As December approaches, marking the end of 2024 with year-end festivities, the longstanding relationship between Tanzania and Russia continues to flourish. This partnership has been sustained and enhanced by the efforts of their respective leaders, President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
To conclude the year, the Russian Embassy in Tanzania, under the leadership of Ambassador Andrey Avetisyan, released its 2024 annual report. This report highlights key achievements, strategic initiatives for the coming year, and projects nearing completion.
Education sector
The report highlights significant strides in the education sector, with Tanzania benefiting from Russia’s robust scholarship programs. Ambassador Avetisyan announced that over 500 Tanzanian students are currently pursuing higher education in Russia under government-sponsored scholarships. These scholarships, offered through an official and transparent application process, are widely publicized by the Russian Embassy.
Looking ahead, the ambassador revealed plans to increase the number of scholarships available to Tanzanians to 150 annually, up from 90 in the previous year. This initiative underscores Russia’s commitment to strengthening educational ties with Tanzania and supporting its human capital development.
Promoting Swahili language
The growing prominence of Swahili in Russia has emerged as a cornerstone of bilateral relations. Ambassador Avetisyan reiterated Russia’s support for Tanzania’s efforts to formalize Swahili as an official language of the United Nations. Demonstrating this commitment, five educational institutions in Russia have integrated Swahili into their curricula, reflecting the language’s increasing global influence.
This milestone has been hailed as a testament to the deepening cultural ties between the two nations, with expectations that more Russian schools and universities will adopt Swahili in the future.
Tourism and trade
The sectors of tourism and trade were also prominently featured in the report. Despite room for growth, recent developments suggest a promising trajectory. Tanzania recently received the prestigious World Travel Award as the best safari destination globally, boosting its visibility as a premier tourism hub.
Ambassador Avetisyan commended Tanzania as the safest destination in East and Central Africa. He outlined plans to promote Tanzania’s iconic attractions among Russian tour operators and encourage more Russians to explore Tanzania’s natural wonders. Concurrently, efforts are underway to introduce Tanzanians to Russia’s diverse tourism offerings.
A significant development in this sector is the proposal for direct flights between Tanzania and Russia. This initiative, currently under discussion, is expected to facilitate travel and trade, fostering deeper connections between the two nations. “We have engaged airlines, and they are ready if passenger demand materializes. Progress has been slow, but I am optimistic,” said the ambassador.
Energy sector
Tanzania’s shift towards cleaner energy sources has been recognized as a pivotal area of development. The country is set to host the African Energy Summit in 2025, which will focus on advancing access to electricity for over 300 million people by 2030.
Ambassador Avetisyan lauded Tanzania’s energy reforms and expressed Russia’s readiness to collaborate in this transformative journey. He specifically mentioned Gazprom, a leading Russian energy company, as a potential partner in driving innovation and growth in Tanzania’s energy sector.
Future collaboration
Reflecting on recent diplomatic engagements, the ambassador highlighted a meeting between President Putin and Dr. Tulia Ackson, Speaker of Tanzania’s Parliament, during the 149th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Geneva. He expressed optimism about her potential visit to Russia, emphasizing the importance of such exchanges in strengthening ties. “Dr. Tulia has been invited by the Russian Parliament and will be warmly welcomed as a representative of Tanzania or the IPU,” he stated.
The 2024 report from the Russian Embassy underscores the multifaceted partnership between Tanzania and Russia, highlighting mutual achievements in education, culture, tourism, trade, and energy. As the two nations prepare for a new year, their shared vision and collaborative efforts signal a bright future for this enduring alliance