Dar, Moscow deepen ties to spur investment
DAR ES SALAAM: RUSSIA has expressed its commitment to expanding investment and trade with Tanzania, as both countries deepen cooperation in strategic sectors including healthcare, science, industrial development and technology.
Russia’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Mr Andrey Avetisyan, said Russian investors are increasingly viewing Tanzania as a strategic investment destination due to its political stability, improving business environment, strategic geographical location and expanding market opportunities.
Speaking during the Russia Day celebrations at the 50th DITF over the weekend, he said Moscow remains committed to strengthening economic cooperation by encouraging more Russian companies to invest in Tanzania, particularly in technology, healthcare, industrial manufacturing, scientific research, energy and infrastructure development.
According to the ambassador, stronger business-to-business partnerships will promote knowledge transfer, innovation and mutually beneficial investment opportunities for companies from both countries.
Mr Avetisyan said Russia’s participation in the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF) underscores the i m p o r t a n c e his country attaches to expanding com – mer – c i a l relations with Tanzania and the wider East African region.
He noted that Russian companies exhibiting at Saba Saba are seeking new markets, strategic partnerships and opportunities to increase trade with Tanzanian businesses.
“The participation of Russian companies at Saba Saba shows their interest in finding new markets and building stronger business partnerships with Tanzania,” Mr Avetisyan said. His remarks were echoed by Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade Dennis Londo, who said the expanding partnership reflects the two countries’ shared commitment to promoting trade, industrialisation and innovation while supporting Tanzania’s long-term development agenda under Vision 2050.
Mr Londo said the growing presence of Russian companies and exhibitors at the trade fair demonstrates rising investor confidence in Tanzania and stronger diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries.
He described Russia as one of Tanzania’s longstanding development partners, particularly in human capital development, noting that many Tanzanian doctors, engineers, scientists and other professionals have received education and specialised training in Russian institutions before returning home to contribute to national development.
“The relationship between Tanzania and Russia has continued to produce significant results in investment, trade, scientific research, healthcare and industrial development,” Mr Londo said.
He noted that outcomes of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s recent visit to Russia are already becoming evident through increased interest from Russian investors in strategic sectors of Tanzania’s economy.
According to the deputy minister, Russian companies are exploring investment opportunities in pharmaceutical manufacturing, medical research, vaccine production and scientific collaboration with Tanzanian institutions.
He added that Russia has also expressed readiness to cooperate with Tanzania in space research and satellite technology development, initiatives expected to strengthen the country’s scientific capacity and accelerate technological advancement.
Mr Londo said such cooperation would support Tanzania’s ambition of building a knowledgebased economy capable of competing in regional and global markets.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining a conducive business and investment environment to ensure Tanzanians fully benefit from international partnerships and foreign direct investment.
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The deputy minister stressed that implementation of the National Development Vision 2050 will depend on expanding industrial production, adding value to locally produced goods and attracting modern technology, investment and technical expertise.
He said partnerships with technologically advanced countries such as Russia will help Tanzania modernise its industrial sector, improve productivity, enhance export competitiveness and create more employment opportunities.
“For Tanzania to achieve a competitive economy, we need stronger cooperation in technology, innovation and industrial development,” Mr Londo said.
The growing engagement comes as Tanzania continues to position itself as a regional investment and industrial hub through business-friendly reforms, expanded infrastructure and strategic international partnerships aimed at driving sustainable economic growth and achieving the aspirations of Vision 2050.
