Africa-Press – Tanzania. IF there is one thing Tanzanians can celebrate beyond their stunning landscapes and endless hospitality, it is the sheer energy and dedication of their ambassadors abroad, especially those who don’t just sip coffee at gala dinners but roll up their sleeves to make things happen. For example, enters Ambassador Mobhare Matinyi, Tanzania’s diplomatic dynamo in Sweden, whose recent mission to woo heavyweight Swedish companies Ericsson and Siemens Energy might just be the blueprint for economic diplomacy in the 21st century.
To many, Sweden might be famous for ABBA, meatballs and IKEA furniture that tests your patience, but it is also a powerhouse of technology and innovation. Ericsson is synonymous with cutting-edge telecommunications, especially the rollout of 5G technology, while Siemens Energy represents the future of sustainable power generation. Both companies have their eyes set on Tanzania and Ambassador Matinyi was the matchmaker who made the spark fly.
On September 2 and 3, 2025, Ambassador Matinyi hit the ground running, visiting the corporate headquarters of these tech giants to discuss deepening investments in Tanzania and rolling out new technology that promises to catapult the country’s infrastructure and services into the future.
At Ericsson’s Stockholm offices, the Ambassador met with Ola Bergstrom, the company’s Director of Government Policy and Advocacy, along with a team of engineers and business leaders. What followed was not your average corporate presentation, it was a masterclass in how 5G and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are changing the game.
On his part, Jon Gamble, an Ericsson engineer, did not just talk the talk, he showed how in Sweden, 5G is already powering ambulances, fire trucks, police vehicles and more. Imagine drones delivering medical supplies or fire response teams getting real-time updates via lightning-fast connections. Then there is smart farming, education, healthcare, railways, ports, airports, electricity grids and mining all enhanced by this technological marvel.
But here is the kicker: Ericsson is not just flaunting what they have done in Sweden, they are ready to partner with Tanzania’s telecom companies to spread 5G across regions where internet connectivity is still playing catch-up. This is not some pipe dream; it is a serious plan backed by technology and expertise.
Siemens Energy: Powering Tanzania’s dreams with gas turbines
Next stop, Finspang, home of Siemens Energy, where Ambassador Matinyi was warmly welcomed by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gunnar Wik and his leadership team. Here, the focus was on power generation, specifically, gas turbines that are already humming along at Tanzania’s Ubungo power plant in Dar es Salaam.
Siemens Energy’s technology is not just about keeping the lights on, but it is about powering Tanzania’s ambitions in regions like Kinyerezi, Mkuranga, Somanga, Dodoma and Mtwara. These are strategic projects, the kind that underpin industrial growth, urban development and improved quality of life.
Siemens made it clear: they are not just interested in selling equipment-they want a longterm partnership, supporting Tanzania’s quest for sustainable and reliable energy. That is where diplomacy meets development, especially in a real win-win situation.
The ambassador’s work did not stop at boardrooms and PowerPoint slides. From August 24 to September 13, 2025, 12 specialists from Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco) have been receiving hands-on training at Siemens in Sweden. This is no small detail. By investing in human capital, Tanzania is ensuring that these technologies don’t just get shipped in and sit idle. They will be managed by homegrown experts who understand the country’s unique needs.
Ambassador Matinyi used the opportunity to encourage these trainees to absorb every bit of knowledge, reminding them that the country’s energy security rests heavily on their shoulders. A gentle reminder, but also a call to pride and responsibility.
Let us take a moment to appreciate Ambassador Mobhare Matinyi, who clearly is not an ordinary diplomat. Many ambassadors might be contented with the ceremonial side of diplomacy, especially cutting ribbons, attending dinners, or engaging in polite conversation. Ambassador Matinyi, however, stands out as a proactive force who understands that modern diplomacy is about securing tangible benefits back home.
By engaging directly with Ericsson and Siemens, he showcased Tanzania not just as a recipient of foreign investment but as an active partner with a clear vision and willingness to embrace new technologies. This hands-on approach is exactly what Tanzania and many developing countries need to compete in today’s global economy.
His leadership style serves as a model for all Tanzanian diplomats. It is a blueprint that combines charm, tenacity and a deep understanding of his country’s developmental needs. Ambassador Matinyi’s visits have sent a clear message: Tanzania is open for business, ready for partnerships and eager to embrace the future.
For that matter, the world is watching how countries like Tanzania handle the delicate balancing act of economic growth and sustainable development. The collaboration with Ericsson and Siemens is not just about gadgets and power plants, it is about transforming lives. Faster internet means better education, more efficient healthcare and smarter cities. Reliable electricity is the backbone of industry, agriculture and commerce.
With 5G and AI on the horizon, Tanzania can leapfrog decades of underdevelopment and position itself as a regional leader. Meanwhile, expanding gas-based power plants means cleaner, more reliable energy for millions, fuelling businesses and homes alike.
Diplomacy as a driver of development
These visits underscore a crucial truth: diplomacy is no longer just about politics and protocol. It is about economics, technology and partnerships that uplift entire populations. Ambassador Matinyi’s efforts embody the spirit of “economic diplomacy” or simply leveraging relationships to create concrete benefits.
The strong ties between Tanzania and Sweden illustrate how mutual interests can foster fruitful collaboration. Sweden gains access to new markets and opportunities, while Tanzania benefits from technology transfer, investment and expertise.
Equally, imagine if every Tanzanian ambassador took such an active role in courting investors and technology partners. Imagine a whole network of diplomatic envoys acting as Tanzania’s economic ambassadors, creating a ripple effect of investment and innovation.
Ambassador Matinyi’s work offers a shining example of what is possible. He is not just representing Tanzania abroad; he is shaping its future.
So, while Sweden might be known for ABBA and IKEA, Tanzanians can now proudly add “home of visionary partnerships” to their list and thanks to the diplomat who understands that in the 21st century, it is not just about who you know, but what you make happen.
If this is a sign of things to come, Tanzania’s future looks bright, powered by 5G, gas turbines and a diplomatic style that truly works.
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