Member of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Wang Yi, arrived in Dar es Salaam today for a two-day official visit, running from January 9 to 10, 2026.
At Julius Nyerere International Airport, Minister Wang Yi was warmly received by Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, Deputy Minister Dr. Ngwaru Maghembe, Ambassador James Milya, Permanent Secretary Ambassador Dr. Samwel Shelukindo, and other senior government officials.
The visit aims to strengthen strategic and bilateral relations between Tanzania and China, while exploring opportunities for economic collaboration and partnerships in areas of mutual interest.
During his stay, Minister Wang Yi will hold high-level talks with Minister Kombo to advance and consolidate the strategic partnership.
He is also scheduled to meet President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan at State House, Dar es Salaam, where he will deliver special greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Tanzania and China have enjoyed growing cooperation across trade and investment. In 2024, bilateral trade reached approximately USD 5.2 billion.
Chinese companies continue to invest in Tanzania’s industrial, agricultural, service, transport, communications, and tourism sectors.
In 2025, the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA) registered 343 Chinese projects valued at USD 3.1 billion, creating more than 82,400 jobs.
The two countries also share a strong partnership in infrastructure development, exemplified by the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA).
The 1,860-kilometre railway, with 975 kilometres in Tanzania and 885 kilometres in Zambia, stands as a historic symbol of unity, solidarity, and cooperation.
The visit underscores the enduring historical ties between Tanzania and China, built on trust and mutual respect for over six decades.
This partnership, initiated by founding leaders the late Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere and Chairman Mao Zedong, continues to thrive under the guidance of current leaders.
