Tanzania and South Korea have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding development cooperation, with a focus on education, healthcare, digital transformation and human capital development.
The pledge emerged during talks between Tanzania’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, and the President of Korea International Cooperation Agency, Chang Won-sam, held in Seoul on June 1, 2026.
The discussions centred on the implementation of development projects jointly undertaken by the Government of Tanzania and KOICA, South Korea’s official development assistance agency.
The projects span key sectors including education, health services, information and communication technology, and capacity building for public institutions.
Dr. Kombo praised KOICA’s long-standing support for Tanzania’s development agenda, noting that the agency has played a significant role in strengthening institutional capacity and supporting programmes aimed at improving public service delivery.
He said relations between Tanzania and the Republic of Korea have gained fresh momentum following President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s visit to South Korea in 2024, which opened new avenues for cooperation in trade, investment and development.
“The partnership between Tanzania and South Korea continues to grow stronger, creating opportunities that contribute to our national development priorities,” Dr. Kombo said, adding that the government remains committed to working with KOICA to advance sustainable development goals.
The minister highlighted the importance of international partnerships in accelerating economic transformation, particularly through investments in technology, skills development and innovation.
For his part, Mr. Chang reaffirmed KOICA’s commitment to supporting Tanzania’s development efforts through projects designed to generate long-term social and economic benefits.
He said the agency would continue backing initiatives that promote innovation, technological advancement and inclusive economic growth while strengthening the capacity of public institutions.
Mr. Chang also commended President Samia for her efforts to enhance Tanzania’s economic prospects through stronger engagement with regional and global partners, describing the country as an increasingly important development partner for South Korea in Africa.
The meeting comes as Tanzania seeks to deepen its engagement with development partners to support its industrialisation agenda and improve service delivery across key sectors.
Dr. Kombo is in South Korea to participate in the Korea–Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, which concludes on June 2, bringing together policymakers from across Africa and South Korea to explore opportunities for cooperation in trade, investment, technology and sustainable development.
The talks in Seoul reflect the growing strategic relationship between Tanzania and South Korea, with both countries seeking to translate diplomatic goodwill into practical development outcomes that support economic growth and improve the lives of citizens.
