PRESIDENT SAMIA HOLDS TALKS WITH UAE VICE PRESIDENT AND RULER OF DUBAI AT WGS 2026
Related News
Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Mwigulu Nchemba, held talks with the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, on the sidelines of the 61st Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the African Development Bank taking place today, Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at the Kintele International Conference Centre in Brazzaville. The discussions focused on various development priorities and strengthening economic cooperation between Tanzania and the African Development Bank. Hon. Mwigulu Nchemba is representing the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, at the high-level meeting which has brought together African leaders and development stakeholders to discuss economic growth, investment and the future development agenda of the African continent.
The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, in a photograph with the Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China, H.E. Liu Haixing, at the State House in Dar es Salaam on May 20, 2026.
The Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) has taken a significant step toward expanding its footprint in Asia by strengthening strategic pathways to the South Korean tourism market.
In a high-level engagement, TTB hosted Togolani Mavura, former Ambassador of Tanzania to South Korea, who shared valuable insights drawn from his diplomatic experience. The discussions, held with Director General Ephraim Mafuru, focused on enhancing Tanzania’s competitiveness in one of Asia’s most dynamic outbound tourism markets.
Ambassador Mavura emphasized the importance of clear and accessible travel information, noting that Korean travelers prioritize ease of understanding when it comes to routes, connectivity, and logistics. He highlighted the need for Tanzania to simplify and effectively communicate travel pathways to improve visitor confidence and decision-making.
Additionally, the engagement underscored the strategic packaging of Tanzania’s premier tourism attractions. By aligning tourism products with the preferences and expectations of Korean visitors, Tanzania can enhance its appeal and deliver more tailored, memorable travel experiences.
The dialogue further stressed the importance of adopting market-specific promotional strategies. These include culturally relevant storytelling, strengthening digital marketing platforms, and leveraging diplomatic channels to boost Tanzania’s visibility, credibility, and trust in the Korean market.
This initiative marks a key milestone in Tanzania’s broader tourism diversification strategy, reinforcing its commitment to penetrating high-potential international markets through informed planning, cross-sector collaboration, and global partnerships.
**Tanzania Calls for Enhanced Regional Cooperation on Natural Resource Management within EAC**
The United Republic of Tanzania has called on Partner States of the East African Community to strengthen regional collaboration in the protection and sustainable management of the environment and natural resources, emphasizing the need for coordinated action to address shared challenges for the benefit of all citizens across the region.
The call was made by the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Ashatu Kijaji, during the opening of the 11th Sectoral Council of Ministers on Environment and Natural Resources (SCENR), held on April 23, 2026, in Arusha. The meeting focused on reviewing progress in implementing previous Council decisions that remain outstanding.
In her remarks, Dr. Kijaji noted that despite East Africa’s rich endowment of natural resources—including forests, wildlife, rivers, major lakes, and the Indian Ocean coastline—these assets continue to face significant threats driven by climate change, including biodiversity loss, environmental degradation, and unsustainable resource use.
“Without decisive and coordinated action, the sustainability of these resources will be at risk, potentially undermining food security, tourism revenues, and the economic stability of our countries,” she emphasized.
She further highlighted that key economic sectors dependent on natural resources—such as tourism, agriculture, fisheries, and energy—play a critical role in the socio-economic development of EAC Partner States. Tourism alone contributes, on average, more than 10 percent of GDP in some member countries, while generating millions of direct and indirect jobs across the region.
Dr. Kijaji outlined priority areas requiring enhanced cooperation, including policy and regulatory harmonization, mobilization of climate finance, advancement of the blue economy, combating environmental degradation, and strengthening public awareness initiatives.
The meeting, which followed technical and permanent secretaries’ sessions held from April 20–22, 2026, also addressed key thematic areas such as climate change, water and ecosystems, marine and blue economy, pollution control, and international environmental agreements.
Tanzania’s delegation was led by Dr. Kijaji and included the Minister of State in the Office of the Vice President – Zanzibar, Hamis Hassan; the Deputy Minister in the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment), Reuben Kwagirwa; the Deputy Minister for Water, Kundo Mathew; alongside other senior government officials.
