Tanzania’s Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa held talks today with Russia’s Minister of Economic Development, Maxim Reshetnikov, in a meeting that underscored strengthening cooperation in sectors such as trade, agriculture, transport, education, energy, and tourism.
The discussions took place in Dar es Salaam, reflecting both nations’ commitment to boosting mutual investments and bilateral relations.
Prime Minister Majaliwa assured Minister Reshetnikov that Tanzania remains an ideal destination for investment, citing the country’s strategic geographic position and political stability. “Tanzania’s government, led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has prioritized reforms to boost trade with friendly countries, including Russia. This visit reaffirms that Tanzania is a key partner in Africa for economic growth,” he stated.
Majaliwa highlighted Tanzania’s logistical strengths, noting access to the Indian Ocean through ports in Dar es Salaam, Mtwara, and Tanga, as well as significant inland waterways like Lakes Victoria, Tanganyika, and Nyasa. These lakes have key ports connected by robust infrastructure, including central railway lines, the TAZARA railway, and the new Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), which will facilitate movement of goods across East and Central Africa upon completion.
Additionally, the Prime Minister invited Russian investors to explore opportunities in Tanzania’s agricultural sector, emphasizing the country’s vast arable land suited for commercial farming. “Tanzania aspires to become Africa’s food production hub,” Majaliwa said. He added that Tanzania offers a substantial consumer base of over 61 million people, with the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) markets collectively adding another 600 million potential consumers.
Majaliwa also highlighted Tanzania’s status as a gateway to neighboring landlocked nations, including Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with ongoing discussions to enhance ties with Comoros, South Sudan, and Somalia.
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Minister Reshetnikov underscored Russia’s intention to support educational opportunities for Tanzanian students, with 90 new scholarship placements to Russian universities available next year. “We are open to expanding these opportunities to enhance Tanzania’s skilled workforce,” he said.
Tomorrow, October 29, marks the first session of the newly established Russia-Tanzania Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, a collaborative framework set in motion by an agreement signed on December 29, 2022. This meeting signals both nations’ commitment to fostering closer economic ties and elevating strategic partnerships in critical sectors.