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17 May 2026
Dar es Salaam
The Security Committee for the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), popularly known as Sabasaba, convened to assess the progress of preparations for the landmark exhibition, which will take place from 28 June to 13 July 2026 at the Sabasaba Grounds in Dar es Salaam.
During the meeting, committee members reviewed and evaluated various strategies aimed at strengthening security and safety throughout the event, with particular focus on the management of entry gates for visitors and exhibitors, as well as security arrangements across the exhibition grounds.
Speaking during the session, the Committee Secretary and Director General of the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade), Dr. Latifa M. Hamis, presented a comprehensive update on the preparations and outlined the measures put in place to ensure the successful delivery of the exhibition. She also presented the full programme for the 50th Jubilee celebrations.
Following the presentation, the Committee expressed its satisfaction with the progress achieved and commended Dr. Latifa Hamis and the entire TanTrade team for their commitment and efforts in organizing the event.
The Committee further emphasized the importance of close collaboration between TanTrade and all security agencies to ensure that the 50th Sabasaba Trade Fair is conducted in a secure, orderly, and successful environment.
The United Republic of Tanzania and the Republic of Singapore have agreed to significantly deepen bilateral cooperation across trade, investment, skills development, digital transformation, healthcare, environmental sustainability, and public sector modernisation, ushering in a new era of strategic partnership focused on shared prosperity and long-term economic resilience.
The milestone agreements were reached during the State Visit to Tanzania by the President of the Republic of Singapore, His Excellency Tharman Shanmugaratnam, undertaken at the invitation of the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Her Excellency 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 between the two Heads of State, high-level bilateral discussions involving their respective delegations, a joint press conference, a State Luncheon hosted in honour of the visiting President, and participation in the Tanzania–Singapore Business Forum before concluding with an official farewell ceremony.
Throughout their engagements, the two leaders reaffirmed the longstanding friendship between Tanzania and Singapore while expressing a shared commitment to transform that relationship into a dynamic economic partnership capable of delivering tangible benefits to businesses, investors, and citizens in both countries.
President Samia observed that the current level of bilateral trade and investment remains significantly below its true potential.
> “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 stated.
The President identified manufacturing, agriculture and agro-processing, energy, ports and logistics, tourism, the digital economy, the blue and green economy, healthcare, and human capital development as strategic sectors that will anchor future collaboration.
She further invited Singaporean investors and enterprises to expand their footprint in Tanzania by leveraging opportunities in agricultural production, food processing, logistics infrastructure, technology, innovation, and industrial development.
Emphasising Tanzania’s strategic geographical advantage, President Samia highlighted the country’s position as a gateway to Eastern, Central, and Southern Africa, supported by substantial investments in transport infrastructure, modern ports, regional trade corridors, and an improving business environment designed to facilitate cross-border commerce and regional integration.
The two leaders also explored opportunities to strengthen economic cooperation between Singapore and the East African Community (EAC), acknowledging the readiness of EAC Partner States to commence negotiations towards a Singapore–EAC Free Trade Agreement.
Such an agreement would have the potential to expand market access, facilitate investment flows, strengthen supply chain connectivity between East Africa and the Asia-Pacific region, and unlock new avenues for sustainable economic growth and shared prosperity.
For his part, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam commended Tanzania’s impressive economic progress, youthful demographic profile, 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 remarked.
As part of the State Visit, the two Presidents witnessed the signing of five key 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.
These agreements establish a robust institutional framework for expanding economic cooperation, strengthening investor confidence, enhancing policy coordination, and supporting sustainable development objectives in both countries.
Beyond these formal instruments, the two leaders agreed to deepen collaboration in digital transformation of public services, leadership development, vocational and technical education, innovation ecosystems, public enterprise management, healthcare partnerships, and environmental sustainability initiatives, including carbon markets and climate action.
The Tanzania–Singapore Business Forum, held alongside the State Visit, brought together senior government officials, investors, business leaders, and private sector stakeholders from both nations to identify new commercial opportunities, facilitate strategic partnerships, and reinforce private sector engagement as a key driver of bilateral economic growth.
President Shanmugaratnam’s visit marks the first visit by a President of Singapore to Tanzania since diplomatic relations were established 45 years ago, underscoring the growing strategic importance both countries attach to building a forward-looking partnership based on innovation, investment, regional connectivity, and sustainable development in an increasingly interconnected global economy.
