Africa-Press – Tanzania. IN just four years, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has repositioned Tanzania on the global map not as a passive observer, but as a proactive agent of diplomacy, development and multilateral leadership.
Under her stewardship, Tanzania’s foreign policy has undergone a bold reset: Pragmatic, principled and anchored in opportunity.
President Samia’s diplomatic approach is deliberate. It is not routine engagement for protocol’s sake, but a purposeful strategy to ensure Tanzania’s voice influences regional peace, global governance and the future of sustainable development.
Her transformative journey can be best understood through six interlinked pillars: Diplomatic reset, bilateral partnerships, global multilateralism, economic diplomacy, institutional reform and Zanzibar’s elevated international role.
A diplomatic reset guided by 4Rs
At the heart of this renaissance lies President Samia’s signature doctrine—the “4Rs”: Reconciliation unified a grieving nation following the tragic loss of her predecessor, President John Magufuli. It was a healing process that transcended political divides, underscoring the value of national unity and a collective commitment to progress.
Resilience strengthened Tanzania’s social fabric and economic outlook amid global uncertainties, including the Covid-19 pandemic, fluctuating commodity prices and geopolitical tensions.
This resilience was demonstrated in Tanzania’s swift adaptation to new diplomatic realities and economic challenges. Reform modernised our foreign policy execution, aligning diplomatic efforts with contemporary challenges such as climate change, digital transformation and security threats.
President Samia initiated a thorough review of Tanzania’s foreign policy framework, culminating in the 2024 revision that sets ambitious priorities for the next decade.
Rebuilding restored Tanzania’s voice as a strategic, respected regional actor, reasserting the country’s role in regional peace and integration efforts. Her 45 international missions and hosting of 37 heads of state and government are not symbolic acts.
They represent a revitalised foreign agenda where diplomacy is results-driven and anchored in Tanzania’s aspirations. These engagements have been strategic and purposeful, signalling Tanzania’s renewed commitment to active global participation.
Bilateral diplomacy that delivers President Samia’s foreign visits, particularly within Africa, have cemented Tanzania’s reputation as a reliable, influential partner.
The historic 10 billion US dollars East African Crude Oil Pipeline agreement with Uganda stands as a landmark achievement symbolising regional cooperation, shared economic growth and energy security.
This pipeline not only promises to transform the economies of both countries but also exemplifies how bilateral diplomacy can catalyse major infrastructure projects that benefit millions.
Tanzania has also reset trade ties with Kenya, revitalising cross-border commerce that had stagnated amid political tensions. By prioritising dialogue and economic collaboration, the two neighbours have enhanced their customs procedures, eased trade barriers and explored joint investments in transport and manufacturing.
Within regional organisations such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU), Tanzania has emerged as a trusted voice for peace and security.
President Samia’s leadership contributed to mediation efforts in conflicts in Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Horn of Africa, demonstrating Tanzania’s commitment to stability as a prerequisite for development.
Beyond the continent, President Samia has deepened strategic ties with the Middle East, Asia, Europe and the Americas. Her visits to India, China, France, the United States, Oman and Qatar resulted in tangible outcomes: Direct investments, concessional loans, visa waivers and expanded export markets.
For example, her engagement with China supported ongoing infrastructure development, including roads and energy projects, while partnerships with India have expanded educational scholarships and pharmaceutical trade. More than 100 Middle Eastern companies now operate in Tanzania, attracted by a stable investment climate and improving business environment.
Meanwhile, Tanzanian products from coffee and avocado to beef and honey are entering new markets across Asia, expanding the country’s export base and creating livelihoods. Her diplomacy is practical and patriotic: Every handshake aims to return dividends to the Tanzanian people.
It reflects a modern diplomacy that seeks to blend national pride with international partnership for mutual benefit. Multilateral engagement with purpose Tanzania’s return to multilateral prominence is one of President Samia’s hallmark achievements.
She has positioned the country as a leading advocate for climate action, gender equity and cultural diplomacy on the global stage. At COP28, she launched the ‘African Women Clean Cooking Support Programme’, targeting 950 million Africans who still rely on traditional fuels that harm health and environment.
This initiative is not only an environmental imperative but also a social justice cause, empowering women and reducing health burdens in rural communities.
Her campaign to internationalise Kiswahili culminated in UNESCO and UN General Assembly resolutions declaring every July 7 as ‘World Kiswahili Language Day’.
This cultural victory elevates Tanzania’s linguistic heritage to the world stage and reinforces Kiswahili as a unifying African language that bridges cultures and fosters continental identity. Educationally, the Commonwealth Julius Nyerere Scholarship Programme— named in honor of Tanzania’s founding father—advances youth education across Africa and the Caribbean.
This scholarship is a forward-looking investment in human capital that strengthens diplomatic ties and nurtures future leaders aligned with African unity ideals. In health, Tanzania’s leadership in maternal and child care earned President Samia the 2025 Global Goalkeeper Award from the Gates Foundation.
