Tanzania has expressed its commitment to strengthening economic cooperation with Spain, positioning the European nation as a key strategic partner in accelerating investment and enhancing economic diplomacy.
Speaking at the Tanzania–Spain Business Forum held in Seville, Vice President Dr Philip Mpango said Tanzania is ready to work closely with the Spanish business community to unlock mutually beneficial opportunities, particularly in priority sectors such as renewable energy, infrastructure, agricultural technology, marine industries, tourism, and manufacturing.
“Tanzania and Spain have the potential to establish a strong economic alliance,” said Dr Mpango. “We view Spain not only as a friend but as a critical partner in driving strategic investments that align with our development goals.”
The forum brought together 31 Spanish companies with interests across various sectors including agribusiness, infrastructure, ICT, tourism, energy, and financial services.
Dr Mpango highlighted Tanzania’s commitment to fostering a private-sector-led economy and encouraged Spanish investors to explore available opportunities.
He underscored Tanzania’s advantages, including political stability, abundant natural resources, a youthful population, and one of the fastest-growing economies in the region.
“Our government, under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has taken bold reforms to improve the investment environment,” he said.
“We have strengthened legal frameworks, modernised infrastructure, and committed to transparency and good governance.”he added
He added that these reforms are positioning Tanzania as a preferred investment destination in both East and Southern Africa.
The Vice President also urged investors to explore emerging sectors such as clean cooking energy solutions, which aim to curb environmental degradation linked to charcoal and firewood use.
He pointed to the country’s vast blue economy potential, highlighting opportunities in coastal tourism, marine transport, fisheries, and ocean-based industries in the Indian Ocean and Great Lakes.
“We welcome Spanish expertise and capital in developing strategic initiatives that not only boost economic growth but also preserve our natural environment,” said Dr Mpango.
During the forum, Tanzanian investment officials presented a range of bankable projects and outlined recent policy and regulatory changes aimed at attracting foreign direct investment.
They also emphasised Tanzania’s regional competitiveness, driven by a growing domestic market, improved infrastructure, and enhanced digital connectivity.
Among the key government representatives present were Deputy Permanent Secretary from the President’s Office – Finance and Planning (Zanzibar) Mr Aboud Mwinyi; Tanzania’s Ambassador to Spain (based in France) Mr Ali Mwadini; TISEZA Director General Mr Gilead Teri; ZIPA Investment Manager Mr Omary Omary; Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF) CEO Mr Raphael Maganga; Executive Secretary of the Tanzania National Business Council Dr Godwill Wanga; and Commissioner for External Finance at the Ministry of Finance Mr Rished Bade.
The high-level engagement is part of Tanzania’s broader efforts to advance President Samia’s economic diplomacy agenda, positioning the country as a gateway to regional markets and a destination of choice for responsible and strategic investment.