mr. Shigela Malosha emphasized that PURA has been actively working to build the capacity of its professionals and is continuously seeking further opportunities, particularly in the area of practical training. He therefore appealed to Sonatrach to continue supporting PURA in this area.

Mr. Malosha also extended an invitation to Sonatrach to explore investment opportunities in Tanzania’s oil and natural gas sector in Tanzania.

The Chairman and CEO of Sonatrach, Mr. Rachid Hachichi, affirmed that Sonatrach is ready to seize the opportunity and continue its collaboration with Tanzanian institutions including PURA in strengthening the capacity of professionals in the oil and natural gas sector.