Prime
Revealed: Key points in Tanzania’s new foreign policy
Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo. PHOTO |
What you need to know:
- Tanzania will on May 19 officially launch its revised Foreign Policy, with renewed focus on strengthening five strategic areas
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania will on May 19 officially launch its revised Foreign Policy, updated from the 2001 version and reviewed in 2004, with a renewed focus on strengthening five strategic areas, the government announced on Wednesday.
The new policy, which will be unveiled by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, aims to guide the country’s international engagements in a fast-changing global landscape.
According to Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, the document will centre on enhancing domestic capacity, boosting international cooperation, promoting economic diplomacy, managing national debt challenges and reaffirming Tanzania’s non-alignment principles.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam during a briefing with media editors, Mr Kombo emphasised that the revamped policy is not a departure from the country’s long-standing diplomatic values, but rather a refinement of its strategies to suit modern demands.
“This policy seeks to deepen economic diplomacy, protect our national interests, build meaningful partnerships with other countries and institutions and contribute to global peace and development,” he said.
The launch of the policy marks a critical moment for Tanzania’s foreign relations under President Hassan’s administration, which has actively sought to revive the country’s image and international partnerships following years of relative isolation.
A comprehensive review of the foreign policy began in 2023, driven by the realisation that while the principles of the previous policy remained sound, evolving global trends and emerging challenges required a shift in how Tanzania engages internationally.
“The world has changed significantly since 2001. There are new challenges and opportunities. We had to involve various stakeholders to ensure that our foreign policy continues to serve Tanzanians effectively,” Mr Kombo said.
One of the key triggers for the review was the need to reposition Tanzania as a regional and global player. A joint research project conducted between 2022 and 2024 by the Chatham House and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) examined Tanzania’s foreign policy and concluded with recommendations for a reset focused on strategic leadership and economic benefit.
The revised policy now incorporates broader issues including diaspora engagement, blue economy, environmental sustainability, gender and youth empowerment. It also promotes Kiswahili as a diplomatic and economic asset.
Mr Kombo admitted that despite progress over the last two decades—including Tanzania’s role in hosting regional bodies and gaining leadership positions in international organisations—there have been significant challenges.
These include border security threats, poor coordination of international treaties and a lack of structured involvement of the Tanzanian diaspora.
“The limited use of Kiswahili and insufficient integration of environmental and blue economy issues also hindered our ability to leverage national assets on the global stage,” Mr Kombo said.
He added that the updated policy introduces mechanisms to better coordinate treaties, mainstream diaspora participation and ensure Tanzania benefits from global and regional opportunities.
“We now have a guiding framework to engage Tanzanians abroad, expand tourism markets, boost exports and grow our blue economy. Kiswahili will also be marketed as a product, not just a language.”
Importantly, the minister clarified that the implementation of the policy will be collaborative. It assigns roles to the government, private sector, civil society and the diaspora and will be reviewed regularly instead of waiting another 25 years.
As the country looks ahead to May 19, many Tanzanians are keen to see how the new strategy will translate into tangible diplomatic and economic gains.
Analysts suggest that successful execution will depend on coordination among stakeholders, investment in diplomacy and Tanzania’s ability to adapt to emerging global dynamics.
Meanwhile, Mr Kombo also announced two upcoming state visits that highlight Tanzania’s deepening bilateral ties.
From May 7 to 9, President Daniel Chapo of Mozambique will be the country for a three-day state visit. The trip, extended on the invitation of President Hassan, aims to strengthen historical and economic relations between the two neighbours.
“Despite our shared history and close bonds from the liberation era, trade volumes have remained low. This visit offers a chance to explore joint ventures in energy, gas, mining, agriculture, tourism, infrastructure and the blue economy,” Mr Kombo said.
He also revealed that Finland’s President Alexander Stubb will make a historic visit to Tanzania from May 14 to 16. It will be the first such visit by a Finnish president since 2003.
