ARUSHA– The 3rd Joint Intergovernmental Tanzania–Russia Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, held in Arusha on May 15, 2026, has marked a significant turning point in bilateral relations between the two nations. The forum brought together government officials and approximately 300 exporters, investors, and business leaders to solidify long-term strategic frameworks.
The Minister of State in the President’s Office for Planning and Investment, Prof Kitila Mkumbo, said Tanzania and Russia had agreed to work on at least 22 legal agreements in different sectors, including language cooperation, under which Swahili will be taught in Russian universities and educational institutions, while the Russian language will be introduced in Tanzanian schools and institutions. He said, “This is one of the important cultural areas of cooperation between our two countries”.
Also, the two countries are finalising discussions to enable Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) to operate direct flights from Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar to Moscow. Prof Kitila said the flights are expected to begin before the end of this year and will help increase the number of Russian tourists visiting Tanzania.
Maxim Reshetnikov, head of the Russian Ministry of Economic Development, saidRussiais ready to expand cooperation with Tanzania in agriculture, energy, transport, logistics and industrial development. As he said, “Our companies are ready to invest in these sectors. Russia is also prepared to supply fertilisers, soil fertility technologies, veterinary medicines and cooperate in seed and livestock breeding programmes aimed at improving agricultural productivity and boosting Tanzania’s export potential”.
TPSF President Angelina Ngalula emphasized the importance of strengthening Tanzania–Russia economic cooperation through private sector partnerships and investment. She said, “The government creates the enabling environment, but it is the private sector that transforms opportunities into investments, jobs, industries, innovation, and long-term prosperity.” She also encouraged businesses from both countries to pursue practical partnerships, joint ventures, and long-term investment cooperation.
Tanzania’s strategic geographic position is an invaluable gateway to the broader African market. Russian companies gain an economic foothold into major regional growth corridors, specifically through the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community. This bilateral momentum is expected to accelerate further in June 2026, when the two nations plan to sign a formal memorandum of cooperation in tourism in Moscow during an official state visit by Tanzanian President Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan to finalize subsequent investment agreements.
