CHIEF JUSTICE MEETS COMMONWEALTH SPECIAL ENVOY The Chief Justice of the United Republic of Tanzania, George Masaju, today, 14 April 2026, held talks with the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations and former President of Malawi, Lazarus Chakwera. The meeting took place at the Chief Justice’s conference hall at the Headquarters of the Judiciary of Tanzania in Dodoma.
The President of the Republic of Kenya, H.E. William Ruto, made history on May 5, 2026, in Dodoma by addressing the Parliament of the United Republic of Tanzania for the first time since taking office. In his address, he emphasized the need to strengthen unity, regional cooperation, trade, and shared development among East African nations.
In a speech warmly received by Members of Parliament, President Ruto noted that Kenya and Tanzania play a pivotal role in advancing the economy of the East African Community (EAC). He called for deeper collaboration between the two countries and urged joint efforts to tackle youth unemployment and poverty in order to achieve sustainable development for both Tanzanians and Kenyans.
“Our cooperation is not an option but a historical obligation for the prosperity of our people. The enemies of Tanzania are not Kenyans, and the enemies of Kenya are not Tanzanians. Our real enemies are underdevelopment, unemployment, and poverty. Let us work together to defeat these challenges and create opportunities for our youth,” President Ruto stated.
He further underscored the importance of joint investment in large-scale projects across East Africa to reduce reliance on imports from outside the region. He noted that while East Africa is rich in resources, what is required is collective decision-making and strategic investment to fully harness that potential.
Among the key projects highlighted was the proposed construction of a modern oil refinery in Tanga, expected to serve as a catalyst for economic transformation across the region by ensuring that crude oil is processed locally rather than exported in raw form.
President Ruto also explained that the choice of Tanga is supported by the presence of critical infrastructure such as the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, which will facilitate efficient transportation and distribution of oil.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Mussa Azan Zungu, commended President Ruto for his address, noting that it reflects a genuine commitment to strengthening cooperation between Tanzania and Kenya.
The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Samia Suluhu Hassan, received the President of the Republic of Kenya, H.E. William Ruto, at State House in Dar es Salaam on May 4, 2026.
President Ruto is in Tanzania for a two-day State Visit. Upon arrival at State House, he was accorded a ceremonial guard of honor before proceeding to bilateral talks with his host.
Later in the evening, President Samia is expected to accompany President Ruto to officiate the closing of the Tanzania–Kenya Business Forum at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre.
The Embassy of Tanzania Vienna hosted a high-level reception to commemorate the 62nd Anniversary of the Union of Tanzania, reaffirming the country’s commitment to peace, unity, and sustainable development.
The event, held on April 27, 2026, at a prestigious venue in Vienna, was led by Tanzania’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative, Naimi Aziz.
The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests including Hannah Liko, Director General for Political Affairs at Austria’s Ministry for European and International Affairs, who represented the Government of Austria as Guest of Honour.
The reception brought together members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of international organizations, business leaders, members of the Tanzanian diaspora, and friends of Tanzania, highlighting the country’s strong global engagement.
Speaking on this year’s theme, “Peace, Unity, and Solidarity as Pillars of Sustainable Development,” Ambassador Aziz emphasized Tanzania’s longstanding reputation as a beacon of peace and stability in Africa. She noted that the country’s unity and absence of internal conflict are the result of sustained and collective national efforts.
She further reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to strengthening national cohesion, promoting inclusive development, and leveraging its diversity as a source of strength.
In her remarks, Ambassador Liko commended Tanzania for its continued peace and stability, while also highlighting the strong and enduring diplomatic relations between Tanzania and Austria, which span over six decades.
She reiterated Austria’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Tanzania in key areas such as infrastructure, green energy, education, and sustainable development.
The event underscored Tanzania’s role as a pillar of peace in Africa and reinforced its growing international partnerships aimed at advancing mutual development goals.
Tanzania’s Deputy Minister for Energy, Salome Makamba, has visited the Tanzania Embassy in Egypt as part of her official trip to participate in a key regional energy summit.
During the visit, she was received by Tanzania’s Ambassador to Egypt, Richard Makanzo, who briefed her on the embassy’s roles and ongoing initiatives to promote bilateral cooperation.
Ambassador Makanzo highlighted opportunities across various sectors, including health, agriculture, electricity, transport, and trade, emphasizing that cooperation between Tanzania and Egypt aims to deliver mutual economic and social benefits while strengthening diplomatic ties.
Hon. Makamba commended the embassy for its efforts in advancing Tanzania’s international relations, noting its role in fostering partnerships not only with Egypt but also with other diplomatic missions.
She is in Egypt to attend the East African Power Pool meeting scheduled for April 29, 2026, in Cairo.
The meeting will bring together member states to discuss key energy priorities, including the interconnection of national power grids and cross-border electricity trade—critical steps toward enhancing regional energy security and efficiency.
The summit is preceded by technical sessions involving energy experts from member countries, aimed at laying a strong foundation for policy-level discussions among leaders.
Tanzania and Belarus have agreed to expand bilateral cooperation across key development sectors following high-level diplomatic talks held in Dar es Salaam on April 28, 2026.
The meeting brought together Tanzania’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, and Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov.
