MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND EAST AFRICAN COOPERATION
SUMMARY OF THE BUDGET SPEECH OF HON. AMBASSADOR DR. MAHMOUD THABIT KOMBO (MP)
MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND EAST AFRICAN COOPERATION
PRESENTING TO PARLIAMENT THE MINISTRY’S REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE ESTIMATES FOR THE 2026/2027 FINANCIAL YEAR
MAY 2026 – DODOMA
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Honourable Speaker, following the report presented today before this august House by the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security, I beg to move that this Honourable Parliament now receive, deliberate upon, and approve the Plan and Budget Estimates of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation and its institutions for the 2026/2027 Financial Year.
At the outset, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to Almighty God for granting us life, good health, and the opportunity to convene here today, enabling me to stand before this Honourable House to present the Ministry’s Revenue and Expenditure Estimates for the 2026/2027 Financial Year.
As this is my first budget speech following my reappointment by Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, as Member of Parliament and Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, I would also like to thank the President for appointing Hon. Dr. Ngwaru Jumanne Maghembe (MP) and Hon. James Kinyasi Millya (MP) as Deputy Ministers in the Ministry. I further extend my appreciation to them for their invaluable cooperation and support in the discharge of the Ministry’s responsibilities.
I also convey my sincere appreciation to Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for continuing to repose confidence in Ambassador Dr. Samwel William Shelukindo, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, and Ambassador Said Shaibu Mussa, Deputy Permanent Secretary. I further thank Heads of Departments and Units, Ambassadors representing Tanzania abroad, Chairpersons and Members of Boards, Heads of Institutions under the Ministry, and all public servants for their dedication and contribution to the successful implementation of the Ministry’s mandate.
I wish to convey my heartfelt congratulations to Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania and the nation’s foremost diplomat, on her overwhelming victory in the 2025 General Election, which reflects the immense trust Tanzanians continue to place in her leadership and Government.
I also congratulate Honourable Ambassador Dr. Emmanuel John Nchimbi on his election as Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania and express confidence that his distinguished leadership and diplomatic expertise will greatly support the President in advancing Tanzania’s international relations.
Further congratulations are extended to His Excellency Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi on his re-election as President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council.
I also congratulate Honourable Dr. Mwigulu Lameck Nchemba (MP) on his appointment and approval as Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania.
Honourable Speaker, allow me to congratulate you personally on your election as the Eighth Speaker of the Parliament of the United Republic of Tanzania, as well as Honourable Daniel Baran Sillo (MP) on his election as Deputy Speaker.
I further express sincere appreciation to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security under the leadership of Honourable Najma Murtaza Giga (MP) and Honourable Pascal Inyasi Chinyele (MP) for their continued guidance and cooperation.
Special appreciation is also extended to Her Excellency the President for nominating Ambassador Stephen Patrick Mbundi, former Permanent Secretary responsible for East African Affairs, to the position of Secretary General of the East African Community, a nomination that was unanimously endorsed during the 25th EAC Summit held in Arusha in March 2026.
2.0 FOUNDATIONS OF TANZANIA’S FOREIGN POLICY
Tanzania has continued to uphold the principles of international relations and cooperation as established by the founding fathers of the nation and articulated in the Foreign Policy of 2001, Revised Edition 2024. These principles include safeguarding national sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence; promoting human rights, equality and democracy; fostering good neighbourliness; advancing African unity; strengthening economic cooperation with development partners; supporting non-alignment and South-South cooperation; supporting the United Nations in promoting economic development, peace and security; and preserving the values, traditions and culture of the people of the United Republic of Tanzania.
Tanzania remains steadfast in its policy of non-alignment and continues to maintain cordial relations with all nations without discrimination or external influence.
GLOBAL POLITICAL, DEFENCE AND SECURITY SITUATION
The global political, defence and security environment has continued to deteriorate due to escalating international conflicts, geopolitical competition among major powers, and the increasing prevalence of proxy wars and armed conflicts. These developments have undermined the stability of international relations and heightened uncertainty within the global political order.
The Government commends former President Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete for his appointment by the African Union Commission as Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, a region comprising six countries.
Tanzania continues to support peaceful resolution efforts through IGAD, the African Union and the United Nations.
