Prof. Palamagamba J. Kabudi, Minister of State in the President’s Office (Special Duties), led Tanzania’s delegation at the 26th Commonwealth Foreign Ministers Meeting (CFAMM) in London, representing the Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo.
Prof. Kabudi highlighted the critical role of the Commonwealth as a platform for addressing development challenges and promoting multilateral cooperation amid political, economic, and environmental pressures.
He stressed the need to strengthen trade and investment among member states, drawing lessons from regional frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He said a Commonwealth trade and investment platform would reduce barriers, boost commerce, and attract more investment.
Prof. Kabudi also called for enhanced cooperation in key mineral resources and improved digital infrastructure to support technology transfer, e-government services, and youth economic opportunities.
He said these steps would help narrow the digital divide and expand economic prospects for young people.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey urged member states to work together to tackle global environmental and economic challenges, describing the meeting as an opportunity to discuss strategies for growth, trade, and investment.
The CFAMM gathers Foreign Ministers from all 56 Commonwealth countries, offering a vital forum to coordinate on international issues affecting the development of member states.
