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| Tanzania has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening economic cooperation with China under BRI, advancing strategic transport, energy, communications and infrastructure projects. |
Tanzania has reiterated its commitment to strengthening economic cooperation with China through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) by advancing strategic projects in the transport, energy, communications and infrastructure sectors. The aim is to grow the economy, increase trade and investment opportunities, and improve citizens’ livelihoods.
Speaking in Nairobi, Kenya, at the Belt and Road Initiative Forum on behalf of the Minister of Finance, Hon. Ambassador Khamis Mussa Omar (MP), Ms. Asha Khamis Abdulla, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, said cooperation between Tanzania and China has continued to open development opportunities in infrastructure, trade, investment and industrial transformation.
Ms. Asha said Tanzania recognizes the Belt and Road Initiative as an important platform for strengthening economic and financial cooperation among countries, while promoting sustainable and inclusive development aligned with national development priorities.
“The long-standing relationship between Tanzania and China, built on mutual respect, trust and solidarity, has continued to strengthen cooperation in infrastructure, trade, investment, energy and industrial transformation,” Ms. Asha said.
Ms. Asha emphasized that Tanzania will continue to cooperate with China and other countries in implementing development projects that align with national priorities and the goals of Vision 2050, in order to increase productivity, grow the economy and improve the well-being of citizens.
Separately, Ms. Asha explained that Tanzania, in cooperation with Zambia and China, is continuing with a plan to revive and improve the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA) through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement. Completion of the project is expected to increase transport efficiency, reduce cargo transport costs and facilitate regional trade, a step that will stimulate economic activity and strengthen market connectivity in the Southern African region.
“Improving the TAZARA railway is of great importance in strengthening transport connectivity between Tanzania, Zambia and the wider Southern African region. Completion of the project will open more opportunities for trade and economic activity in the region,” Ms. Asha added.
She explained that Tanzania values ongoing cooperation with the Government of China and the China Exim Bank in implementing priority projects, including expansion of electricity transmission infrastructure, rural communications, water services and sustainable urban transport systems. These projects support efforts to improve access to basic services, increase economic opportunities and support implementation of national development goals.
The Belt and Road Initiative Forum was held alongside the Financial Street Forum 2026 Annual Meeting, which provided an opportunity for discussions on financial cooperation, investment, infrastructure and shared development.
Tanzania and China signed a cooperation agreement under the Belt and Road Initiative in September 2018, a step that laid the foundation for strengthening cooperation in various development areas. Through this cooperation, Tanzania aims to continue attracting investment, strengthen strategic infrastructure and expand trade opportunities, alongside efforts to achieve sustainable development goals and build a strong, internationally competitive economy.