The Kabanga Nickel Project is emerging as a defining symbol of Tanzania’s economic transformation. By combining one of the world’s most significant nickel resources with a national agenda focused on local value addition, industrialisation, and sustainable investment, Tanzania is positioning itself among Africa’s most attractive destinations for long-term capital and participation in the global energy transition. For decades, discussions about Africa’s economic future have centred on potential.
The coming decade will be defined by implementation. Few countries appear to be positioning themselves more strategically for that shift than Tanzania, and the continued progress of the Kabanga Nickel Project offers compelling evidence of this ambition.
In many resource-rich economies, large-scale mining projects become entangled in regulatory uncertainty, political disagreements, or disputes over how economic benefits should be shared. Such challenges often delay development and limit broader economic impact. Kabanga presents a different model one that seeks to align investor confidence with national development priorities while creating shared long-term value.
A Critical Minerals Opportunity in a Changing Global Economy
The accelerating global demand for critical minerals has fundamentally reshaped investment priorities. As electric vehicles, battery storage technologies, renewable energy systems, and advanced manufacturing continue to expand, nickel has become an essential strategic commodity.
Governments are increasingly seeking more than royalties from resource extraction. They are pursuing industrialisation, domestic processing, manufacturing capabilities, technology transfer, skilled employment, and resilient supply chains. Tanzania’s approach reflects this evolving vision.
Recent engagements involving President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Kabanga Nickel leadership, and government officials indicate meaningful progress toward establishing a framework that balances commercial viability with Tanzania’s broader economic aspirations. If successfully implemented, Kabanga could become one of Africa’s leading examples of integrated resource-based industrial development.
Beyond Mining: Building an Industrial Ecosystem The significance of Kabanga extends far beyond mineral extraction. The project is envisioned as a fully integrated mining and beneficiation initiative designed to maximise value addition within Tanzania through refining, downstream processing, and local participation.
Such an approach has the potential to generate benefits across multiple sectors of the economy. Major industrial investments create multiplier effects that stimulate infrastructure development, strengthen domestic supply chains, expand employment opportunities, encourage skills transfer, attract additional capital, and enable the emergence of complementary industries.
These interconnected outcomes form the foundation of sustainable economic transformation. The Tanzanian Government’s emphasis on local content, technology transfer, and industrial capacity development suggests a deliberate effort to ensure that natural resources contribute to long-term national prosperity rather than short-term extraction alone.
Strengthening Tanzania’s Investment Proposition President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration has consistently prioritised improving the investment climate by enhancing policy stability, strengthening engagement with international investors, and promoting strategic sectors capable of delivering sustainable growth.
Kabanga aligns closely with this broader economic agenda. For international investors and manufacturers seeking secure and diversified sources of critical minerals, Tanzania offers several competitive advantages, including significant resource potential, political stability, strategic geographic positioning, and an increasingly investment-oriented policy environment. As global companies seek to reduce supply chain concentration and secure long-term access to battery metals, Tanzania is well positioned to become an increasingly important participant in international critical mineral markets.
East Africa’s Emerging Industrial Growth Story The broader implications extend beyond Tanzania alone. East Africa is gradually evolving from a frontier investment destination into a region characterised by industrial growth and infrastructure expansion. Countries capable of combining natural resource wealth with institutional stability, modern infrastructure, and forward-looking industrial policies are likely to capture a growing share of global investment linked to the energy transition.
Through projects such as Kabanga, Tanzania is making a credible case for leadership within this transformation. More importantly, the project represents a test of whether African economies can successfully move beyond exporting raw materials and instead capture greater value through domestic processing, manufacturing, and participation in global industrial value chains.
Should Kabanga achieve its full potential, Tanzania will gain more than a world-class mining operation. It could establish itself as one of Africa’s premier investment destinations and one of the continent’s most compelling industrial growth stories over the next decade.
Key Strategic Takeaways
Kabanga Nears Implementation: Continued engagement between President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Kabanga Nickel leadership, and government stakeholders signals significant progress toward project implementation.
Strong Government Commitment: Sustained presidential support reinforces policy continuity and confidence for long-term strategic investors.
Integrated Industrial Vision: Kabanga is being developed as a comprehensive mining, refining, and beneficiation project designed to maximise domestic value creation.
Focus on Local Value Addition: Tanzania’s strategy prioritises technology transfer, skills development, local content participation, employment creation, and industrial expansion rather than the export of raw minerals.
Strategic Position in Critical Minerals: As demand for battery metals accelerates globally, Tanzania has the opportunity to become a reliable supplier to electric vehicle and clean energy supply chains.
