Chinese basketball tournament strengthens Tanzania-China community ties

DAR ES SALAAM: The Chinese Basketball Tournament has continued to strengthen relations between Tanzanian and Chinese communities, with the 2026 edition bringing together government officials, businesses and community members through sport and cultural exchange.

The tournament, held at Don Bosco Grounds, Namanga, attracted participation from members of the Chinese business community, local partners and other stakeholders, with Stanbic Bank Tanzania supporting the event through a 30m/- sponsorship.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Gerson Msigwa, commended the Chinese business community for its continued partnership and contribution to Tanzania’s economic development.

Mr Msigwa said sports remain a powerful tool for promoting friendship and mutual understanding between nations, noting that Tanzania and China have maintained cooperation in areas including trade, infrastructure, tourism, education, sports and culture.

“China and Tanzania enjoy a long-standing comprehensive strategic partnership. Our cooperation covers infrastructure, trade, tourism, education, sports and culture. Events like this are among the strongest bonds of friendship and cooperation between the people of Tanzania and our friends from China,” he said.

The Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania, Chen Mingjian, who was the guest of honour, also commended the continued support and participation of stakeholders in the tournament, saying sporting activities help bring the two communities closer.

“The relationship between China and Tanzania is deep-rooted, and it grows stronger through moments like these, where sport unites us in a spirit of goodwill and mutual respect,” she said.

The ambassador said partnerships between businesses, communities and institutions play an important role in strengthening ties between the two countries.

During the event, Stanbic Bank Tanzania presented a 30m/- sponsorship towards the tournament. The bank also entered its own basketball team to compete in the championship, becoming part of the sporting activities rather than only providing financial support.

Speaking at the ceremony, Stanbic Bank Tanzania Head of Corporate and Investment Banking, Ester Manase, said the tournament has provided an important platform for engagement between the bank and the Chinese community in Tanzania.

She said the bank’s involvement reflects the importance of building relationships through shared experiences and community engagement.

“Over the years, this tournament has been an important platform for engaging the Chinese community in Tanzania because strong partnerships are built through shared experiences,” Manase said.

The annual tournament continues to serve as a platform for networking, cultural exchange and strengthening cooperation between Tanzanian and Chinese communities through sport.