editor
President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Thursday hosted Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe at State House in Dar es Salaam, where the two discussed how to deepen cooperation in tourism and sports two fast-growing sectors in Tanzania.
The meeting, marked by warm exchanges and a spirit of collaboration, came as part of broader efforts by President Samia’s administration to open Tanzania to more international partnerships. Sir Jim, who recently acquired a stake in the English Premier League giants, expressed interest in using the club’s global influence to help promote Tanzania as a top travel and sporting destination.
As a gesture of goodwill, Sir Jim presented President Samia with an official Manchester United jersey, personally signed by the club’s first-team players. The President received it with a smile, calling it a “symbol of friendship and shared possibilities.”
But beyond the jersey and formalities, the meeting touched on more concrete goals. President Samia took the opportunity to pitch a long-term idea: establishing sports training centers in Tanzania — particularly ones that could tap into the country’s rich pool of young talent. She noted that many young Tanzanians have the passion and potential for international sport, but often lack the right facilities and exposure.
“Tanzania has many gifted young people who, if given the right platform, could shine globally — not just in football but in athletics and other sports,” the President said.
Sir Jim showed interest in the proposal and acknowledged the role that sports — especially football — can play in transforming lives and building bridges between nations. He also emphasized the importance of promoting tourism as a gateway to economic growth, saying Tanzania’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and peaceful atmosphere make it a standout destination.
Also Read; Russia Strikes Ukraine’s Power Plant
Amid Winter
This visit adds to a growing list of high-level engagements by President Samia, who has made tourism a key pillar of her administration. Since launching the Royal Tour documentary in 2022 — where she personally guided viewers through Tanzania’s wildlife, landscapes, and cities — the country has seen a resurgence in tourist arrivals and international attention.
Government officials say a collaboration with a club as influential as Manchester United could open new opportunities — not just in tourism, but in branding Tanzania as a place of talent, energy, and hospitality.
The talks with Sir Jim are still at an early stage, but both sides left the meeting with optimism. The groundwork is being laid for a partnership that could combine global sports reach with local talent and ambition.
For many young Tanzanians, that kind of connection could mean access to better training, professional exposure — and even dreams of one day wearing a jersey like the one President Samia held in her hands.
