Saturday, June 13, 2026

URT Updates

Updates from the United Republic of Tanzania

URT Updates

Updates from the United Republic of Tanzania

Headlines

Kenya’s President William Ruto Makes Historic Address to Tanzania Parliament, Calls for Unity and Regional Growth

Wambura Mwikabwe2 mins

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.

X.com LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest More

One thought on “Kenya’s President William Ruto Makes Historic Address to Tanzania Parliament, Calls for Unity and Regional Growth”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related News

# **Ambassador Matinyi Presents Credentials to Algerian President** **Algiers, Algeria – 10 June 2026** The Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania to the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, **H.E. Mobhare Matinyi**, has formally presented his Letters of Credence to **H.E. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune** during a ceremony held at the Presidential Palace in Algiers, officially marking the commencement of his diplomatic mission in the country. During a brief meeting following the presentation ceremony, Ambassador Matinyi conveyed the warm greetings and appreciation of **H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania**, thanking President Tebboune, the Government, and the people of Algeria for sustaining the longstanding brotherly relations between the two nations, which have flourished for more than six decades. Speaking to the media after the audience, Ambassador Matinyi said the discussions focused on building upon the strong foundations already established in the fields of defence cooperation and higher education, while expanding collaboration into additional sectors to ensure greater socio-economic benefits for the citizens of both countries. He identified **agriculture, industrial development, pharmaceutical manufacturing, energy, mining, and tourism** as priority areas for enhanced cooperation. The two leaders also emphasized the importance of deepening partnerships in **defence, higher education, science, technology, research, and culture** as a means of strengthening people-to-people ties and promoting sustainable development. “I have been entrusted by the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, with the responsibility of ensuring that the partnership between our two countries delivers tangible benefits to our peoples. With the visionary leadership of our Presidents, I am confident we will achieve this objective,” Ambassador Matinyi told journalists at the Presidential Palace following the ceremony. President Tebboune, for his part, reaffirmed Algeria’s readiness to strengthen cooperation with Tanzania across all strategic sectors and expressed support for expanding bilateral agreements through joint commissions and high-level exchanges, in line with proposals presented by Ambassador Matinyi. Ambassador Matinyi becomes the **fourth Tanzanian Ambassador to Algeria**, succeeding **Ambassador Omari Yussuf Mzee (2017–2020)**, **Ambassador Major General Jacob Kingu (2020–2023)**, and **Ambassador Imani Njalikai (2023–2026)**. In addition to representing Tanzania in Algeria, the Embassy in Algiers is concurrently accredited to **Tunisia, Mauritania, Niger, and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR)**. **Issued by:** Embassy of the United Republic of Tanzania Algiers, 10 June 2026

Ambassador Matinyi presents credentials to Algerian President

Wambura Mwikabwe0
President of Zanzibar Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi welcomes Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and his delegation at the State House in Zanzibar during an official visit on 10 June 2026. The President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, H.E. Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, today, 10 June 2026, at the State House in Zanzibar, received the President of the Republic of Singapore, H.E. Tharman Shanmugaratnam, and his delegation. President Tharman arrived at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport from Dar es Salaam as part of his three-day state visit to Tanzania, aimed at strengthening the longstanding friendship and expanding development cooperation between the United Republic of Tanzania, including Zanzibar, and the Republic of Singapore.

Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi Welcomes Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam on Historic Official Visit

Wambura Mwikabwe0
President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam during official bilateral engagements in Dar es Salaam, where Tanzania and Singapore signed strategic agreements to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, digital transformation, skills development, and sustainable economic growth. The United Republic of Tanzania and the Republic of Singapore have agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, skills development, digital transformation, healthcare, environmental sustainability and public sector modernization, marking a significant new chapter in relations between the two countries. The agreements were reached during the State Visit to Tanzania by the President of the Republic of Singapore, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, at the invitation of the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan. President Shanmugaratnam was accorded full State honours at State House in Dar es Salaam, including a 21-gun salute. The visit featured a Tête-à-Tête meeting between the two Heads of State, followed by bilateral talks involving their respective delegations, a joint press conference, a State Luncheon hosted in honour of the visiting President, and participation in a Tanzania–Singapore Business Forum. The visit concluded with a formal farewell ceremony at State House. During their discussions, the two leaders reaffirmed the longstanding friendship between Tanzania and Singapore and agreed that the relationship should now move towards stronger economic and commercial engagement capable of delivering tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries. President Samia noted that bilateral trade and investment remain below the level of opportunity available. “Our potential is far greater than the current level of trade and investment. We have therefore agreed to work together to increase trade, attract more investment and create stronger economic partnerships between our two countries,” President Samia said. Her Excellency identified manufacturing, agriculture and agro-processing, energy, ports and logistics, tourism, the digital economy, the blue and green economy, healthcare and skills development as priority areas for future cooperation. President Samia also invited Singaporean investors to expand their participation in Tanzania’s growing economy by investing in agricultural production, food processing, logistics infrastructure, technology and innovation. She emphasized Tanzania’s strategic location as a gateway to Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, supported by ongoing investments in transport infrastructure, ports and regional trade corridors. The two leaders further discussed the prospects for deepening economic cooperation between Singapore and the East African Community (EAC), noting the readiness of EAC Partner States to begin negotiations on a Singapore–EAC Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The proposed agreement would enhance trade and investment flows, strengthen economic ties between East Africa and the Asia-Pacific region, and unlock new opportunities for sustainable growth and prosperity. For his part, President Shanmugaratnam commended Tanzania’s economic progress, youthful population, strategic location and ambitious development agenda under Vision 2050. “Tanzania has given me the impression of a country that is confident in its future and well-positioned to seize the opportunities ahead. The country possesses tremendous potential and is entering an important new phase of development,” President Shanmugaratnam said. The two Presidents also witnessed the signing of five agreements and cooperation instruments covering: Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Tax Evasion; Skills Development; Carbon Trading under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement; Bilateral Consultations; and Trade Facilitation. The agreements provide a practical framework for expanding cooperation in priority sectors while strengthening institutional collaboration between the two countries. The two leaders also agreed to enhance cooperation in digital transformation of public services, leadership development, vocational and technical education, innovation, public enterprise management, healthcare partnerships and environmental sustainability initiatives, including carbon markets and climate action. The Tanzania–Singapore Business Forum held during the visit brought together government leaders, investors and business executives from both countries to explore new investment opportunities and strengthen private sector partnerships. President Shanmugaratnam’s visit is the first by a President of Singapore to Tanzania since diplomatic relations between the two countries were established 45 years ago, underscoring the growing importance both nations attach to strengthening cooperation in an increasingly interconnected global economy.

