Samia Suluhu Hassan has called on the international community to strengthen partnerships with Africa and increase investment in key productive sectors, saying the continent is becoming one of the world’s most important engines of future economic growth.
She made the remarks while addressing the plenary session of the 29th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2026) in the Russian Federation, where she joined other world leaders, business executives and global investors in discussing the future of the global economy.
President Samia said the world is currently undergoing major economic, technological and geopolitical changes, which require countries to work more closely together to ensure shared prosperity. She stressed that cooperation, rather than isolation, will define future global progress.
She emphasized that Africa’s growth potential is no longer in question, noting that the continent has a fast-growing population, expanding markets and increasing integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
She said the key issue now is which global partners will actively participate in supporting and shaping Africa’s development.
The President highlighted Tanzania’s position as a strategic gateway to Africa, supported by ongoing investments in infrastructure, energy, logistics, digital systems and industrial development.
She said these efforts are aimed at making the country more competitive and attractive to global investors.
She noted that Tanzania continues to record stable macroeconomic performance and sustained economic growth, while also benefiting from access to a regional market of more than 500 million people across Eastern and Southern Africa.
President Samia pointed to major national projects such as the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), expansion and modernization of the Dar es Salaam Port, and development of key transport corridors as important drivers of economic transformation.
She also highlighted improvements in digital connectivity as a key factor boosting business efficiency and innovation.
She invited investors to explore opportunities in mining and mineral processing, agriculture, energy, oil and gas, manufacturing, logistics, tourism, pharmaceuticals and digital technologies.
She said Tanzania’s rich natural resources, including critical minerals and natural gas, provide strong opportunities for value addition and long-term investment.
The President also emphasized Tanzania’s strategic geographic location, saying it gives the country an advantage as a trade and logistics hub connecting landlocked neighbours to global markets.
On international cooperation, President Samia reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to strengthening economic relations with Russia, noting that cooperation between the two countries continues to grow in trade, education, tourism, technology and investment.
Her remarks aligned with contributions from other global leaders at the forum, including Vladimir Putin, who emphasized the need to strengthen ties with emerging markets, and Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who highlighted infrastructure and regional connectivity as key drivers of growth.
Han Zheng also stressed the importance of technology transfer, industrial cooperation and sustainable development.
President Samia said the discussions reflected a shared global understanding that future prosperity will depend on stronger partnerships, increased investment and deeper economic integration among nations.
She further noted that Tanzania is implementing its long-term development blueprint, Vision 2050, which focuses on industrialization, innovation, productivity and private sector-led growth.
She said the government is committed to creating a favorable environment for investors while ensuring inclusive development and job creation.
Concluding her address, President Samia said Tanzania remains open to business, investment and innovation, and is ready to work with all partners committed to sustainable development.
She also thanked the Government of the Russian Federation and organizers of SPIEF 2026 for hosting a platform that promotes global dialogue on trade and economic cooperation.
