Addressing the plenary session of the 29th St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2026) on Friday, President Samia said the world was undergoing profound economic and geopolitical shifts that require countries to deepen cooperation and strengthen business ties for shared prosperity.
“The question before the international community is no longer whether Africa will grow, but who will partner with Africa in shaping that growth,” she told an audience of political leaders, investors and business executives.
Her remarks come as Tanzania intensifies efforts to position itself as a regional trade, logistics and investment hub while seeking to diversify international partnerships in an increasingly multipolar global economy.
President Samia said Africa’s fast-growing population, expanding consumer markets and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) were creating significant opportunities for long-term investment and industrial growth.
She presented Tanzania as a strategic gateway to African markets, citing the country’s infrastructure expansion, improving logistics networks and growing digital connectivity as key drivers of economic transformation.
Among the projects highlighted were the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), the ongoing expansion of the Port of Dar es Salaam and other strategic transport corridors aimed at strengthening regional integration and trade competitiveness.
The Tanzanian leader invited international investors to explore opportunities in mining, mineral beneficiation, agriculture, energy, oil and gas, manufacturing, tourism, logistics, pharmaceuticals and digital technologies.
She noted that Tanzania’s large reserves of critical minerals, natural gas resources and strategic location along the Indian Ocean positioned the country as an attractive destination for long-term investment.
President Samia also welcomed deeper economic cooperation between Tanzania and Russia, saying bilateral ties had continued to expand in areas including trade, tourism, education, investment and technology.
She reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to strengthening economic relations with Russia and other international partners through what she described as practical cooperation and mutually beneficial investment partnerships.
The forum, one of Russia’s largest international economic gatherings, brought together senior political leaders, investors and policymakers from several countries amid shifting global trade patterns and growing competition for investment across emerging markets.
Russian President Vladimir Putin used the forum to emphasise stronger engagement with emerging economies and broader international economic cooperation, themes echoed by several participating leaders.
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev highlighted the importance of infrastructure development, connectivity and economic reforms, while Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng stressed industrial cooperation, technology transfer and sustainable development as drivers of future growth.
President Samia said Tanzania’s long-term development strategy under Vision 2050 places strong emphasis on industrialisation, innovation, productivity and private sector-led growth.
“Tanzania is open for business. Tanzania is open for investment. Tanzania is open for innovation,” she said. “And Tanzania is ready to work with all partners who share our commitment to sustainable and inclusive development.”
The Tanzanian government has increasingly pursued economic diplomacy under President Samia’s administration, seeking to attract diversified foreign investment and strengthen partnerships across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East as part of broader efforts to accelerate economic growth and industrial transformation.
Notes to Editors
Notes to Editors:
– The speech was delivered during the plenary session of the 29th edition of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), one of Russia’s flagship global economic events.
– President Samia used the platform to market Tanzania as a gateway to African markets and a strategic destination for long-term investment.
– The address forms part of Tanzania’s broader economic diplomacy strategy aimed at attracting diversified foreign investment and strengthening international partnerships.
Media Contact:
Information Services Department and Office of The Chief Government Spokesman
E-mail: maelezotv@gmail.com
Phone: +255 754 750 765, +255 754 698 856, +255 759 714, +255 713 381 904
Availability: EAT, UTC +3
