The Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, H.E. Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, has held talks with Nordic ambassadors in Tanzania to strengthen development cooperation, trade, and investment.
The discussions follow the Africa-Nordic Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, on October 2–3, 2025.
During the meeting, Minister Kombo expressed gratitude to Nordic countries for their long-standing support since Tanzania’s independence.
He noted that Tanzania has benefited from aid and projects in sectors such as education, energy, health, good governance, and rural electrification, which have built a foundation of trust and mutual benefit.
Minister Kombo highlighted the Government’s new Tanzania-Nordic Cooperation Strategy, which aims to shift focus from aid dependency to economic diplomacy and investment promotion.
The strategy prioritizes nine key areas, including renewable energy, infrastructure, technical education, industrial development, forestry, the blue economy, and trade through the Aid for Trade framework.
Tanzania plans to attract between USD 1 billion and 1.5 billion in Nordic investments and will present 17 priority projects in partnership with TISEZA to advance technology, innovation, and inclusive employment.
Minister Kombo also called on Nordic financial institutions, including Norfund, Finnfund, and Swedfund, to join the Government in establishing a Joint Investment Financing Fund.
Nordic ambassadors welcomed the initiative, affirming their commitment to shift from aid-based engagement to a balanced partnership focused on economic growth.
They noted that the long history of cooperation provides a strong foundation for new opportunities in trade, investment, and development.