Africa-Press – Tanzania. TANZANIA has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening bilateral relations with China, calling for broader and more structured cooperation in trade, investment, culture, education and tourism as both countries prepare for the 2026 China–Africa Year of Peopleto-People Exchanges.
The renewed pledge signals Dar es Salaam’s intention to consolidate gains achieved over decades of friendship while positioning the partnership to respond to emerging global and regional dynamics. The commitment was reiterated in Dar es Salaam during a reception marking the 2026 Chinese New Year, an event that blended cultural celebration with diplomatic engagement.
The gathering brought together senior government officials, diplomats accredited to Tanzania, representatives of international organizations, business leaders, members of the ruling party, security organs and the Chinese community.
The diversity of participants reflected the multidimensional character of Tanzania–China relations, which extend beyond formal state-to-state engagement into commercial, educational and cultural spheres.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation James Milia described China as one of Tanzania’s most important and reliable strategic partners.
He noted that cooperation between the two countries has grown steadily in scope and depth, contributing meaningfully to Tanzania’s national development agenda. Expanding trade volumes, increased investment in key sectors and vibrant exchanges in culture and education have become defining features of the relationship.
According to Mr Milia, China’s role in Tanzania’s economic transformation is visible in infrastructure development, industrial ventures and technology transfer. He stressed that the government values practical partnerships that deliver tangible outcomes, create employment and enhance productive capacity.
In this regard, he said, China remains a key collaborator in supporting Tanzania’s long-term development vision. The Spring Festival, which ushers in the Year of the Horse, provided an appropriate backdrop for reaffirming shared aspirations. In Chinese culture, the horse symbolizes vitality, courage and forward momentum.
For Tanzania and China, the symbolism resonated with their shared commitment to modernization and progress. The occasion offered an opportunity to reflect on achievements registered over the previous year while charting a forward-looking path anchored in mutual respect, equality and win-win cooperation.
Mr Milia emphasized that Tanzania attaches high value to its Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership with China.
He underscored the importance of strengthening coordination in regional and multilateral forums, particularly on issues affecting Africa and the wider Global South. In an increasingly complex international environment, he said, closer collaboration can help advance peace, sustainable development and inclusive growth.
As Tanzania prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, the deputy minister invited Chinese partners to participate in the construction, upgrading and modernization of stadiums and supporting infrastructure. He described the tournament as a catalyst for broader socio-economic transformation.
Beyond sports, AFCON presents opportunities to expand tourism, stimulate hospitality and service industries, create jobs for youth and improve urban infrastructure.
Chinese expertise and investment in largescale projects, he noted, could align seamlessly with Tanzania’s ambitions in this regard. On his part, the Chargé d’Affaires at the Chinese Embassy in Tanzania, Wang Yong, said bilateral relations have reached new heights under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state.
He attributed the progress to growing political trust, expanding economic cooperation and increasingly dynamic peopleto-people exchanges. Mr Wang highlighted the recent visit to Tanzania by China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, noting that it marked the 36th consecutive year that a Chinese foreign minister chose Africa as the first overseas destination of the year.
The visit, which followed the formation of Tanzania’s new government, underscored the priority Beijing attaches to its partnership with Dar es Salaam. It also reaffirmed the tradition of close diplomatic engagement between China and African nations.
During the visit, the two sides issued a joint communiqué committing to the practical implementation of agreements reached by their leaders and the outcomes of the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation.
The communiqué emphasized alignment of development strategies and reaffirmed a shared determination to elevate the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership to higher levels.
Among the priority areas identified were the modernization of the Tanzania– Zambia Railway Authority line and the development of a TAZARA prosperity belt.
The historic railway, constructed with Chinese support in the 1970s, remains a powerful symbol of solidarity and South–South cooperation. Revitalizing TAZARA is expected to enhance trade corridors linking East and Southern Africa, stimulate industrial activity along the route and strengthen regional integration.
Both countries view the railway not only as infrastructure but also as a platform for broader economic transformation. Mr Wang also acknowledged the contributions of Chinese enterprises, professionals, teachers and students working and studying in Tanzania.
Their involvement in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, agriculture, education and health has supported local economic and social development.
At the same time, Tanzanian students studying in China and business delegations exploring opportunities in Chinese cities continue to strengthen interpersonal connections, fostering mutual understanding and trust.
Reflecting on China’s domestic progress, Mr Wang outlined advances in economic growth, innovation, environmental sustainability and long-term planning.
He noted that 2026 will mark the start of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, the 70th anniversary of China–Africa diplomatic relations, the China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges and the 50th anniversary of TAZARA’s operation.
These milestones, he said, present a strategic opportunity to consolidate past achievements and expand practical cooperation. Both speakers underscored that people-centered diplomacy remains the cornerstone of Tanzania–China relations. Cultural exchanges, scholarships, vocational training programs and business partnerships have deepened ties beyond formal agreements.
The steady growth of Chinese investment in Tanzania and Tanzanian participation in Chinese educational institutions illustrates a partnership grounded in shared interests and human connections.
The reception concluded with a renewed call for unity and sustained momentum. As the Year of the Horse symbolizes energy and determination, Tanzania and China expressed confidence that their partnership will continue to expand in scale, quality and strategic relevance.
Anchored in historical solidarity, guided by high-level political commitment and reinforced by expanding economic and cultural engagement, the relationship is well positioned to contribute to modernization, regional integration and the broader objective of building a resilient China–Africa community with a shared future.
Source: Daily News – Tanzania Standard Newspapers
