By Dr. Bravious Kahyoza
Tanzania
has officially launched a new edition of its Foreign Policy, designed to
reflect and respond to today’s rapidly evolving global environment.
Unveiled
on May 19, 2025, by President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan in Dar es Salaam, the 2024
Edition is a bold shift from tradition, focusing on economic diplomacy,
cultural identity, and strategic international partnerships.
“The world
is changing fast, and Tanzania cannot afford to operate using outdated
strategies. This policy offers a new compass to guide us through economic
diplomacy and international collaboration,” President Samia said during the
launch at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre.
This
revised policy framework not only modernizes Tanzania's global engagement but
also serves as a roadmap for ensuring peace, attracting investment, and
projecting soft power through culture and language.
The update
increases the foundational principles from seven to eight, adding a new pillar
dedicated to promoting Tanzanian values, customs, and national identity.
“We will
not allow anyone — local or foreign — to destabilize our peace, security, and
development agenda. Our mission is clear: to defend the national interest with
unwavering determination,” President Samia added.
Responding
to Global Shifts
According
to Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Minister, Ambassador Mahmoud
Thabit Kombo, the policy is a direct response to global changes in politics,
economics, and technology.
He
explained that while the 2001 policy had served the country well, it needed to
evolve to address the demands of a more interconnected and complex world.
“We are
not presenting a new policy but a significantly improved one. The world has
changed — and so must our diplomatic posture,” said Ambassador Kombo.
The
revision process began in 2017 with a comprehensive review that revealed key
areas for reform.
The
minister noted that Tanzania’s graduation to a lower-middle-income country in
2020, as recognized by the World Bank, was one of the key drivers for this
transformation.
The shift
in economic status brought new responsibilities, expectations, and
opportunities in the international system.
The new
policy emphasizes Tanzania’s continued commitment to multilateralism,
especially through active participation in United Nations forums and regional
bodies like the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African
Development Community (SADC).
By doing
so, it aims to amplify Tanzania's voice in shaping regional and global agendas.
“This
policy equips us to respond more effectively to today’s global issues, while
securing Tanzania’s strategic interests through modern, inclusive diplomacy,”
Kombo added.
Cultural
Identity as Soft Power
One of the
most distinctive features of the revised policy is its focus on cultural
diplomacy. Recognizing the growing role of identity and narrative in global
affairs, the policy commits to elevating Kiswahili as a tool of international
influence.
The use of
Kiswahili in African Union and United Nations meetings is increasing, and
Tanzania is seizing this opportunity to promote the language not just as a
symbol of national pride, but also as an economic and diplomatic asset.
Additionally,
the policy includes stronger initiatives to protect Tanzania’s heritage and
cultural values, aiming to enhance the country’s soft power. Cultural promotion
is seen as essential in shaping perceptions and building stronger
people-to-people ties.
Zanzibar's
Strategic Role
Zanzibar
President Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, who also spoke at the launch, described the
updated policy as crucial to advancing the economic and diplomatic interests of
both the mainland and Zanzibar.
“This
updated foreign policy opens new economic, political, and social opportunities
for both sides of the Union. For Zanzibar, which depends heavily on external
engagement, the benefits are particularly significant,” Dr. Mwinyi noted.
He praised the government’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation and emphasized Zanzibar’s reliance on foreign markets for key sectors such as tourism, maritime trade, and spice exports.
Dr. Mwinyi urged the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs to support the establishment of consular offices in Zanzibar to
improve services for international visitors and investors.
Diaspora
and the Private Sector
The 2024
policy also highlights the importance of inclusive diplomacy, involving the
private sector, academic institutions, and the diaspora in promoting Tanzania’s
interests abroad.
President
Samia encouraged all Tanzanians living overseas to be active ambassadors for
the country.
“We want
Tanzanians abroad to become ambassadors of our interests and contributors to
our development. Their networks, expertise, and resources are invaluable,” she
said.
This
whole-of-society approach broadens the scope of diplomacy beyond official
representatives to include citizens, businesspeople, artists, and scholars who
have global connections.
The
government hopes that by engaging the diaspora more meaningfully, it can
attract more investment, enhance knowledge transfer, and strengthen Tanzania’s
international profile.
Already,
remittances and diaspora investments play a vital role in the national economy,
and the policy aims to formalize and scale up these contributions.
Economic
Diplomacy and Global Partnerships
At the
heart of the new policy is economic diplomacy — a shift toward using diplomacy
as a tool to attract foreign investment, secure trade deals, and promote
Tanzanian products abroad.
Tanzania’s
FDI inflows have shown promising trends in recent years, reaching $1.1 billion
in 2023. With ongoing infrastructure projects like the Standard Gauge Railway
and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, the government sees an opportunity to
turn Tanzania into a regional trade hub.
This
proactive economic stance also includes seeking out new bilateral and
multilateral trade agreements, hosting business forums, and supporting
Tanzanian entrepreneurs to access global markets.
Environmental
and Security Dimensions
The
revised policy does not overlook global environmental and security concerns. It
integrates climate change adaptation and sustainable development into the
country’s diplomatic agenda. Through active participation in climate summits
and environmental initiatives, Tanzania aims to secure international support
and technology transfers for green development.
On
security, the document reaffirms Tanzania’s commitment to regional peacekeeping
and conflict resolution. It maintains the country’s longstanding role as a
mediator and stabilizing force in East Africa.
“We must
remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding our peace, both at home and in
the region. Diplomacy remains our first line of defense,” said President Samia.
Moving
Forward
The 2024
Edition of Tanzania’s Foreign Policy is not merely a strategic document; it is
a national vision for global engagement. It reflects the maturity of Tanzania’s
statecraft and its readiness to navigate the complexities of a multipolar
world.
To ensure
successful implementation, the government plans to build the capacity of
foreign service officers, improve coordination among state agencies, and invest
in digital diplomacy tools.
If
implemented effectively, the policy could not only enhance Tanzania’s global
standing but also bring tangible benefits in trade, technology, security, and
cultural influence. It is an open invitation to both Tanzanians and the world
to reimagine the country’s place in the global order — as a peaceful, dynamic,
and forward-looking nation.
“This
policy belongs to every Tanzanian. It is a call for unity, strategy, and
ambition,” concluded President Samia.
With this
bold step, Tanzania has made it clear that its foreign policy is not stuck in
the past. Instead, it is reaching for a future built on partnerships, purpose,
and progress.