YEAR ENDER: Samia’s 2025 diplomacy delivers security, economic gains

KAGERA: IN 2025, President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan’s international engagements went beyond routine diplomacy, reflecting a results-oriented foreign policy that strengthened Tanzania’s role as a regional stabiliser and respected continental partner.

Her foreign visits translated into tangible diplomatic, security and economic gains, reinforcing Tanzania’s national interests and international standing.

President Samia’s diplomatic year began in Harare, Zimbabwe, where she attended the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Troika Summit on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation amid a deteriorating security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

As Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, she played a central leadership role, having earlier convened an Extraordinary Summit involving the SADC Organ Troika, the DRC and troop-contributing countries to the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC).

The emergency Heads of State and Government Summit, chaired by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, built on those deliberations and reinforced Tanzania’s reputation as a trusted mediator and anchor of peace. Regional stability, in turn, directly safeguards Tanzania’s security, trade corridors and investment climate.

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In February, President Samia led Tanzania’s delegation to the 38th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, a key forum shaping Africa’s political and development agenda. Her participation in the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) amplified Tanzania’s voice in global climate discussions at a time when access to climate finance and green technology remains critical for development.

She also chaired an AU Summit session on behalf of AU Chairperson and Angolan President João Lourenço, underscoring the confidence placed in her leadership.

Tanzania’s election to the AU Assembly Bureau for 2025 further elevated the country’s influence in shaping continental decisions on peace, trade, development financing and integration under Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

In March, President Samia travelled to Windhoek, Namibia, to attend the inauguration of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the country’s first female Head of State.

The event highlighted women’s leadership in Africa and reinforced Tanzania’s image as a champion of gender equality and inclusive governance.

A major diplomatic milestone followed in April during President Samia’s state visit to Angola, where she became the first female Head of State to address the Angolan National Assembly.

Drawing on the two countries’ shared liberation history, she called for stronger African unity and sustained commitment to regional peace and security. The visit also produced concrete economic outcomes.

Tanzania and Angola agreed to revitalise bilateral trade, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Angola’s Agency for Private Investment and Promotion of Exports (AIPEX) and the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) to promote investment under AfCFTA and the SADC Free Trade Area.

Cooperation opportunities were opened in oil and gas, alongside the signing of a defence cooperation agreement. President Samia also announced a reciprocal tourist visa waiver for Angolan citizens and plans to reopen Tanzania’s embassy in Luanda, signalling long-term diplomatic and economic engagement.

MINISTER for Home Affairs George Simbachawene speaks with Tanzania Revenue Authority officer Edmund Lubinza (right) at Mutukula One-Stop Border Post in Misenyi District-Kagera Region, on Tuesday.

At left is Mutukula Immigration Post Officer-in-Charge, Sarah Ngonyani. (Photo by Ministry of Home Affairs) Speaking to the Daily News, a lecturer at the Dr Salim Ahmed Salim Centre for Foreign Relations, Mr Innocent Shoo, said President Samia’s international engagements in 2025 have yielded both direct and indirect benefits for Tanzania, particularly in diplomacy, economic growth and national image.

He said her active participation in regional and continental forums has significantly strengthened Tanzania’s diplomatic relations within SADC, the AU and beyond, positioning the country as a reliable partner and respected voice on peace and security matters.

According to Mr Shoo, Tanzania is increasingly viewed as a mediator and an anchor of stability in the region, a reputation that enhances trust and cooperation among neighbouring states and international partners. He explained that such diplomatic credibility is critical for economic development, as peace and stability are key considerations for investors.