A fresh chapter in Tanzania–Hungary relations

DAR ES SALAAM: Tanzania and Hungary have shared a strong and steady bond, built on cooperation in education, agriculture, technology and diplomacy.

That partnership, rooted in trust and mutual benefit, has now entered a new and promising chapter with the reopening of Hungary’s representation office in Dar es Salaam after three decades of closure.

The move carries deep symbolic meaning, as it not only restores a physical presence but also reaffirms the resilience of a relationship that has stood the test of time.

Hungary’s office, located in Masaki, is expected to serve as a hub for strengthening economic ties, providing consular services to Hungarians in the region and opening doors to new opportunities for trade and investment.

The reopening comes at a time when Tanzania is intensifying international partnerships to drive its development priorities, while Hungary is deepening its engagement with Africa as part of its wider foreign policy strategy.

Speaking at the reopening ceremony, Hungarian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Peter Szijjártó, described the event as a milestone in bilateral ties.

He said the decision to return to Tanzania after three decades underscores Hungary’s long-term commitment to the East African nation.

“This new office, located in the business, financial and cultural heart of Tanzania, and indeed East Africa, will give fresh impetus to our relationship. It will help advance economic cooperation and support Hungarians visiting or working in the region,” he said.

The reopening is more than a diplomatic gesture; it signals a revitalisation of bilateral relations that date back more than 50 years.

Even during the three decades without a permanent office, the ties between the two countries endured.

Tanzanians continued to benefit from Hungarian scholarship programmes, while Hungary supported small-scale projects in sectors such as agriculture and water management.

This continuity highlights the resilience of the friendship and the shared interest in deepening cooperation.

One of the most significant outcomes of the renewed engagement is the launch of a major clean water project in Biharamulo District, Kagera Region.

The Hungarian government has invested about 15 million US dollars, (equivalent to 36.7bn/-), in the project.

Designed to provide safe drinking water to over 200,000 residents, the initiative will use advanced Hungarian purification technology to draw water from Lake Victoria, purify it and distribute it to communities in need.

Mr Szijjártó said the project is not only a humanitarian investment but also an important milestone in economic cooperation.

“This project will utilise world class Hungarian water management technology to draw water from Lake Victoria, purify it and deliver it safely to the people of Biharamulo. It is one of the most important milestones in the history of our economic cooperation,” he said.

He further explained that Hungary sees Africa’s stability as central to Europe’s security, adding that initiatives like this help prevent migration pressures by addressing critical needs at their source.

“We know that Europe’s security begins with Africa’s stability. This is why Hungary provides both technological and financial support to help African countries meet their development challenges,” he added.

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The Tanzanian government welcomed Hungary’s return warmly.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, said the Biharamulo project reflects Hungary’s genuine commitment to supporting the country’s development priorities.

“As you have heard from Her Excellency President Samia Suluhu Hassan, water remains a critical priority for our people. Through Hungary’s tied-aid programme, we are bringing clean water from Lake Victoria to serve over 200,000 residents of Biharamulo, in partnership with a Hungarian company,” Amb Kombo said.

He also pointed out that trade between the two countries, currently valued at about 2.18 million US dollars, is expected to more than double in the coming years as the investment climate improves.

Tanzania and Hungary are working on finalising the Agreement on the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments, which will provide a secure environment for investors from both countries.

This agreement is expected to boost confidence and attract more capital into sectors such as agriculture, agribusiness and technology. Education has also remained a cornerstone of the Tanzania–Hungary relationship.

Over the years, many Tanzanians have benefitted from scholarships to study in Hungary, returning home with knowledge and skills that have enriched the country’s human capital.

Hungary has expressed readiness to increase the number of scholarships once current slots are fully utilised, a move that will allow more Tanzanian students to access higher education in Europe.

Beyond education and trade, both governments have emphasised cooperation in agriculture, agribusiness and capacity building.

These areas are seen as vital for sustainable development, job creation and food security, aligning well with Tanzania’s national development goals.

With Hungary’s expertise in modern agricultural practices and water management technology, new avenues of cooperation are set to open.

The reopening of the Hungarian office in Dar es Salaam after three decades of absence is not just the continuation of a historical relationship but it is a renewal of trust and friendship.

For the people of Tanzania, the immediate benefits will be felt in projects such as clean water provision and scholarship opportunities.

For the business community, the office brings prospects for stronger trade and investment ties. And for both countries, it cements a partnership that has matured over more than half a century.

As Tanzania and Hungary look ahead, the symbolism of reopening the office after 30 years resonates deeply. It demonstrates that while circumstances may have shifted over time, true partnerships endure.

The next chapter of Tanzania–Hungary relations promise to be one of expanded opportunities, strengthened cooperation and a shared commitment to addressing global challenges together.

With 50 years of history behind them and renewed energy for the future, the friendship between Tanzania and Hungary stands ready to grow stronger than ever.