Dar Es Salaam – In a groundbreaking diplomatic phase, Tanzania launched a revised national foreign policy that strengthens the country's leadership in Africa's diplomacy.
The updated policies encompass Pan-African values, support the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) and promote regional peace, integration and sustainable development.
The launch event, held at the Julius Nyere International Convention Centre (JNICC), Dar es Salaam, was hosted by Dr. Samia Sloof Hassan, President of Tanzania.
Also present were Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwiniri and the chairman of the Revolutionary Council, members of the diplomatic corps, senior government leaders and representatives from the private sector.
Rooted in Mwarim Julius Nyere's vision, Tanzania has historically defended unity, liberation and non-alignment in Africa's diplomacy.
Under the leadership of Nyerere, Tanzania became the continent's moral compass and became a founding member of the African United Organization (OAU).
“This policy speaks about who we are as a nation. We are solid in our values, are proactive in diplomacy and committed to constructive partnerships that promote peace, security and prosperity,” President Samia said at the event.
The new policy reflects this legacy while responding to contemporary priorities such as trade, transition, regional infrastructure, climate action and digital transformation.
The company aims to deepen its involvement with Tanzania's continental bodies, such as the AU, SADC and EAC, while emphasizing Kiswahili as a tool for regional integration.
President Samia pointed out that the revised policy is shaped through a wide range of participatory processes involving Tanzanians of all walks.
“It was a time when we revised our policy to address global changes in various spheres,” she said, citing the global scramble of strategic minerals and trade disruptions caused by ongoing conflicts as a major motivation.
The core features of the updated framework include economic diplomacy and the creation of special status for the Tanzanians in the diaspora.
The policy promotes legal reforms that allow non-citizens overseas Tanzanians to own land, register and return businesses.
To strengthen implementation, President Samia has sought cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East Africa to involve retired diplomats in training current officials, confirming that Tanzanian envoys have the capacity to promote national interests worldwide.
President Mwinyi welcomed the revised policy as a catalyst for unlocking social, economic and political possibilities.
“Tanzania continues to be global and the revised policy is consistent with evolving global needs,” President Mwiniri said.
He urged the ministry to encourage more countries to open consulates in Zanzibar, and urged all Tanzanians to accept and defend the national interest through policy.
“This policy will benefit both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar,” stressed President Mwini.
President Samia's regional outreach began early in the presidency. In April 2021, she visited Uganda, where she and President Yoweri Museveni signed the final investment decision for the $10 billion East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).
In May 2021, her visit to Kenya stimulated bilateral relations, followed by trips to Burundi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Zambia and Egypt, bringing cooperation on trade, energy, security and innovation.
At the SADC Summit in Mozambique in June 2021, Tanzania reaffirmed its commitment to regional peace by supporting the fight against the rebellion in Cabo delgado.
In Ghana, she received the Babakar Ndiai Trophy, an African road builder, for her leadership in infrastructure development.
In Senegal, during the IDA20 summit and at Egypt's COP27, she positioned Tanzania as a leader in climate resilience, presenting a $18 billion renewable energy plan.
From 2023 to 2025, she maintained a strong continental involvement through her AU Summit, the BRICS Summit in South Africa, and diplomatic visits to Malawi, Zambia, South Africa and Morocco.
A key milestone in Tanzania's growing international position was an invitation to a high-level conference of the Reuter Corridor Development Project in Angola, part of the G7's global infrastructure initiative.
Although Tanzania was not originally a member of the project, its geographical and strategic relevance was recognized as important for the success of the corridor.
In February 2024, President Samia announced the statue of Mwalimu Nyere at the AU headquarters in Ethiopia.
As chairman of the SADC Organ, she hosted the 2024 Troyka Summit in Zimbabwe, advancing peace and security initiatives and assisting Raila Odinga in running for AU committee leadership.
On May 18, 2025, Professor Mohamed Yakubu Janabi was elected the next regional director of the WHO Africa Region, a milestone widely recognized for Tanzania's growing diplomatic influence.
His nomination followed the untimely death of Dr. Fauteen Ndugril in 2024. Janabi's appointment will be formalized by the WHO Executive Committee later this month.
According to Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, the revised policy focuses on 10 strategic pillars.
Economic Diplomacy: Ratification of Peace, Security and Stability and Implementation of International Conventions Kiswahili's participation in regional and global organizations as diplomatic tools International resource Mobileization Blue Economy Development Diaspora Engagement Human Rights
This updated policy reflects Tanzania's commitment to African unity, embracing innovation, inclusion and global partnerships.
It sets the stage for the next chapter of Tanzania's regional leadership and sustainable development.
