Tanzania’s Minister of Finance, Ambassador Khamis Mussa Omar (MP), participated in a high-level meeting between China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, and the Tanzanian government to discuss ways of deepening strategic cooperation between the two countries.
During his visit, Minister Wang Yi held talks with Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo.
The discussions focused on advancing development projects of mutual benefit and enhancing long-term bilateral relations.
After the meeting, Minister Kombo highlighted key areas of collaboration, including upgrading the TAZARA Railway, which links Tanzania and Zambia over 1,860 kilometers, and port development initiatives.
Both sides also agreed to expand educational opportunities by sending 300 Tanzanian students to study in China, strengthen diplomatic, economic, social, and infrastructure ties, and promote people-to-people connections.
Trade between the two nations remains a priority, with annual commerce currently valued at around TZS 9 billion.
Minister Kombo urged Tanzanians to capitalize on this partnership by increasing exports of products such as honey, avocados, and soybeans.
Plans for further cooperation include Chinese investment to expand 5G internet coverage to rural areas, improve digital access for citizens, and ease visa procedures for travelers between the two countries.
Tanzania and China’s partnership extends across various sectors, including industry, agriculture, services, transport, communications, and tourism.
In 2024, Chinese projects in Tanzania reached 343 in number, valued at USD 3.1 billion, generating over 82,000 jobs, according to the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA).
Infrastructure remains a key pillar of this partnership, with the TAZARA Railway serving as a lasting symbol of friendship and cooperation between Tanzania and China.