Tanzania and South Africa are seeking to expand trade and investment cooperation after the value of bilateral trade between the two countries more than tripled to 30.85 billion South African rand from 9.6 billion rand.
The growth has been driven by business activities in agriculture, mining, telecommunications, banking and transport, highlighting the potential for deeper economic cooperation between the two countries.
The figures were revealed during a meeting between Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Dr Ngwaru Maghembe, and outgoing South African High Commissioner to Tanzania, Ms Noluthando Mayende-Malepe, in Dar es Salaam on October 27, 2026.
Dr Maghembe commended Ms Mayende-Malepe for her contribution to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations between Tanzania and South Africa during her tenure.
He stressed the need for the two countries to build on the progress made by strengthening trade and investment cooperation for the mutual benefit of their economies.
For Tanzania, expanding the relationship presents opportunities to attract more investment, widen markets for local products and strengthen the participation of businesses in regional and international trade.
Ms Mayende-Malepe thanked the Tanzanian government for its cooperation in promoting commercial relations, noting that the increase in trade reflected growing economic engagement between the two countries.
She also highlighted the Tanzania-South Africa Business Forum as an important platform for addressing challenges facing investors and traders, particularly taxation issues, while identifying new areas for investment.
Removing such obstacles could help businesses take advantage of existing opportunities, improve cross-border trade and encourage more private-sector participation in both economies.
The outgoing envoy further urged Tanzanian businesses to explore investment opportunities in South Africa, particularly in agriculture, a sector with potential for commercial partnerships and knowledge exchange.
The discussions underscore the importance of moving beyond diplomatic relations towards practical economic cooperation that allows businesses in both countries to benefit from expanding markets and investment opportunities.