Under her guidance, maternal mortality has fallen by 80 per cent—a remarkable achievement that underscores the country’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and health equity.
These recognitions reflect Tanzania’s growing soft power—and President Samia’s ability to place the country at the heart of global conversations.
They signal that Tanzania is a reliable partner not just in political dialogue but in global initiatives that shape humanity’s future.
Economic diplomacy in action
President Samia has shifted the foreign policy apparatus toward development diplomacy, where foreign relations directly support national development goals. This pragmatic pivot has secured over 15 billion US dollars in foreign direct investment commitments in just four years—an unprecedented inflow that fuels Tanzania’s ambitious infrastructure and industrialisation agenda.
Strategic partnerships with Japan, China, Korea, the European Union, the United States and India are funding key projects in renewable energy, water supply networks, hospitals and vocational training centres.
Japan’s International Cooperation Agency (JICA) programme, known as NINJA (Next Innovation Japan Africa), supports Tanzanian startups by providing technical assistance and mentorship, fostering entrepreneurship among youth and women.
Over 10,000 SMEs, including 3,000 women-led businesses, have benefited from financings facilitated by the EU and European Investment Bank (EIB) through President Samia’s diplomacy. This empowerment of small and medium enterprises is vital for inclusive growth and job creation.
Trade agreements are not theory they translate into trucks moving goods across borders, bridges connecting regions, railways expanding markets and factory lines producing value-added products. For instance, the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) construction partnership with Türkiye is a flagship infrastructure project boosting connectivity and trade.
Port logistics agreements with Indonesia and other partners are expanding Tanzania’s maritime capacity, crucial for East Africa’s role in global trade. Tanzania’s diplomatic missions function as extensions of the national development strategy, actively promoting investment, negotiating partnerships and supporting Tanzanian businesses abroad.
Reforming the Machinery of Foreign Affairs
To sustain these gains, institutions must function efficiently and be future-ready. That is why President Samia has prioritised reforming the Ministry of Foreign Affairs—digitising operations, empowering missions and aligning foreign service with Vision 2025’s strategic goals.
The revised Foreign Policy of 2024 introduced new priorities: Digital transformation, climate change adaptation, gender equity, counterterrorism and diaspora engagement. These reflect the complex, interconnected nature of today’s global challenges and Tanzania’s readiness to meet them head-on.
The establishment of the National Counter Terrorism Centre strengthens Tanzania’s security architecture and signals a proactive stance against emerging threats.
Modernisation of diplomatic training ensures that Tanzanian diplomats are equipped with skills in digital diplomacy, negotiation and global governance. President Samia’s emphasis on results has elevated professionalism and restored confidence in our foreign service.
Our embassies are no longer ceremonial platforms but dynamic tools of transformation engaging with foreign governments, investors and multilateral institutions to deliver tangible benefits for Tanzania.
Zanzibar in the global arena A historic evolution in President Samia’s diplomacy has been the integration of Zanzibar’s international engagement within the Union framework. By working closely with President Hussein Ali Mwinyi, she has elevated Zanzibar as a complementary actor on the world stage.
The opening of the UAE Consulate in Zanzibar, along with targeted foreign missions led by President Mwinyi, has brought in over USD 6.1 billion in investment between 2021 and 2024. These investments have significantly boosted infrastructure, real estate and tourism sectors in the Isles.
Tourism has rebounded dramatically with visitor arrivals nearly doubling and global airlines expanding direct flights to Zanzibar from Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Zanzibar’s unique cultural heritage and pristine beaches are now better connected to the world, driving economic growth and creating jobs.
This “One Nation, Two Voices” diplomatic model demonstrates the strength of the Union one that honors diversity and leverages the unique assets of each part for unified development. It sends a clear message that Tanzania’s international relations are inclusive, cohesive and forward-looking.
A Global Tanzania, Led by a Trusted Leader
As Tanzania marches toward upper-middle-income status, President Samia’s diplomacy is not a supporting act, it is the central strategy.
Her foreign policy has delivered investments, climate solutions, cultural recognition and global respect. It is a diplomacy of action, grounded in Tanzanian values, executed with clarity and aimed at prosperity for all.
The world has taken notice. At BRICS, G20 and COP summits, Tanzania is no longer on the sidelines, it is at the table. Through visionary leadership, President Samia has transformed Tanzania’s diplomatic posture from reactive to proactive from regional participant to a global influencer.
This is President Samia’s legacy in motion: Transformative diplomacy that reflects who we are, where we are going and how we intend to shape the world we live in.
It is a diplomacy that celebrates Tanzania’s rich heritage, leverages its strategic location, and champions a future defined by peace, prosperity and partnership.
Ambassador Dr Samwel W Shelukindo is the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation. He writes in his capacity as a senior public servant and diplomat.
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