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International trade

Tanzania's Economic Diplomacy Policy Gains Traction, Expands Trade and Investment Ties

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan's economic diplomacy policy is yielding significant results, with the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA) leading the charge to expand trade and investment ties with foreign countries. Recent high-level delegations to Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have opened up new markets for Tanzanian commodities, including agricultural produce and rare earth minerals. The private sector is now taking a leading role in steering the country towards a competitive global economy, with business leaders seizing opportunities presented by President Hassan's economic diplomacy agenda.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA) has championed efforts to expand trade and investment ties abroad, with recent delegations to Vietnam and the UAE yielding significant results.
  • Trade and investment flows between Tanzania and other countries have more than doubled due to the economic diplomacy policy, with international tourist arrivals reaching 2.2 million in the year ending February 2025.
  • President Hassan has been actively advancing an economic diplomacy strategy aimed at positioning Tanzania as a competitive player in global trade and investment since assuming office in March 2021.
  • The government has also continued to invest in Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) to support the policy, with the national carrier launching direct cargo and passenger flights to destinations in the Middle East and Asia.
  • Memoranda of understanding have been signed between TCCIA and its counterparts in the UAE and Vietnam, with joint business councils established to foster strategic cooperation and strengthen trade relations.
  • The partnerships are expected to increase imports of intermediate goods and machinery, including agricultural equipment, from manufacturers in the UAE and Vietnam.
  • Local entrepreneurs are being challenged to tap into opportunities available in the markets, with Vietnam and the UAE serving as models for transitioning to middle-income status.
  • Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Mahamud Thabit Kombo and director of economic diplomacy Ambassador John Ulanga have been commended for their support of the economic diplomacy policy.

Statistics:

  • Trade and investment flows between Tanzania and other countries have more than doubled.
  • International tourist arrivals reached 2.2 million in the year ending February 2025.
  • Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) has launched direct cargo and passenger flights to destinations in the Middle East and Asia.

Sources:

  • National presidency, Tanzania
  • Bank of Tanzania report
  • Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA)
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Tanzania
  • The Royal Tour documentary
  • National Media articles

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