By Lookman Miraji
Tanzania has joined other countries in marking the official birthday of King Charles III with a diplomatic reception held at the British High Commissioner’s Residence in Dar es Salaam.
The event underscored the longstanding partnership between Tanzania and the United Kingdom, highlighting cooperation in trade, investment, energy, and development.
Though King Charles III was born on November 14, the monarch’s official birthday is traditionally marked in June to take advantage of better weather.
This year’s celebrations in Tanzania took place on June 10, 2025, at the British High Commissioner’s Residence in Dar es Salaam, bringing together senior government officials, diplomats, and invited guests.
Speaking at the event, Tanzania’s Minister of State in the President’s Office responsible for Planning and Investment, Professor Kitila Mkumbo, thanked the UK for its ongoing partnership and highlighted Tanzania’s commitment to attracting more foreign investment as part of its economic diplomacy efforts.
"The government of Tanzania remains committed to enhancing its investment environment, which continues to be central to our foreign policy," said Professor Mkumbo.
British High Commissioner to Tanzania, Ms. Marianna Young, echoed the sentiment, reaffirming the UK’s support for Tanzania’s development agenda.
"The United Kingdom remains a close and reliable partner in Tanzania’s development journey, and we look forward to strengthening our cooperation in the years ahead," she said.
The UK and Tanzania share historical ties dating back to 1919 when Tanganyika came under British administration after World War I.
Following Tanzania's independence in 1961 and its union with Zanzibar in 1964, the two nations have maintained close diplomatic and economic relations.
In 2024, the UK and Tanzania signed a five-year Mutual Prosperity Partnership agreement worth approximately £1 billion (around 3.2 trillion Tanzanian shillings), targeting growth in sectors such as trade, health, infrastructure, and investment.
The UK has also played a significant role in Tanzania’s energy sector, supporting projects through UK Export Finance (UKEF) and British International Investment (BII), including over 11 billion shillings in funding for Songas and clean energy initiatives.
British companies continue to invest in Tanzania’s economy, with Serengeti Breweries Limited (SBL), owned by UK-based Diageo, standing out as an example of responsible foreign direct investment that supports local farmers, creates jobs, and contributes to community development.
This year’s celebration of King Charles III’s birthday served not only as a tribute to the monarch but also as a reminder of the strong and evolving partnership between the United Kingdom and Tanzania.