Tanzania’s Economic Diplomacy Opens New Routes for Investment

Over the past month, Tanzania has advanced investment and trade discussions with Qatar, Oman, Vietnam, Russia and Burundi, while also taking its investment case to European markets. Together, the engagements are part of a government drive to build a broader network of commercial relationships across the Gulf, Asia, Africa and Europe.

This diplomatic tour culminates in the Tanzania Investment Forum in London on 8 October. Convened by the Tanzanian High Commission and Invest Africa, the forum will bring Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba and a government delegation together with investors, development finance institutions and business leaders to showcase investment opportunities across the country.

Tanzania has pursued a deliberate strategy of diversifying its partnerships and sources of investment, with the Gulf being a particular focus for Tanzania in recent years. Tanzania and Qatar signed a double-taxation agreement on 29 September, reflecting both countries’ growing cross-border business and willingness to facilitate future business opportunities. With an Omani delegation visiting Dar es Salaam at the same time, Tanzania has been described as an important East African partner, with a deep shared history and untapped opportunity in trade and logistics on the Indian Ocean Rim.

To the east, the second Vietnam–Tanzania Joint Commission sought to turn longstanding ties into projects. Officials advanced work on investment protection and double-taxation agreements, while companies pursued opportunities in agriculture, agro-processing, mining and the marine economy. Bilateral trade has grown, with Vietnam describing Tanzania as a bridge into East Africa. Tanzania, in turn, has presented the relationship as an effective entry point into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) markets, helping to develop stable supply chains for cashew nuts, cotton, timber and minerals.

In Europe, a Tanzanian delegation visited the EU’s only nickel smelter before heading to Italy to discuss investment opportunities in coffee processing and power transmission. With substantial nickel reserves and growing demand for critical minerals, Tanzania is using these engagements to attract investment across the value chain, positioning the country as an alternative, reliable trading partner.

This is where Tanzania’s geography matters. Its Indian Ocean coastline and links into East and Central Africa give it the potential to serve as a trading and logistics hub connecting African markets with the Gulf and Asia. Its engagements with Vietnam and Oman also reflect a practical form of South–South cooperation. This cooperation is supported by government coordination and shared commercial interests that open routes between emerging markets.

London has a stake in that development. As a global centre for finance, trade and commodities, it can provide capital, expertise and existing commercial networks for projects linking Tanzania’s resources and products to regional and international markets.

There is an opportunity to convert Tanzania’s growing network of ties into partnerships and investment. The Tanzania Investment Forum’s broad showcase of opportunities across energy, mining, infrastructure, logistics, agribusiness, manufacturing, technology, finance and tourism will provide a platform to turn recent diplomatic engagement into lasting commercial partnerships.

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