Tanzania’s Revamped Foreign Policy Enhances Pan-African Leadership and Promotes Intra-African Cooperation
Dar es Salaam – In a noteworthy diplomatic advancement, Tanzania has unveiled a revised National Foreign Policy that enhances the country’s influence in African diplomacy.
This new policy reflects Pan-African values, supports the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and advocates for peace, regional integration, and sustainable development.
The launch event took place at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam and was officiated by President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Among the attendees were Zanzibar President Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, members of the Diplomatic Corps, senior government officials, and private sector representatives.
Inspired by the vision of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, Tanzania has consistently championed unity, liberation, and a non-aligned stance in African diplomacy.
Under Nyerere’s guidance, Tanzania emerged as a moral beacon for the continent and was a founding member of the Organization of African Unity (OAU).
“This policy embodies our national identity – resolute in our principles, proactive in our diplomacy, and committed to constructive partnerships that enhance peace, security, and shared prosperity,” stated President Samia during the event.
The updated policy not only honors this legacy but also tackles pressing issues such as trade, migration, regional infrastructure, climate change, and digital innovation.
It aims to boost Tanzania’s engagement with continental organizations like the AU, SADC, and EAC, while advocating for Kiswahili as an essential tool for regional integration.
President Samia highlighted that the revised policy was crafted through an inclusive participatory process, engaging Tanzanians from various backgrounds.
“It was essential to refresh the policy to adapt to global changes across multiple sectors,” she noted, pointing out the ongoing global race for strategic minerals and trade disruptions caused by lingering conflicts as significant factors.
A key element of the new framework is its emphasis on economic diplomacy and securing a Special Status for Tanzanians living abroad.
The policy calls for legal reforms that would allow Tanzanian expatriates to obtain land, register businesses, and invest in their home country.
To enhance its execution, President Samia encouraged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation to involve retired diplomats in training current representatives, ensuring they possess the skills to uphold Tanzania’s interests internationally.
President Mwinyi commended the updated policy as a catalyst for unlocking social, economic, and political opportunities.
“Tanzania is establishing its presence on the global stage, and the revised policy aligns with the evolving global landscape,” President Mwinyi observed.
He urged the Ministry to facilitate the opening of more consulates in Zanzibar and called upon all Tanzanians to uphold and safeguard national interests through this policy.
“This policy serves both Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar,” President Mwinyi stressed.
President Samia’s regional outreach began early in her tenure. In April 2021, she met with Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni to finalize the $10 billion East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).
Her visit to Kenya in May 2021 revitalized bilateral relations, followed by engagements in Burundi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Zambia, and Egypt to promote cooperation in trade, energy, security, and innovation.
At the June 2021 SADC Summit in Mozambique, Tanzania reaffirmed its commitment to regional peace by supporting efforts against insurgency in Cabo Delgado.
In Ghana, she was awarded the Africa Road Builders–Babacar Ndiaye Trophy for her leadership in infrastructure development.
In Senegal, during the IDA20 Summit and at COP27 in Egypt, she positioned Tanzania as a leader in climate resilience, announcing an $18 billion renewable energy initiative.
From 2023 to 2025, she maintained active engagement through AU summits, the BRICS Summit in South Africa, and diplomatic missions to Malawi, Zambia, South Africa, and Morocco.
An important milestone in Tanzania’s diplomatic ascendancy was the invitation to the Lobito Corridor Development Project high-level meeting in Angola as part of the G7’s Global Infrastructure Initiative.
Although Tanzania was initially excluded, its geographic and strategic relevance was recognized as crucial for the project’s success.
In February 2024, President Samia unveiled a statue of Mwalimu Nyerere at the AU Headquarters in Ethiopia, symbolizing Tanzania’s pivotal role in the Pan-African movement.
As Chair of the SADC Organ, she led the 2024 Troika Summit in Zimbabwe, advocating for peace and security initiatives and endorsing Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the leadership of the AU Commission.
On May 18, 2025, Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi was elected as the new Regional Director of the WHO African Region, an achievement widely credited to Tanzania’s growing diplomatic stature.
This nomination followed the untimely passing of Dr. Faustine Ndugulile in 2024, with Janabi’s appointment expected to be confirmed by the WHO Executive Board later this month.
According to Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, the updated policy emphasizes ten strategic pillars:
- Economic Diplomacy
- Peace, Security, and Stability
- Ratification and Implementation of International Treaties
- Participation in Regional and Global Bodies
- Promotion of Kiswahili as a Diplomatic Tool
- International Resource Mobilization
- Blue Economy Development
- Diaspora Engagement
- Human Rights and Good Governance
- Environmental Protection and Climate Leadership
This revised policy highlights Tanzania’s commitment to Pan-African unity while promoting innovation, inclusivity, and international collaboration.
It lays the groundwork for the next chapter in Tanzania’s regional leadership and commitment to sustainable development.
