Angela Normino
Tanzania has made commendable strides in economic diplomacy, with the East African nation earning 5.6 billion US dollars in investments in 2023, up from 1 billion US dollars in 2021.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, January Makamba made the revelation when reflecting on President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan’s three years in office.
Speaking at his office in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday, Mr Makamba highlighted President Samia’s commendable efforts in enhancing bilateral relations with nations and multinational corporations, which have resulted in positive outcomes for the country.
“Through the President’s tours abroad we have been able to solicit development funds, in terms of loans and aids for bankrolling our strategic development projects,” said the minister.
Statistics show that in 2023, the Tanzania Investment Centre registered 504 projects worth 5.6 billion US dollars, a 58 per cent increase compared to the 292 projects registered in 2022.
The government has continued to implements the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project, which nears completion, and is envisaged to add 2,115 megawatts to the national grid.
The project’s total cost is estimated at 6.5tri/-. Another mega project being undertaken by the country is the 26tri/- Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), whereas the sections from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro and Morogoro to Makutupora have reached over 90 per cent completion.
Minister Makamba listed other key projects as ports projects including Mangapwani, Mbamba Bay and Mtwara, as well as health, water and education services.
“The financing of most of these projects have partly been made possible thanks to the president’s tours abroad,” stated Mr Makamba.
The minister’s remarks echoed President Samia’s revelation during her endof-year address that in 2023 the government secured 1.3 billion US dollars, which is equivalent to 3tri/-, to support development projects, which is 100 per cent of the borrowing target.
Makamba added further that under President Samia, Tanzania has consistently excelled on the global stage, contributing to discussions on global affairs and influencing various international policies.
Under President Samia, Tanzania has participated in various influential and economically significant forums, including the BRICS, World Bank, African Development Bank, Davos Economic Forum and meetings with various economically powerful nations.
In the continuation of cordial bilateral relations, Tanzania has also hosted high profile guests from the United States, Germany, Indonesia, Hungary, Romania, as well as neighbouring and friendly African countries.
Minister Makamba said President Samia has successful strengthened relations with neighbouring countries, bolstering business, peace and security in the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) regions.
For instance, he said, President Samia made a tour of Kenya soon after assuming the presidency and held successfully talks her Kenyan counterpart which resulted in improved business atmosphere between the two countries.
Makamba said Kenya is not only a neighbour but a strategic partner for Tanzania.
“Kenya is our biggest trading partner, there is big volume of trade and business between our two countries. We have big investments in Kenya and they have mega investments in Tanzania.”
“We are exporting food and cash crops to Kenya, so Kenya is the biggest market for Tanzanian farmers,” he added.
Giving his verdict on the performance of the country’s envoys abroad, Minister Makamba said; “Our ambassadors are performing well but there is a room for improvement.”
He said the ministry has organised a meeting that will bring together all 49 ambassadors representing the country abroad next month in Dar es Salaam.
“The government will continue to develop and empower our embassies to ensure they execute their tasks there efficiently and effectively, especially in the area of economic diplomacy,” he assured.
Minister Makamba praised President Samia for flying high the country’s flag in the global arena, saying the Head of State, whom he referred to as the number one diplomat, has opened up the country and restored Tanzania’s influential position in international affairs.
“I anticipate greater diplomatic achievements in the future under President Samia’s leadership, as we are seeing a return to the Tanzania that we are familiar with in terms of international and foreign affairs,” he stated.
Additional Source:Daily News