During the discussions, both sides agreed to strengthen collaboration in strategic sectors including agriculture, energy, health, education, and infrastructure. The partnership will focus on leveraging modern technologies and enhancing knowledge exchange to improve productivity and accelerate economic development.
Minister Kombo emphasized the importance of improving the business and investment environment by reducing bureaucracy and strengthening implementation mechanisms for joint projects. He noted that these efforts aim to boost efficiency, attract more investment, and fast-track socio-economic development for both nations.
On his part, Minister Ryzhenkov reaffirmed Belarus’s commitment to working closely with Tanzania, highlighting plans to increase investment, facilitate technology transfer, and deepen economic cooperation.
The agreement signals a growing commitment by both countries to enhance economic diplomacy, strengthen international partnerships, and unlock new opportunities for sustainable development.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has commended Tanzania for its strong cooperation and effective implementation of economic reforms under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF).
The ECF program supports economic stability through concessional financing targeted at productive sectors and social services, while the RSF focuses on enhancing resilience to climate change and promoting sustainable economic growth.
The commendation was delivered by Nicolas Blancher, who led an IMF delegation during a comprehensive review of IMF-supported programs in Tanzania. The remarks were made during a high-level meeting with the Tanzanian delegation led by Natu El-maamry Mwamba at the Ministry of Finance offices in Dodoma.
Blancher reaffirmed the IMF’s commitment to supporting Tanzania in completing the ongoing programs and shaping future phases of cooperation. He noted that the mission also focused on key macroeconomic policy discussions, including Tanzania’s response to global economic challenges such as the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
He emphasized the need to further strengthen the financial sector, increase investment in health and education, and promote private sector growth and job creation in line with Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050.
On her part, Dr. Mwamba expressed appreciation for the IMF’s continued support in advancing Tanzania’s economic reform agenda. She reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining close collaboration with the IMF to achieve inclusive growth and sustainable development, while ensuring timely access to financial resources.
Regarding implementation progress, Dr. Mwamba noted that under the ECF program, two out of eight performance benchmarks have been achieved, including the establishment of an Emergency Liquidity Assistance (ELA) framework and improvements in collateral systems for financial institutions. Five additional benchmarks are currently at advanced stages, including reforms in public investment planning, VAT refund systems, and a new collateral law to expand acceptable secured assets.
Under the RSF program, five out of eight reform milestones have been completed, including long-term energy strategies aligned with climate goals and systems for collecting climate-related financial data.
The IMF’s assessment highlights Tanzania’s continued progress in strengthening economic governance, building fiscal resilience, and implementing climate-responsive policies—positioning the country for sustainable and inclusive growth.
Tanzania has reaffirmed its diplomatic ties with Japan following the formal presentation of credentials by its Ambassador to Japan, Anderson Gukwi Mutatembwa.
On April 28, 2026, Ambassador Mutatembwa presented his Letter of Credence to Emperor Naruhito during an official ceremony held at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
The presentation of credentials marks the official commencement of the ambassador’s diplomatic duties and symbolizes Tanzania’s continued commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Japan.
The ceremony reflects the longstanding friendship between Tanzania and Japan, with both countries maintaining cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, infrastructure development, and cultural exchange.
Ambassador Mutatembwa is expected to play a key role in advancing Tanzania’s economic diplomacy agenda, promoting investment opportunities, and enhancing collaboration across strategic sectors.
The event underscores the importance of diplomatic engagement in fostering international partnerships and supporting Tanzania’s global outreach efforts.
**EAC Secretary General Handover Ceremony**
The East African Community, together with its organs, institutions, partners, and stakeholders, convened at its Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania, for the official handover ceremony marking the transition from the outgoing Secretary General, Hon. Veronica M. Nduva, to the incoming Secretary General, Amb. Stephen P. Mbundi.
The ceremony was graced by the Guest of Honour, Hon. James Magode Ikuya, Minister of State for East African Community Affairs of Uganda, representing H.E. Jessica Alupo.
The occasion provided an opportunity for staff, partners, and stakeholders to extend a warm farewell to Hon. Nduva, while reflecting on her distinguished tenure. Over the past 22 months, her leadership has been instrumental in advancing regional integration, strengthening institutional frameworks, and deepening cooperation among Partner States.
As the mantle of leadership is formally transferred, the EAC community warmly welcomes Ambassador Mbundi with a strong sense of confidence and optimism. His tenure is anticipated to further advance the Community’s vision of a prosperous, competitive, secure, and politically united East Africa.
The ceremony underscored not only a seamless transition of leadership but also a reaffirmation of the EAC’s enduring commitment to continuity, unity, and the shared aspirations of the people of East Africa.
Hon. Dr. Ashatu Kijaji, Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, participated in a Joint Ministerial Meeting between the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, convened to deliberate on matters pertaining to the Union. The meeting was held on 25 April 2026 at the Golden Tulip Hotel Conference Hall, Airport area, Zanzibar.
The session was chaired by H.E. Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, Second Vice President of Zanzibar.
The meeting was also attended by Permanent Secretaries from both the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar.
The Minister of Finance, Hon. Ambassador Khamis Mussa Omar (MP) (left), with the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Business Council for International Understanding, Mr. Peter Tichansky, following their investment meeting held at the BCIU offices in Washington, D.C., United States.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Spring Meetings, during which BCIU expressed interest in investing in Tanzania in areas including agricultural insurance, modern seed production, port development, and the health sector.
