President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Tuesday attended the swearing-in ceremony of Zambia’s re-elected President Hakainde Hichilema, as the two neighbouring countries continue to deepen economic and infrastructure cooperation.
The ceremony, held in Lusaka, followed President Hichilema’s victory in Zambia’s August 13, 2026 general election, securing him a second term in office.
President Samia’s attendance underlines the longstanding relationship between Tanzania and Zambia, which dates back to the close ties between Tanzania’s founding father, the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, and Zambia’s first president, the late Dr Kenneth Kaunda.
The relationship has evolved beyond its historical foundations, with trade, investment, energy and transport now forming key pillars of bilateral cooperation.
Among the major projects linking the two countries is the rehabilitation of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA), which provides an important transport corridor between Zambia and Tanzania’s Indian Ocean coast.
The two countries are also pursuing the construction of a new TAZAMA oil pipeline, while efforts to interconnect the electricity grids of Zambia, Tanzania and Kenya are expected to strengthen regional energy security and facilitate cross-border electricity trade.
The growing economic relationship is reflected in bilateral trade figures.
Trade between Tanzania and Zambia increased from TZS 320.978 billion in 2021 to TZS 820.359 billion in 2024, representing a significant expansion during President Hichilema’s first term.
Zambia is also Tanzania’s second-largest user of the Port of Dar es Salaam, making the port a critical gateway for Zambian imports and exports.
Beyond trade, investment flows between the two countries are also growing. Zambia has invested in 29 projects in Tanzania worth US$86.34 million, generating 1,204 jobs.
Meanwhile, Tanzanian investors hold shares in about 965 large and medium-sized companies in Zambia, highlighting the increasingly interconnected nature of the two economies.
For Tanzania and Zambia, the next phase of cooperation is likely to focus on turning these infrastructure links into greater trade, investment and energy opportunities, while improving the movement of people and goods across their shared economic corridor.
The deepening relationship comes as both countries seek to strengthen regional connectivity and position their economies to benefit from expanding trade within Southern and Eastern Africa.