The governments of Tanzania and Belarus have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a Joint Economic and Trade Cooperation Committee, in a move aimed at revitalising bilateral relations and unlocking fresh investment and trade opportunities.
The agreement, signed in Dar es Salaam, brings to life a formal platform that will coordinate economic cooperation between the two countries, marking a shift towards more structured and sustained engagement.
Minister of State in the President’s Office (Planning and Investment), Kitila Mkumbo, said the deal effectively ends nearly three decades of subdued cooperation, replacing it with a focused framework designed to deliver tangible economic results.
He said the committee will prioritise key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and trade, while also facilitating the entry of Belarusian investors into Tanzania’s growing economy.
The renewed partnership is expected to support job creation, increase industrial output and expand the country’s revenue base, as Tanzania continues to position itself as a competitive investment destination.
Prof Mkumbo added that the agreement aligns with the country’s long-term development agenda, including the National Development Vision 2050, particularly in attracting modern technology, enhancing youth skills and strengthening economic competitiveness.
Belarus Foreign Affairs Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov described the formation of the joint committee as a strategic step that will streamline the implementation of bilateral projects and deepen trade relations.
He said Tanzania offers Belarus a strategic entry point into the East African market, citing its location and economic potential.
Ryzhenkov said Belarus is ready to invest in large-scale ventures, including agro-processing, industrial production and the manufacturing of agricultural inputs such as fertilisers. He also pointed to opportunities for collaboration in education, research and human capital development as part of efforts to build resilient economies.
The MoU signals a renewed phase of economic diplomacy between the two countries, with both sides expressing confidence that the framework will translate into concrete investments and long-term mutual gains.
