Presenting the 2026/27 budget estimates for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation to parliament in Dodoma, Foreign Affairs Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo said diaspora remittances increased from 2.11 trillion shillings in 2023/24 to 3.313 trillion shillings in 2024/25.
The ministry’s proposed budget for the next financial year stands at 359.3 billion shillings.
The increase reflects the expanding role of Tanzanians abroad in supporting national development, investment and foreign currency inflows at a time when many African economies are increasingly relying on diaspora financing to cushion external economic pressures and support growth.
“This reflects the growing importance of the diaspora in supporting national development, improving family welfare, increasing investment and strengthening the financial sector,” Kombo told lawmakers.
The minister said Tanzania was intensifying its economic diplomacy agenda to secure investment opportunities, export markets, tourism growth, scholarships, concessional financing and employment opportunities for Tanzanians overseas.
“We want economic diplomacy to touch every Tanzanian and ensure citizens begin to see its direct benefits,” he said.
The government has in recent years expanded engagement with its diaspora community through investment initiatives and digital platforms aimed at increasing participation in economic development.
Remittances have become an increasingly important source of foreign exchange across Africa, with countries seeking to attract greater diaspora investment amid global economic uncertainty, debt pressures and shifting international financial conditions.
Kombo said Tanzania would continue protecting its international image and national interests while strengthening bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation.
“We will not allow Tanzania’s dignity and reputation to be shaken. Tanzania will continue to remain highly respected internationally as it is now,” he said.
The minister said Tanzania remained committed to principles outlined in the country’s Foreign Policy of 2001, 2024 Edition, including protection of national sovereignty, promotion of democracy and human rights, African solidarity and international cooperation.
“These principles have continued to preserve Tanzania’s respect and positive image internationally through bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation,” he said.
Kombo also said Tanzania would continue pursuing a non-aligned foreign policy while strengthening ties with development partners and international institutions.
On regional security, he said Tanzania had continued coordinating peace and conflict resolution efforts through the East African Community (EAC), the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
He added that Tanzania was supporting diplomatic initiatives under the African Union (AU) and the United Nations aimed at peaceful conflict resolution in the region.
The minister said the government was also working to improve accountability within regional organisations by encouraging member states to meet their financial obligations on time.
According to Kombo, Tanzania has facilitated reforms within the East African Community contribution framework to improve accountability and ensure timely remittance of contributions by member states.
He said the ministry was increasingly using digital platforms and social media to expand public awareness about opportunities available through international cooperation and economic diplomacy.
“The ministry is continuing to implement public diplomacy in line with current and future global communication trends,” he said.
Kombo further revealed that the ministry had established a digital system for coordinating and monitoring international treaties and agreements to improve efficiency.
Meanwhile, Najma Giga, chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Security, urged the government to intensify public education on opportunities arising from economic diplomacy and international partnerships.
She also called for improvements to the Diaspora Digital Hub registration system to strengthen diaspora participation in national development and improve data collection for policy planning.
Ms Giga further urged the government to expand diplomatic engagement with regional and international partners in seeking lasting solutions to security challenges facing some member states within regional blocs.
Notes to Editors
– This is primarily an economic story rather than a traditional foreign affairs story; the key news element is the substantial increase in remittance inflows.
– The reported rise from TZS 2.11 trillion to TZS 3.313 trillion represents one of the strongest indicators of diaspora engagement in recent years.
– Remittances are increasingly important because they provide:
foreign exchange
household income support
investment capital
financial sector liquidity.
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