FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta has sent condolences to President Samia Suluhu Hassan following the death of her spouse, Mzee Hafidh Ameir Hassan, on September 7.
Mr Laporta conveyed the message through Information, Culture, Arts and Sports Minister Paul Makonda, who is in Spain for a four-day visit to the Spanish football giants.
Mr Laporta handed Mr Makonda a special condolence letter for delivery to President Samia, expressing sympathy and encouraging her to remain strong during the period of mourning.
The condolence message came during talks expected to explore how Tanzania can benefit from Barcelona's expertise in developing football talent, strengthening technical capacity and preparing for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).
The visit provides an opportunity for Tanzania to learn from one of the world's best-known football academies, particularly in identifying and nurturing young players.
Barcelona's youth development system, known as La Masia, has produced several high-profile players and is regarded as one of the leading models for football talent development.
For Tanzania, cooperation in this area could help strengthen pathways for young players, coaches and technical personnel, while supporting longer-term efforts to improve the quality of the country's football.
The discussions also come as Tanzania, together with Kenya and Uganda, prepares to host Afcon 2027, placing greater focus on football infrastructure, technical expertise and talent development in the region.
Mr Makonda's visit is therefore expected to focus not only on the tournament but also on opportunities for longer-term cooperation between Tanzania and Barcelona.
The Spanish club has played a significant role in Spain's football development, with a number of national team players having passed through its youth system.
Tanzania's engagement with Barcelona could provide lessons on building sustainable talent-development systems rather than relying mainly on established players, helping create a stronger pipeline of footballers for domestic and international competition.