The Middle East remains one of the world’s most volatile regions. Tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran over Iran’s nuclear programme and regional strategic competition resulted in direct confrontations before a temporary ceasefire agreement was reached. The conflict significantly affected global trade, maritime transport through the Strait of Hormuz, and international oil prices.
3.0 REVIEW OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MINISTRY’S PLAN AND BUDGET FOR 2025/2026
Revenue Collection and Expenditure
During the 2025/2026 Financial Year, the Ministry planned to collect total revenue amounting to TZS 1.454 billion from various sources at the Ministry Headquarters and Tanzania’s diplomatic missions abroad. As of 30 April 2026, the Ministry had collected TZS 918.7 million, equivalent to 63.17 percent of the annual target.
Parliament approved a total budget of TZS 340.5 billion for the Ministry during the 2025/2026 Financial Year. Of this amount, TZS 294.9 billion was allocated for recurrent expenditure and TZS 45.5 billion for development projects.
As of 30 April 2026, the Ministry had received and spent TZS 271.3 billion, representing 79.67 percent of the approved annual budget.
Implementation of Diplomatic Priorities
Achievements realized under the implementation of economic diplomacy are elaborated in paragraphs 43 to 215 of the Budget Speech.
IMPLEMENTATION OF RESPONSIBILITIES BY INSTITUTIONS UNDER THE MINISTRY
Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC)
AICC planned to collect TZS 33.1 billion from internal revenue sources during the reporting period. By April 2026, the institution had collected TZS 18.2 billion, equivalent to 55 percent of the annual target, while expenditure stood at TZS 17.7 billion.
African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) – Tanzania
For the 2025/2026 Financial Year, APRM Tanzania was allocated a budget of TZS 1.257 billion, entirely financed through Government grants.
Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim Centre for Foreign Relations
The Centre planned to collect and spend TZS 8.278 billion during the 2025/2026 Financial Year, including internally generated revenue and Government subventions.
4.0 ACHIEVEMENTS, CHALLENGES AND MITIGATION MEASURES
The implementation of the Ministry’s priorities in line with the strategic objectives of the Foreign Policy of 2001, Revised Edition 2024, resulted in notable achievements and challenges as elaborated in the Budget Speech.
5.0 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Sixth Phase Government under the leadership of Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan has continued to demonstrate strong commitment and exceptional efforts in strengthening international relations, diplomacy, and cooperation with development partners.
The Government expresses profound appreciation to development partners, regional and international organizations, and friendly nations for their invaluable support towards the implementation of bilateral, regional and international cooperation initiatives that contribute to Tanzania’s sustainable development.
Special appreciation is extended to numerous partner countries and institutions, including the African Development Bank (AfDB), the World Bank, IMF, UN agencies, regional organizations, bilateral development agencies and international humanitarian institutions for their continued cooperation and support.
6.0 PRIORITIES AND BUDGET ESTIMATES FOR 2026/2027
Priority Areas for the 2026/2027 Financial Year
The Ministry’s priorities for the 2026/2027 Financial Year are:
- To continue strengthening bilateral, regional and international cooperation and coordination;
- To coordinate implementation of the Foreign Policy of 2001, Revised Edition 2024, particularly economic diplomacy;
- To continue safeguarding Tanzania’s image, reputation and national interests internationally; and
- To improve the working environment for Ministry staff, strengthen good governance and human resources, and implement development projects under the Ministry and its institutions.
7.0 REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE ESTIMATES FOR 2026/2027
For the 2026/2027 Financial Year, the Ministry projects Government revenue collection amounting to TZS 1.511 billion from various sources at Headquarters and Tanzania’s diplomatic missions abroad. Revenue sources include rental income from Government properties abroad, conference hall leasing, and document authentication services.
On the expenditure side, the Ministry plans to spend TZS 359.3 billion. Of this amount:
- TZS 312.9 billion is allocated for recurrent expenditure;
- TZS 46.3 billion is allocated for development expenditure;
- TZS 290.2 billion of recurrent expenditure is earmarked for other charges; and
- TZS 22.6 billion is allocated for salaries of staff at Headquarters and Tanzania’s diplomatic missions abroad.
8.0 CONCLUSION
Honourable Speaker, in order to effectively implement the Ministry’s responsibilities during the 2026/2027 Financial Year.
