Tanzania and Serbia are looking to unlock new opportunities in trade, investment, tourism, agriculture and the Blue Economy as the two countries seek to deepen their longstanding bilateral relations.
The push was highlighted on Monday, August 31, 2026, when Zanzibar President and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, met Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić at the Palace of Serbia in Belgrade.
Dr Mwinyi said Tanzania remained committed to strengthening its cooperation with Serbia, particularly in areas with the potential to generate greater economic benefits for both countries.
He said the two nations had enjoyed a long history of friendship and cooperation based on mutual respect and solidarity, tracing the relationship to the close ties between Tanzania's founding President, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, and former Yugoslav President Josip Broz Tito.
“The historical relationship between Mwalimu Nyerere and President Tito laid an important foundation for the friendship and cooperation between our two countries,” Dr Mwinyi said.
He conveyed greetings from President Samia Suluhu Hassan to President Vučić and emphasised the need to translate the longstanding political relationship into stronger economic cooperation.
Dr Mwinyi also welcomed Serbia's decision to open a permanent embassy in Tanzania, describing the move as an important step towards strengthening diplomatic and economic ties.
He said Tanzania had already allocated land at the Government City in Mtumba, Dodoma, for the construction of the Serbian embassy and the ambassador's residence.
Dr Mwinyi placed particular emphasis on improving air connectivity between the two countries, saying the establishment of direct flights between Serbia and Tanzania would help expand trade and tourism.
He said the proposed air links should serve both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, making it easier for tourists, investors and businesspeople to travel between the two countries.
Improved connectivity, he said, could help reduce travel barriers and create a more conducive environment for increased commercial exchanges and tourism flows.
President Vučić reaffirmed Serbia's willingness to deepen cooperation with Tanzania, saying his government was continuing to work on proposals aimed at expanding bilateral relations.
He also backed the establishment of direct air links, saying the move would support the growth of trade, tourism and economic cooperation between the two countries.
The discussions come as Tanzania seeks to expand its international economic partnerships and attract more investment across key sectors, including tourism, agriculture and the Blue Economy.
Dr Mwinyi is in Belgrade representing President Samia at a Special High-Level Commemorative Meeting marking 65 years since the First Conference of Heads of State and Government of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).