Tanzania – May 14, 2025 – In a world shaped by shifting global priorities, the longstanding relationship between Tanzania and Finland is being redefined, not through aid alone, but through a dynamic, future-facing partnership rooted in innovation, sustainability, and inclusive development.
The message came through clearly today as Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan hosted Finnish President Alexander Stubb at State House in Dar es Salaam, marking a pivotal moment in the two nations’ 60-year diplomatic journey.
President Stubb arrived in the country today for a three-day state visit, welcomed with full ceremonial honors, including a 21-gun salute and a military guard of honor.
However, beyond the formalities was a strategic dialogue focused on elevating cooperation from traditional sectors to areas that reflect today’s global and local priorities, digital transformation, clean energy, blue economy investment, and inclusive trade.
Speaking to the press after bilateral talks, President Samia outlined a shared commitment to expand collaboration in areas including forests, trade, investment, mining, tourism, education, women’s empowerment, ICT, and technology transfer.
She emphasized the need to move with purpose, noting, “We both agreed there’s room to grow our collaboration in these areas, and we are ready to harness these opportunities for the benefit of our nations.”
Finland’s historic support in forestry management remains a strong pillar of the relationship. On this visit, President Stubb is expected to launch a new initiative aimed at strengthening Tanzanian training institutions in the forestry sector.
Yet even the traditional partnership is being reimagined with a long-term, knowledge-sharing lens.
In one of the most forward-looking aspects of their conversation, President Samia invited Finland to participate in Tanzania’s ambitious clean cooking energy program, which aims to ensure that 80 percent of Tanzanians have access to clean cooking solutions by 2030.
The move reflects not only a national priority, but a larger alignment with Finland’s green development values. Equally notable was the call for Finland’s private sector to invest in value addition within Tanzania’s mining sector, opening up new possibilities for joint ventures aimed at global markets.
Perhaps the most transformative opportunity discussed was in digital development.
President Samia highlighted Tanzania’s interest in attracting Finnish expertise to accelerate digital entrepreneurship, support government e-services, and enhance cybersecurity infrastructure.
“Technology and innovation will define the next phase of our partnership,” she said, emphasizing the potential of innovation hubs, startup incubators, and digital skill-building programs.
The educational sector also stood out as a key area of deepening ties.
President Samia appreciated Finland for its support in digital vocational training and teacher capacity-building, and proposed broader collaboration to scale up skills exchange and institutional partnerships.
The goal is to equip Tanzanian youth with the tools to thrive in an increasingly digital global economy.
On broader diplomatic and security matters, the two leaders voiced support for global peace, democratic values, and international law.
President Stubb, referencing Finland’s experience during World War II and its current geopolitical proximity to the Ukraine-Russia conflict, underlined the importance of defending sovereignty and rule of law.
“We believe it’s important for global partners—including African nations—to work together to uphold these norms,” he said, calling for more active engagement in global peace and justice efforts.
Tanzania has proposed the establishment of a parliamentary-level exchange between the two countries, offering a platform to share policy experiences and enhance mutual understanding.
Both leaders also agreed to promote trade missions and facilitate business-to-business linkages in sectors ranging from tourism to circular economy solutions.
President Samia made a direct appeal to grow tourist arrivals from Finland, citing the country’s rising interest in Tanzanian adventure and eco-tourism.
Last year, Tanzania welcomed 5,067 Finnish tourists, and in the first quarter of 2025 alone, 1,276 have already visited.
President Stubb expressed deep appreciation for the warmth and openness of the Tanzanian people, recalling his previous visit to the country 22 years ago when he served as Minister of Trade.
“Our goal is not only a good relationship, but working together to maintain international order. That should resonate across Africa,” he said.
The visit marks more than a diplomatic celebration; it reflects a bold shift in how two nations, with different histories and geographies, are choosing to collaborate—not through dependency, but through shared purpose.
As they look toward the future, Finland and Tanzania are setting an example of what modern partnerships can look like: agile, inclusive, and anchored in mutual benefit.
In a time when global alliances are being tested and redrawn, theirs is a partnership that proves diplomacy, when paired with innovation and intent, can indeed shape a better world.
Source: Local media