By Alfred Zacharia
Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has called for stronger collaboration between Tanzania and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), identifying key investment opportunities that could drive economic growth.
He made the remarks during talks with Afreximbank’s President-elect and incoming Board Chairman, Dr. George Elombi, where he highlighted health, blue economy, renewable energy, and industrial development as priority areas for support.
Mr. Majaliwa urged Afreximbank to accelerate plans to build the African Medical Centre of Excellence in Tanzania.
The facility is expected to provide advanced healthcare services and reduce the country’s reliance on foreign medical referrals.
“This project will be a game-changer for our healthcare system and the wider region,” said the Prime Minister.
He also encouraged the bank to support Tanzania’s strategic projects, noting the country's favorable investment climate and strong project pipeline.
According to him, Afreximbank’s financial backing will help fast-track development and improve people’s lives.
In addition, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of investing in the blue economy, citing Tanzania’s vast marine resources.
He also called for support in expanding access to clean and renewable energy.
“Afreximbank is a trusted partner in our journey towards becoming a sustainable, middle-income economy,” said Mr. Majaliwa.
So far, Tanzania has received significant support from Afreximbank for major infrastructure and energy projects.
These include the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project, the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), as well as trade and budget support between 2019 and 2024.
The Bank of Tanzania currently owns 2,323 shares in Afreximbank, equivalent to a 1.06 percent stake.
In response, Dr. Elombi instructed the bank’s team to fast-track procedures for the medical centre project. He also committed to ensuring that all agreements signed under the bank’s previous leadership will be honored.
“We want our funding to make a real impact in people’s lives,” said Dr. Elombi.
Earlier, Zanzibar’s Minister of State in the President's Office for Labour, Economy, and Investment, Mr. Shariff Ali Shariff, said the upcoming Africa-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2025) would offer a platform for deeper cooperation in sectors such as blue economy, aviation, and tourism.
The Ministry of Finance, through Dr. Johnson Nyela, said discussions were ongoing under Afreximbank’s Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA) to support the medical centre project.
“Tanzania is ready. This centre will position the country as a regional health hub,” he said.
Mr. Gilead Teri, Director General of the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority, said plans are underway to establish an industrial park in partnership with Afreximbank.
The park will help attract more investments into the manufacturing sector.
“Afreximbank plays a key role in connecting African countries to global capital, and we are proud to be part of this network,” he added.