Rwanda, Kenya sign deal for importation of refined petroleum products
Rwanda and Kenya signed a Memorandum of Understanding Monday for the importation of refined petroleum products through the Northern Corridor.
The understanding will enable Rwanda to source its bulk petroleum products using Kenya's infrastructure for transportation and storage, according to a statement.
Rwanda’s Minister of Trade and Industry Tony Kajangwe described the signing as an important milestone for Rwanda’s energy security and cost competitiveness.
He said with direct access to Kenya’s port infrastructure, facilitated by the Kenyan government, Rwanda will begin to import its own petroleum products from global suppliers.
“By optimizing the utilization of Kenya’s port and pipeline infrastructure, we are strengthening regional value chains, enhancing supply resilience, improving energy security, and advancing the broader objectives of regional economic integration,” he said.
The Northern Corridor has long served as a strategic economic lifeline connecting the region’s economies.
The understanding positions Kenya Pipeline Company as Rwanda's strategic logistics partner expected to increase petroleum throughput significantly enhancing pipeline utilization, storage revenue and regional trade.
The signing was accompanied by two other agreements to facilitate the implementation. These include the tripartite agreement involving Rwanda, Kenyan governments as well as Rwanda National Energy Company, and the transport and storage agreement between Rwanda National Energy Company and Kenya Pipeline Company.
The deals are expected to enhance security and continuity of petroleum supply, resilience against regional and global supply disruptions and reduce logistical bottlenecks.
“The government of Rwanda remains committed to maintaining a secure, reliable and efficient petroleum supply system that supports national development and advances regional cooperation for shared prosperity,” the ministry said.
