DAR ES SALAAM- Tanzania and Namibia have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding trade and investment cooperation following the Tanzania–Namibia Business Forum, held on 20 June 2026 at Johari Rotana in Dar es Salaam. The forum brought together government officials, business leaders and investors from both countries to discuss practical ways of strengthening economic ties and creating new business opportunities.
The forum was attended by H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, and H.E. Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia. Their participation underscored the shared commitment to promoting investment, supporting industrial development and building stronger economic partnerships between the two countries.
Speaking during the forum, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said Tanzania and Namibia have complementary economies that present opportunities for greater collaboration. She encouraged businesses to explore investment opportunities in healthcare, sanitation, mining, tourism, transport, agriculture, housing and land development, noting that stronger cooperation would help create jobs, encourage innovation and support long-term economic growth.
“We need to bring about economic independence. Our governments and private sector are crucial partners and need to work together for that independence to be achieved,” she said.
Meanwhile, President Samia Suluhu Hassan highlighted Tanzania’s efforts to improve the investment climate and make it easier for businesses to establish and expand their operations. She noted that Tanzania’s location provides investors with access to both the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) markets. She also pointed to the government’s investment facilitation reforms through Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA), where services have been brought together under one roof, allowing investment approvals to be processed within 24 hours.
The President also outlined areas where Tanzania and Namibia can expand cooperation. These include the development of transport and logistics through the expansion of Dar es Salaam Port and the Bagamoyo Special Economic Zone, strengthening value chains in agriculture, fisheries, livestock and minerals, improving direct air connections to support trade and tourism, and promoting Kiswahili as a common business language to enhance regional integration.
The forum ended with both countries reaffirming their commitment to promoting investment, encouraging value addition and manufacturing, supporting innovation, and creating more jobs. The discussions reflected a shared vision to strengthen trade relations and expand investment opportunities that will contribute to sustainable economic growth in both Tanzania and Namibia.
