Wednesday, June 10, 2026

URT Updates

Updates from the United Republic of Tanzania

URT Updates

Updates from the United Republic of Tanzania

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Tanzania’s inquiry commission has disclosed that some individuals were allegedly paid and recruited to participate in violence following the 2025 general election, based on testimonies from over 63,000 witnesses. A member of Tanzania’s commission of inquiry into violence linked to the October 2025 general election has revealed that some witnesses told investigators they were promised money to take part in the unrest. Speaking to editors and journalists in Dar es Salaam, Said Mwema, a retired Inspector General of Police and commission member, said the findings were based on extensive testimonies gathered nationwide. Mwema noted that the commission engaged with more than 63,000 individuals through face-to-face interviews, written submissions, and digital communications. Among them were people who openly admitted their involvement in the violence. “Some explained how they were recruited and promised payment to participate in these acts,” he said. According to Mwema, those involved came from diverse groups, including motorcycle taxi riders, food vendors, and various community members who acknowledged participating in the unrest in different capacities. The commission further established that the violence was not spontaneous but appeared to be organized and financed. Evidence presented—including documented incidents, images, and supporting materials—indicated that more than 16 coordinated methods were used to execute the acts. The unrest was reported across at least 202 locations nationwide, including several areas in Dar es Salaam such as Magomeni, Kimara, Kinyerezi, and Ubungo. “No one on the commission simply imagined these conclusions. We heard directly from witnesses who themselves admitted what happened,” Mwema emphasized. The commission was formed to investigate violence that erupted during and after Tanzania’s October 29, 2025 general election. Its findings have intensified national debate on accountability, political tensions, and the broader implications for governance and electoral integrity in Tanzania.

Tanzania Inquiry Reveals Witnesses Were Paid to Fuel 2025 Post-Election Violence

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Tanzania Tourist Board officials in a strategic meeting with Ambassador Togolani Mavura discussing tourism opportunities in the South Korean market. 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 Looks to South Korea to Drive Next Phase of Tourism Growth

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Ellen Johnson Sirleaf arriving at Julius Nyerere International Airport welcomed by Tanzanian government officials during her official visit for AWLN engagements. 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.

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Arrives in Tanzania for High-Level AWLN Talks on Women’s Leadership

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Former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde arriving at Julius Nyerere International Airport for an official working visit to participate in AWLN leadership engagements. **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.

Former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde Arrives in Tanzania for High-Level AWLN Engagements

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Delegations from Tanzania and Brazil meeting in Brasília to strengthen diplomatic cooperation and bilateral relations. **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.

Tanzania, Brazil Commit to Stronger Global and Regional Cooperation

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Ambassador Elsie Sia Kanza delivering a briefing at the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings 2026 in Washington, D.C., highlighting Tanzania–US trade growth, AGOA extension, and increased American investment. 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.

Tanzania–US Trade Surges as Ambassador Elsie Kanza Highlights Growth at IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings 2026

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Mahmoud Thabit Kombo meets Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim in Port Louis during the Indian Ocean Conference to discuss strengthening Tanzania–Singapore relations. Ambassador Kombo Meets Singaporean Minister in Mauritius to Boost Bilateral Ties Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Mahmoud Thabit Kombo held a bilateral meeting with Singapore’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Social and Family Development Hon. Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim in Port Louis, Mauritius, to strengthen bilateral relations through expanded cooperation in trade, investment, and sustainable development. The talks took place as a side event during the 9th Indian Ocean Conference, which concluded on 12 April 2026 underscored the growing engagement between Tanzania and Singapore, with both ministers emphasising the need to translate longstanding diplomatic ties into tangible economic outcomes. During their talk, the ministers highlighted the strategic positioning of their countries as regional gateways: Tanzania to East Africa and Africa at large and Singapore to Asia, creating opportunities for increased market access and deeper economic partnerships. Ambassador Kombo outlined Tanzania’s interest in attracting more Singaporean investment in key sectors, including ports, transport, infrastructure, technology, and climate-related initiatives, noting that Singapore’s expertise could significantly support national development priorities. He pointed in particular to Singapore’s global reputation in port management and efficient economic systems as areas where cooperation could yield immediate benefits for Tanzania’s growth agenda. On his part, Hon. Zhulkarnain expressed Singapore’s readiness to deepen cooperation through knowledge exchange and technical collaboration in areas such as innovation, trade facilitation, agriculture, food security, and sustainable development. The ministers also discussed regional and global issues, including maritime security, international trade, and the blue economy, agreeing to maintain close engagement through regional and international platforms while expressing optimism about the future of bilateral relations.

Tanzania and Singapore Strengthen Trade and Investment Ties at Indian Ocean Conference in Mauritius

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Francis Mutungi in discussions with Lazarus Chakwera during a diplomatic meeting in Tanzania as part of the Commonwealth of Nations envoy’s official visit. The Registrar of Political Parties, Hon. Justice Francis Mutungi, held a cordial and constructive meeting with His Excellency Lazarus Chakwera, former President of the Republic of Malawi and Special Envoy of the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations. The engagement forms part of His Excellency Chakwera’s official visit to the United Republic of Tanzania, during which he is undertaking consultations with a broad range of political stakeholders, institutions, and government leaders, aimed at strengthening dialogue and fostering enhanced cooperation.

Tanzania Registrar Meets Former Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera on Commonwealth Diplomatic Mission

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Lazarus Chakwera arrives at Julius Nyerere International Airport where he is received by Deputy Minister Ngwaru Maghembe during his official visit to Tanzania. His Excellency Lazarus Chakwera, former President of the Republic of Malawi and Special Envoy of the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, arrived in the United Republic of Tanzania on 8 April 2026 for an official working visit. Upon arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport, he was received by the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, His Excellency Dr. Ngwaru Maghembe.

Former Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera Arrives in Tanzania for Official Commonwealth Mission

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President Samia Suluhu Hassan poses with presidential candidates from 16 political parties at State House in Dar es Salaam following a consultative meeting The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, held a consultative meeting with presidential candidates from 16 political parties that participated in the October 2025 General Election. The meeting took place at the State House in Dar es Salaam on March 31, 2026, and formed part of ongoing efforts to promote dialogue, mutual understanding, and national cohesion following the electoral process. The engagement brought together representatives from across the political spectrum, providing an opportunity to exchange views on issues of national importance and the continued strengthening of democratic practices in Tanzania. The meeting reflects a commitment to inclusive governance and constructive engagement among political stakeholders, in line with the country’s multiparty framework. Such consultations are considered an important component in fostering stability, enhancing trust among political actors, and supporting the country’s broader development agenda.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan Meets 2025 Presidential Candidates to Promote Dialogue and National Cohesion

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