Presenting the 2025 State of the National Economy Report to Parliament, Minister of State in the President’s Office for Planning and Investment, Professor Kitila Mkumbo, said Tanzania would continue engaging with any nation willing to cooperate on the basis of mutual benefit and shared economic interests.
“Tanzania does not discriminate in choosing investors, countries to engage with, or partners for building its economy and conducting business,” Prof Mkumbo told lawmakers.
He said the government’s priority is to attract investment, expand trade and create economic opportunities that support the country’s long-term development objectives.
The minister highlighted President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s recent visit to Russia as an example of Tanzania’s strategy of broadening international partnerships and seeking new economic opportunities around the world.
Prof Mkumbo praised the visit, describing it as historic and significant for strengthening bilateral relations and advancing Tanzania’s economic interests.
“I use this opportunity to sincerely thank President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her strong and effective leadership,” he said. “I commend and congratulate her on her recent historic and highly successful visit to the Russian Federation, becoming only the second President of Tanzania to undertake an official visit to Russia.”
According to the minister, the visit reflects President Hassan’s policy of opening up the country to greater international engagement, guided by a pragmatic approach to economic, political and social development.
He said the government’s foreign engagement strategy is focused on attracting investment and forging business partnerships rather than seeking development assistance.
“Guided by this philosophy, when the President undertakes foreign visits, she goes to seek partners, not sponsors or patrons. She goes to pursue business and investment opportunities, not aid,” Prof Mkumbo said.
The minister added that Tanzania’s engagement with international partners would continue to be guided by broader economic, political and cultural interests, with the ultimate objective of supporting national development and improving the welfare of citizens.
Under President Hassan’s administration, Tanzania has intensified efforts to attract foreign investment, expand trade links and strengthen economic cooperation with partners across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas as part of its wider development and industrialisation agenda.
The government says the strategy is aimed at mobilising capital, technology and expertise needed to accelerate economic transformation while maintaining Tanzania’s longstanding policy of constructive engagement with countries across different regions and political blocs.
Notes to Editors
– The remarks were delivered during the presentation of the 2025 State of the National Economy Report to Parliament.
– The government reaffirmed Tanzania's policy of engaging with all countries based on mutual economic interests and shared development objectives.
– Officials emphasized that Tanzania does not discriminate among investors or international partners and remains open to cooperation across different regions and geopolitical blocs.
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