Tanzania and Malawi Strengthen Ties with New Agreements

Tanzania and Malawi have taken a major step forward in strengthening their long-standing relationship by signing two key agreements one focused on the health sector and another on the transfer of sentenced individuals.

The agreements were reached during the Sixth Meeting of the Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation (JPCC), held in Lilongwe, Malawi, on February 26, 2025.

One of the major achievements of the meeting was a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the health sector. This agreement aims to improve collaboration between the two countries in medical training, disease prevention, and healthcare service delivery. With this partnership, Tanzania and Malawi will be able to share expertise, strengthen their healthcare systems, and better respond to health challenges affecting both nations.

Speaking at the meeting, Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Hon. Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, highlighted the importance of the agreement.

“This MoU will allow us to work together in areas such as medical research, capacity building, and the fight against communicable diseases,” he said. “By sharing knowledge and resources, we can provide better healthcare for our people.”

Another key outcome of the meeting was an agreement on the transfer of sentenced individuals. Under this arrangement, citizens of either country who are serving prison sentences in the other nation will have the option to be transferred back home to complete their sentences.

Officials say the move is designed to improve prisoner rehabilitation and help them reintegrate into society more easily. It also ensures that incarcerated individuals can serve their sentences closer to their families and communities.

Hon. Kombo emphasized that the agreement aligns with human rights principles and strengthens justice systems in both countries. “This initiative will allow prisoners to serve their sentences in a familiar environment where they can receive support from their loved ones,” he noted.

Beyond these two agreements, the JPCC discussions also covered trade, infrastructure, security, and defense cooperation. Both Tanzania and Malawi expressed their commitment to enhancing economic ties, improving transport connectivity, and working together on security matters to ensure stability in the region.

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Malawi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Nancy Tembo, said the discussions reflected the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations.

“Tanzania and Malawi share more than just a border—we share a history of cooperation and mutual support,” she said. “These agreements mark the beginning of even greater collaboration for the benefit of our people.”

As part of the follow-up process, a mid-term review will be conducted in February 2026 to assess the progress of the agreements and explore new areas of cooperation. The next full JPCC meeting is set to take place in Dar es Salaam in 2027, where both governments will evaluate their achievements and set new goals for their partnership.

For now, the focus remains on ensuring that the agreements are implemented effectively, creating tangible benefits for both Tanzanians and Malawians. The recent developments signal a growing partnership between the two nations one built on mutual respect, shared aspirations, and a commitment to regional growth.