By Lookman Miraji
At a time when the world is undergoing unprecedented transformations, many countries have been actively crafting robust strategies to navigate the rapidly shifting global landscape.
Tanzania has long been recognized across Africa for its peace, stability, and diverse tourist attractions. On both the continental and international diplomatic stage, Tanzania has built a strong reputation through sustained, positive relations with numerous countries worldwide.
For over six decades, Tanzania’s diplomacy has evolved under the stewardship of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation. The country’s Foreign Policy, first established in 2001, has served as a vital framework, providing clear guidance on how Tanzania should engage with the global community.
The 2001 Foreign Policy was officially implemented in 2004 and outlined several key strategic priorities. Since then, it has continued to guide the ministry responsible for international relations and regional cooperation.
However, despite its longstanding use, the policy has undergone periodic reviews to ensure it remains relevant amidst global shifts and new diplomatic challenges. A few years ago, the government initiated a comprehensive revision process that involved gathering input from citizens and various stakeholders both domestically and abroad.
This review process began promptly after its announcement, offering the public an opportunity to share their views before the policy was finalized. By October 2024, the revision process was officially concluded.
The evaluation revealed significant achievements, including sustained peace and security, economic growth, and strengthened regional partnerships. Nonetheless, it also identified several challenges.
Among these, Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo highlighted weak coordination and monitoring systems between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other government sectors. This issue partly stemmed from the misconception that the policy pertains solely to foreign affairs, despite its impact across multiple sectors.
On May 19, 2025, the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, officially launched the updated 2024 edition of the Foreign Policy during a high-profile ceremony in Dar es Salaam.
The event was attended by senior government officials, ambassadors, and representatives from international organizations.
President Samia described the updated policy as a strategic tool designed to prepare the nation for the fast-paced changes unfolding globally.
She emphasized that addressing these changes requires robust systems; without them, Tanzania risks being undermined by emerging challenges.
“The technological revolution has revealed tremendous potential for misuse, threatening the freedom and security of our countries,” she noted.
President Samia praised the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its effective implementation of the policy, pointing to Tanzania’s emergence as a trusted leader and influential voice in international forums across sectors such as energy, health, and women’s empowerment.
She highlighted that the new policy will place greater emphasis on advancing economic diplomacy, attracting large-scale investment, leveraging diplomatic opportunities effectively, and capitalizing on Africa’s vast commercial market.
Furthermore, the President underscored the importance of protecting Tanzania’s national image by promoting the country’s positive attributes as a source of influence to expand markets across Africa.
She instructed ministry officials to continue educating public institutions on the policy’s content and relevance to their roles.
President Samia also called on Tanzanian ambassadors abroad to familiarize themselves with the revised policy and actively promote its provisions.
She urged all government ministries and agencies to integrate the policy’s objectives and strategies into their work plans and to commence implementation once formal guidelines are issued.
In closing, President Samia appealed to Tanzanians living abroad to invest in the country’s various sectors and encouraged the private sector to seize available opportunities. Above all, she reiterated the critical importance of preserving peace and stability in Tanzania.
Echoing this sentiment, the President of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, Dr. Hussein Mwinyi, praised the policy’s revision, affirming its role in safeguarding national interests.
“The implementation of this policy will continue to open opportunities. Given global changes, it was necessary to reassess it. This policy focuses on economic diplomacy and must be used to protect the country’s interests,” he said.
The new 2024 policy edition includes an important addition emphasizing the protection of Tanzania’s natural heritage, culture, and traditions, as well as promoting the Kiswahili language globally. The policy is founded on eight guiding principles that reflect these priorities.