Tanzania’s revised foreign policy targets diaspora investment

Dar es Salaam. The government has unveiled a revised Foreign Policy that formally recognises the Tanzanian diaspora as strategic development partners and offers them a Special Status to encourage investment in the country’s economic and social sectors.

Speaking during the launch of the Foreign Policy 2001 (2024 Edition) at a high-level event in Dar es Salaam, President Samia Suluhu Hassan invited members of the diaspora to return home and invest, while urging them to be positive ambassadors of the country abroad.

“Now that the government recognises you as key development partners, you are welcome to invest in economic and social sectors. It is your responsibility to promote Tanzania’s good image in your host countries instead of tarnishing it,” President Samia said.

The 2024 Foreign Policy replaces the 2001 edition, aligning Tanzania’s diplomatic approach with global and national developments over the past 24 years.

The revised policy introduces the Special Status designation, which provides non-citizen Tanzanian diaspora with specific rights and privileges, including the ability to invest and own land.

The launch ceremony was attended by President of Zanzibar Dr Hussein Mwinyi, former President Jakaya Kikwete, Foreign Affairs Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, Chief Secretary Moses Kusiluka, and CCM’s Secretary for Politics and Foreign Affairs, Ms Rabia Ahmed.

Also present were members of the diplomatic corps, senior government officials, private sector stakeholders, and religious leaders.

President Samia said the updated policy is timely, considering global shifts and technological advancements that have reshaped international relations and introduced new challenges.

“There have been significant changes over the last two decades. Technology has brought many opportunities and threats that require us to adapt. The world has changed, and we must change with it to safeguard our interests,” she said.

The President added that major powers are competing for access to strategic energy resources, many of which are found in the developing world, and Tanzania must position itself to respond to this new geopolitical environment.

She said the new foreign policy aims to leverage Tanzania’s geographic position, enhance engagement with the private sector, promote the use of Kiswahili globally, strengthen bilateral ties, and boost international cooperation with Zanzibar.

Speaking at the same event, Dr Mwinyi welcomed the revised policy and urged the Foreign Affairs Ministry to ensure that Zanzibar benefits fully from the country’s international partnerships.

“I am pleased with how the policy incorporates Zanzibar’s interests. I thank the Government for ensuring our full participation in its development,” he said.

Dr Mwinyi also called on the Ministry to lobby more countries to establish consulates in Zanzibar, noting that China, India, and the United Arab Emirates already have diplomatic missions on the isles.

Foreign Minister Kombo said the policy was informed by wide-ranging consultations with stakeholders across the country and was developed following directives issued by President Samia in 2021.

“The review began in 2021, and we conducted a thorough assessment to determine the need for updates. Tanzania has made significant progress, including attaining middle-income status in 2020, and our foreign policy must reflect that,” he said.

The minister added that the ministry is developing specialised training programmes for officers in economic diplomacy and plans to deploy dedicated staff to support the implementation of the new policy.