Tanzania and Singapore Elevate Strategic Partnership with Landmark Agreements on Trade, Investment and Economic Cooperation

Wambura Mwikabwe0
History is often measured not by grand declarations, but by the moments when geography, economics, and political vision converge. The three-day State Visit of President Tharman Shanmugaratnam to Tanzania from 8–10 June 2026 was one such moment. Official ceremonies, state banquets, bilateral meetings and business roundtables are often viewed as routine features of diplomacy. Yet some visits carry significance beyond protocol. President Tharman's visit, the first ever by a Singaporean Head of State to Tanzania, appears to be one of those moments. As Tanzania and Singapore mark 45 years of diplomatic relations, both countries are signalling something larger than friendship. They are signalling strategic intent. What is unfolding in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar is not merely a celebration of past relations. It is the beginning of a conversation about the future. History is often measured not by grand declarations, but by the moments when geography, economics, and political vision converge. The three-day State Visit of President Tharman Shanmugaratnam to Tanzania from 8–10 June 2026 was one such moment. Official ceremonies, state banquets, bilateral meetings and business roundtables are often viewed as routine features of diplomacy. Yet some visits carry significance beyond protocol. President Tharman's visit, the first ever by a Singaporean Head of State to Tanzania, appears to be one of those moments. As Tanzania and Singapore mark 45 years of diplomatic relations, both countries are signalling something larger than friendship. They are signalling strategic intent. What is unfolding in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar is not merely a celebration of past relations. It is the beginning of a conversation about the future.

As Singapore Looks to East Africa, Tanzania Emerges as a Strategic Partner

Wambura Mwikabwe0
Permanent Secretary Dr. Hassan Abbasi addresses delegates during the Tanzania–Egypt Trade, Investment and Tourism Forum in Cairo, highlighting investment opportunities and strengthening bilateral cooperation between Tanzania and Egypt. Tanzania–Egypt Forum Opens New Opportunities for Trade, Investment and Tourism By Our Correspondent, Egypt The longstanding relations between Tanzania and Egypt have gained renewed momentum following the Tanzania–Egypt Trade, Investment and Tourism Forum, which brought together government leaders, business executives, investors, and development partners from the two countries. The remarks were made by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr. Hassan Abbasi, during the closing session of the forum, which provided a platform for expanding economic cooperation and strengthening commercial relations between Tanzania and Egypt. Dr. Abbasi noted that in recent years Tanzania has implemented a series of reforms aimed at improving the business and investment climate under the leadership of the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan. He said that these reforms have enhanced investor confidence, both domestically and internationally, positioning Tanzania among Africa’s leading destinations for investment. He also used the occasion to invite Egyptian investors to take advantage of the numerous opportunities available in Tanzania by investing in hotels, entertainment facilities, marine tourism infrastructure, hospitality training institutions, and tourism-related digital services. > “I invite you to visit and invest in Tanzania, especially now that direct flights between Cairo and Dar es Salaam are available,” said Dr. Abbasi. Speaking at the forum, Egypt’s Deputy Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, H.E. Yomna El Bahar, reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to strengthening cooperation between the two countries, including the exchange of expertise and best practices. She noted that Egypt has successfully attracted approximately 16 million tourists, providing valuable lessons and experiences from which Tanzania can benefit, particularly in the areas of cultural tourism development and the strategic use of historical heritage for destination marketing and promotion. The forum, which commenced on 8 June 2026, concluded on 9 June 2026 at the Sofitel Hotel in Cairo, Egypt.

Tanzania Courts Egyptian Investors with Expanding Tourism and Hospitality Opportunities

Wambura Mwikabwe0
Tanzania’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo receiving copies of Letters of Credence from Kenya’s Consul General to Tanzania, H.E. Mohamed Ramadhan Ruwange, during a diplomatic meeting in Dar es Salaam. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, has received copies of Letters of Credence from the Consul General of the Republic of Kenya to Tanzania, H.E. Mohamed Ramadhan Ruwange, during a brief ceremony held at the Ministry’s Sub-Office in Dar es Salaam. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed various matters of diplomatic cooperation and reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening the longstanding historical relations between Tanzania and Kenya. They also agreed to continue joint consultations in addressing emerging challenges and advancing cooperation and bilateral relations between the two neighbouring nations. Hon. Kombo congratulated H.E. Ruwange on his appointment and assured him of the Government’s full cooperation throughout his diplomatic tenure in Tanzania. For his part, Ambassador Ruwange expressed appreciation to the Government of Tanzania for the cordial relations and pledged to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across various sectors including trade, investment, aviation, infrastructure, and tourism. Other priority areas of cooperation highlighted during the discussions included agriculture, information and communication technology, livestock and fisheries, education, energy, as well as defence and security cooperation.

Foreign Minister Kombo Receives Credentials from Kenya’s Consul General to Tanzania

Wambura Mwikabwe0
×
X.com LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest