DAR ES SALAAM – Tanzania and China have reaffirmed their long-standing strategic partnership, with a renewed focus on modernizing the historic TAZARA railway and addressing trade imbalances.
The commitment came during high-level talks held today at the State House in Dar es Salaam between President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Mr. Wang Yi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China.
The meeting underscores the deepening economic integration between the two nations, occurring amid surging bilateral trade. According to official figures released by the Directorate of Presidential Communications, Tanzania's exports to China have risen by approximately 85 percent between 2020 and 2025. Conversely, imports from China have surged by roughly 120 percent over the same period, driven significantly by China's market-opening policies toward Africa.
Revitalizing a Historic Lifeline
Central to the discussions was the future of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA). President Samia outlined Tanzania's strategic vision to revitalize the railway's operations, a move seen as critical to boosting regional trade and economic activity.
Minister Wang Yi described TAZARA as a "historic symbol of China-Tanzania friendship" and assured the President of China's readiness to support its modernization. The railway, originally built in the 1970s with Chinese backing, remains a vital corridor for landlocked Zambia and a testament to the enduring relationship between Beijing and Dar es Salaam.
Addressing Trade and Mobility
While acknowledging China's consistent support, President Samia emphasized the need to enhance the trade balance between the two countries. The President called for expanded exports and facilitated business exchanges.
Crucially, President Samia highlighted the need to improve visa arrangements. Easing mobility restrictions is seen as a key step in fostering stronger "people-to-people" exchanges—a priority that aligns with broader diplomatic goals for 2026.
Broadening Cooperation
Beyond transport and trade, the talks covered a wide array of development sectors. Minister Wang Yi reiterated China's support for Tanzania's priority projects, specifically mentioning:
The visit by Minister Wang Yi continues a decades-long tradition of Chinese foreign ministers beginning their year with visits to the African continent, signaling the strategic importance Beijing places on its relationship with Africa.
The commitment came during high-level talks held today at the State House in Dar es Salaam between President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Mr. Wang Yi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China.
The meeting underscores the deepening economic integration between the two nations, occurring amid surging bilateral trade. According to official figures released by the Directorate of Presidential Communications, Tanzania's exports to China have risen by approximately 85 percent between 2020 and 2025. Conversely, imports from China have surged by roughly 120 percent over the same period, driven significantly by China's market-opening policies toward Africa.
Revitalizing a Historic Lifeline
Central to the discussions was the future of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA). President Samia outlined Tanzania's strategic vision to revitalize the railway's operations, a move seen as critical to boosting regional trade and economic activity.
Minister Wang Yi described TAZARA as a "historic symbol of China-Tanzania friendship" and assured the President of China's readiness to support its modernization. The railway, originally built in the 1970s with Chinese backing, remains a vital corridor for landlocked Zambia and a testament to the enduring relationship between Beijing and Dar es Salaam.
Addressing Trade and Mobility
While acknowledging China's consistent support, President Samia emphasized the need to enhance the trade balance between the two countries. The President called for expanded exports and facilitated business exchanges.
Crucially, President Samia highlighted the need to improve visa arrangements. Easing mobility restrictions is seen as a key step in fostering stronger "people-to-people" exchanges—a priority that aligns with broader diplomatic goals for 2026.
Broadening Cooperation
Beyond transport and trade, the talks covered a wide array of development sectors. Minister Wang Yi reiterated China's support for Tanzania's priority projects, specifically mentioning:
- Infrastructure development
- Water supply initiatives
- Clean cooking energy solutions
- Concessional financing
The visit by Minister Wang Yi continues a decades-long tradition of Chinese foreign ministers beginning their year with visits to the African continent, signaling the strategic importance Beijing places on its relationship with Africa.