**Dr. Abbasi: Conservation Efforts Position Tanzania as World Leader in Lion Population**
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Hassan Abbasi, today (April 20, 2026) held discussions with the Permanent Secretary in Uganda’s Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Doreen S. Katusiime, who is in Tanzania with her delegation on a study tour focused on Tanzania’s strategies in combating poaching and illegal wildlife trade.
During the visit, the Ugandan delegation is touring anti-poaching and wildlife protection initiatives as part of a knowledge exchange program among countries implementing similar projects, aimed at sharing best practices and strengthening capacity.
Highlighting Tanzania’s conservation achievements, Dr. Abbasi noted a significant decline in poaching, adding that the country now leads globally with an estimated 17,000 lions, compared to approximately 6,500 in Uganda.
The two leaders also agreed to strengthen collaboration between their respective sectors to enhance their contribution to conservation and sustainable development.
Former Liberian President and Patron of the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, has arrived in Dar es Salaam for a three-day official visit from 19th to 22nd April 2026.
At the Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) H.E. Sirleaf, was welcomed by the Minister of Community development, Gender, Women and Special Groups Hon. Dorothy Gwajina and Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Hon.James Millya and other senior government officials.
While in Dar es Salaam, H.E Sirleaf is expected to participate in the AWLN Steering Committee and meet government officials, political party leaders, religious leaders, women, and civil society organisations.
Her engagements aim to foster partnerships that support women’s leadership initiatives, sustainable development goals across the region and strengthen collaboration between Tanzania and the AWLN.
The African Women Leaders’ Network, established to amplify the voices and influence of women in leadership positions, continues to play a pivotal role in shaping policies that empower women politically, economically, and socially. Sirleaf’s presence in Tanzania signals renewed momentum for the network’s mission, particularly in East Africa, where efforts to increase women’s participation in decision-making are gaining traction.
**Former Ethiopian President Arrives in Tanzania for Official Working Visit**
The former President of Ethiopia, Sahle-Work Zewde, has arrived in the country for a three-day official working visit scheduled to conclude on April 22, 2026.
During her visit, H.E. Zewde will join the former President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf—who also serves as Patron of the African Women Leaders Network—in participating in the AWLN Steering Committee meeting. The engagements will also include consultations with government leaders, religious leaders, civil society organizations, political parties, and women’s groups, aimed at advancing women’s empowerment and inclusive development.
Upon her arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport, H.E. Zewde was received by the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Said Shaib Mussa.
**TANZANIA AND BRAZIL STRENGTHEN DIPLOMATIC COOPERATION**
The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Dr. Ngwaru Maghembe (MP), led the Tanzanian delegation at the Second Session of Political Consultations between Tanzania and Brazil, held in Brasília on 15 April 2026. The Brazilian delegation was led by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Carlos Sérgio Sobral Duarte.
During the meeting, both countries discussed and agreed on various strategies to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance diplomatic cooperation across multiple sectors.
Key areas of cooperation include the importance of continued high-level exchanges and dialogue on bilateral and global issues; strengthening collaboration in education and training, with Brazil continuing to offer scholarships to Tanzanian students; enhancing cooperation in agriculture and livestock through the use of modern technologies and practices; and deepening economic ties by promoting trade, investment, and tourism between the two nations.
The two sides also agreed to finalize draft agreements in priority sectors to enable their signing and immediate implementation.
In addition, Tanzania and Brazil exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, including the impact of global political conflicts and wars, as well as ongoing reforms of international systems such as the United Nations Security Council.
By Joseph Mahumi, Washington, D.C.
Tanzania has continued to distinguish itself as a key regional transport and economic hub in Africa, driven by sustained efforts to develop and modernize transport corridors that stimulate trade, employment, and regional integration.
This was highlighted by the Minister for Finance, Khamis Mussa Omar, during a panel discussion organized by the World Bank on the role of transport corridors in advancing Africa’s economic growth. The session was held on the sidelines of the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings 2026 in Washington, D.C..
Speaking during the panel, Minister Omar noted that Tanzania has been at the forefront of connecting countries across the region through modern infrastructure, including the historic TAZARA Railway, established in the 1970s as one of the earliest transport corridors linking Tanzania and Zambia.