Enhanced Investor Confidence: Progress on the project demonstrates Tanzania’s commitment to balancing commercial interests with national development objectives. *
Global Supply Chain Importance: Kabanga could strengthen Tanzania’s role within increasingly diversified and resilient international critical mineral supply networks.
Broad Economic Impact: The project has the potential to generate long-term benefits through infrastructure investment, tax revenues, employment, supplier development, skills transfer, and increased industrial activity.
Regional Competitive Advantage: Tanzania’s combination of strategic resources, political stability, improving investment conditions, and industrial policy differentiates it within East Africa.
A Catalyst for Economic Transformation: More than a mining project, Kabanga represents an opportunity to accelerate Tanzania’s transition toward becoming a regional industrial and manufacturing hub within the global energy economy.
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.
HIGH COMMISSIONER KAIRUKI URGES TANZANIAN EXPORTERS TO MAXIMIZE UK TRADE OPPORTUNITIES
High Commissioner Mbelwa Kairuki joined the UK–Tanzania Trade Roadshow in Arusha, hosted by the British High Commission, to engage with exporters, farmers, and business stakeholders on expanding Tanzania’s access to the United Kingdom market through the UK Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS).
During the forum, High Commissioner Kairuki highlighted three key strategic messages aimed at strengthening Tanzania’s export competitiveness and trade growth:
The UK market remains highly accessible, with nearly 99 percent of Tanzanian products eligible for duty-free access.
Meeting international standards is essential, with emphasis placed on product quality, certification, packaging, consistency, and reliable supply chains to successfully compete in global markets.
Tanzania must accelerate its export ambitions and capitalize on the significant opportunities available within the UK market, which imports billions of pounds worth of food and agricultural products annually.
The Tanzania High Commission in London reaffirmed its commitment to continue working closely with partners to connect Tanzanian producers, exporters, and agribusinesses with UK buyers, investors, and international supply chains.
Appreciation was extended to the British High Commission, Green Growth Facility, Tanzania Horticultural Association, and all stakeholders supporting efforts to enhance trade and economic cooperation between Tanzania and the United Kingdom.
Tanzania has intensified its efforts to attract foreign investment by showcasing its industrial potential and expanding opportunities within its special economic zones.
The call was made by Gilead Teri, Director General of the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority, during a meeting with Maxim Ryzhenkov in Dar es Salaam on April 29, 2026.
Teri encouraged investors from Belarus to take advantage of Tanzania’s favorable investment environment, emphasizing the availability of industrial land, improved infrastructure, and streamlined investment procedures.
The discussions took place during a visit to the Benjamin Mkapa Special Economic Zone, where Tanzania is actively promoting industrialization and export-oriented manufacturing.
Minister Ryzhenkov expressed strong interest in Tanzania’s investment landscape, commending the government’s efforts to enhance infrastructure and create a business-friendly environment. He reaffirmed Belarus’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Tanzania in industry, trade, and investment.
As part of the visit, the Belarusian delegation toured the Tooku jeans manufacturing factory, gaining insights into Tanzania’s growing capacity in export-oriented textile production.
The visit was also attended by Fredrick Kibuta and Dzmitry Krasouski, underscoring the importance of diplomatic engagement in driving economic partnerships.
The engagement highlights Tanzania’s strategic positioning as a competitive investment destination in Africa and its commitment to fostering industrial growth through international collaboration.
**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.
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.
Washington, D.C. — Tanzania is experiencing a rapid increase in electricity demand, growing at an average rate of 10 to 15 percent annually, driven by population growth and expanding industrial and commercial activities.
Speaking at the Powering Africa Summit, Deputy Minister of Energy Hon. Salome Makamba said the rising demand is accelerating investment across the energy sector, positioning it as a key driver of economic growth.
As of March 2026, Tanzania’s installed electricity generation capacity has reached 4,383 megawatts, while peak demand stands at approximately 2,100 megawatts. However, officials warn that continued growth in demand requires sustained investment in generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure.
The government has successfully extended electricity infrastructure to all villages in Mainland Tanzania, though household connectivity remains a challenge. Authorities are now targeting 100 percent electricity access by 2030, alongside increasing household connections to 75 percent.
Tanzania’s diverse energy mix including natural gas, hydropower, solar, wind, and geothermal resources is expected to play a crucial role in meeting future demand. The government is also promoting renewable energy development and encouraging private sector investment to ensure long-term sustainability.
These efforts aim to support Tanzania’s ambition of becoming a regional energy hub in Africa, while driving inclusive economic growth.