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Tanzania and Zambia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defence and security cooperation as part of broader efforts to combat cross-border crimes, including drug trafficking, human smuggling and smuggling of goods.
The commitment was reiterated on February 23, 2026, by the Permanent Secretary in Tanzania’s Ministry of Home Affairs, Ally Gugu, while opening the Fourth Meeting of Experts of the Permanent Joint Commission on Defence and Security (JPCDS) between the United Republic of Tanzania and the Republic of Zambia. The meeting took place at the Arusha International Conference Centre.
Mr Gugu said closer cooperation between the two countries was increasingly important at a time when the world is facing complex security threats, including terrorism, transnational organised crime and cybercrime.
He noted that such challenges require coordinated responses, particularly among neighbouring countries with shared borders and long-standing relations.
He said Tanzania and Zambia enjoy deep-rooted historical ties built on the vision of their founding leaders, adding that joint strategic projects such as the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) and TAZAMA Pipelines Limited stand as lasting symbols of African solidarity and cooperation anchored in self-reliance.
Mr Gugu said the experts’ meeting is expected to produce concrete recommendations that will be submitted to the ministerial level for further deliberation and decision-making.
He reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to continue working closely with Zambia in addressing emerging and existing security threats.
The meeting is part of preparations for the Ministerial Session of the Permanent Joint Commission on Defence and Security between Tanzania and Zambia, scheduled for February 27, 2026, in Arusha.
The ministers are expected to discuss and agree on strategies to strengthen cooperation and enhance joint efforts in tackling cross-border crimes.