He observed that for many years, such corridors primarily served transportation purposes without fully unlocking broader economic development along their routes. However, this is now being addressed through a strategic shift toward transforming them into economic corridors.
“The new direction is to ensure that these corridors evolve into economic corridors rather than serving solely as transport routes. This transformation will stimulate industrial development, trade, and services. These corridors are critical not only for urban growth but also for uplifting rural economies, where much of the production takes place, and for linking these areas to markets to unlock vast development opportunities,” Minister Omar stated.
He further highlighted the success of the Central Corridor, which connects the Port of Dar es Salaam to neighboring countries via Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika. The corridor has significantly enhanced trade access for Burundi, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan, reinforcing Tanzania’s role as a gateway to East and Central Africa.
To further strengthen this position, the Government has made substantial investments in the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), valued at USD 10.2 billion. The railway is being developed in six phases domestically, with plans underway to extend it to Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, thereby expanding regional trade and transport networks.
Minister Omar added that these infrastructure investments are aligned with a broader strategy to promote industrialization through value addition in agriculture and mining, enhance domestic production, and boost the national economy. He also noted that the tourism sector stands to benefit significantly from improved infrastructure.
“These investments reflect our proactive approach. We did not wait for regional initiatives—we acted as a country, recognizing our responsibility to drive regional development,” he emphasized.
He underscored that these efforts continue to position Tanzania as a strategic regional transport hub, contributing significantly to inclusive and sustainable economic growth across Africa.
For his part, Ndiamé Diop, Vice President of the World Bank for Eastern and Southern Africa, stressed the importance of shifting from traditional transport corridors to fully integrated economic corridors. He cited the Dar es Salaam (Central Corridor) as a strong example of regional connectivity linking countries across Eastern and Southern Africa.
He noted that economic corridors have strong potential to drive job creation, enhance economic competitiveness, and strengthen regional cooperation. However, he emphasized the need to rethink investment sequencing, observing that while coastal countries often invest first, landlocked countries tend to be the initial beneficiaries. He called for more strategic planning to ensure early and equitable benefits for all.
Meanwhile, Zarau Wendeline Kibwe, Executive Director of the World Bank representing Africa Group 1 Constituency, underscored the importance of African countries leveraging knowledge-sharing and collaboration in developing high-impact economic corridors.
She emphasized that beyond infrastructure development, creating a conducive business environment is essential to enable meaningful private sector participation and maximize investment benefits. She further called for the integration of economic corridor development into national strategies to ensure alignment with broader economic growth objectives.
Dr. Kibwe added that investments in such corridors can help address structural economic and social challenges, while stressing the need for inclusive and interconnected systems. She also highlighted the critical role of international financial institutions, including the World Bank and the African Development Bank, in mobilizing resources to finance these transformative projects—key to advancing Africa’s industrialization and economic self-reliance.
Her Excellency Ambassador Elsie Sia Kanza presented a comprehensive briefing on the performance and strategic engagements of the Embassy of the United Republic of Tanzania in the United States to the Tanzanian delegation participating in the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings 2026, currently underway in Washington, D.C..
In her presentation, Ambassador Kanza highlighted the steady growth in bilateral trade between Tanzania and the United States, noting an increase from USD 1.15 billion in 2023 to USD 1.4 billion in 2024, representing a 22.1 percent rise. She further indicated that Tanzania’s exports to the United States grew by 18 percent in 2025, despite prevailing global trade and environmental challenges.
She also underscored the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which had been due to expire on 30 September 2025, but has now been prolonged for an additional year until 31 December 2026 following sustained diplomatic engagement. The programme continues to deliver significant benefits to Tanzania, with exports under AGOA accounting for 42.85 percent in recent years—approximately 95 percent of which comprise textile and apparel products.
On investment, Ambassador Kanza noted the continued expansion of U.S. companies in Tanzania, including Marriott International, which plans to increase its hotel portfolio in the country from 11 to 20 by 2027, and Visa Inc., which has recently established a business office in Tanzania—further reflecting growing investor confidence in the country’s economic prospects.