BRASILIA: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan will today participate at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, making history as the first female African head of state to attend the event.
The summit, which takes place today and tomorrow, is centred around the theme “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet.” Tanzania’s involvement in the G20 Summit presents a valuable opportunity to advocate for key issues that align with the nation’s development priorities and the broader African agenda.
In particular, Tanzania is expected to focus on critical global challenges such as poverty reduction, food security and sustainable development.
According to the itinerary issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East Africa Cooperation, key priorities for Tanzania at the G20 Summit include resource mobilisation for sustainable development.
Here, President Samia aims to secure increased support for sustainable agricultural practices and climate resilience initiatives. With over 65 per cent of the Tanzanian population relying on agriculture, the focus will be on promoting inclusive economic policies that benefit smallholder farmers and vulnerable communities.
Another priority is advocacy for clean cooking and energy transition, Tanzania is set to highlight its clean cooking agenda, seeking financial backing for sustainable energy solutions, particularly in rural areas.
Tanzania aims to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and enhance electrification efforts, aligning with the G20’s objectives for sustainable development.
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Food security and poverty alleviation are other priorities the Tanzanian delegation will focus on advocating for accelerating the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty.
This aligns with Tanzania’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger by 2030.) The Tanzania delegation will also focus on concessional financing for Africa.
President Samia’s participation in the G20 Summit is not only a milestone for Tanzania, but also a testament to the country’s growing influence in international diplomacy.
Her engagement aims to foster long-term partnerships that align with Tanzania’s National Development Vision 2025 and the Zanzibar Development Vision 2050.
Invited by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President Samia’s participation at the summit also marks the first time a Tanzanian leader has joined the G20 since the group expanded from the G8 in 2009.
The late Benjamin Mkapa and Dr Jakaya Kikwete represented Tanzania at G8 summits in 2005 and 2008. Diplomatic relations between Tanzania and Brazil were formally established in January 1970, marking over fifty years of cooperation built on shared values and mutual respect.
Over the decades, this relationship has expanded to encompass key areas such as agriculture, health, renewable energy and trade, reflecting a robust partnership that continues to evolve.
Following the participation of Dr Samia at the summit, analysts are optimistic that Tanzania will reap significant benefits from her attendance.
An Economist-cum-Investment Banker Dr Hildebrand Shayo told the ‘Daily News’ in a phone interview that Tanzania’s participation in such a high-level meeting would further elevate the country on the international diplomatic stage.
He said by attending such high-level and important meetings, Tanzania will continue to cement its acceptability on the global stage, potentially improving its reputation in the world as a potential role model within Africa, especially within subSaharan Africa.
President Samia has demonstrated good leadership in managing the country’s economy, with the World Bank and IMF attesting to the fact, further placing the Head of State on the global spotlight.
Dr Shayo said being the first female President to be invited to attend the G20 meeting, which is mainly composed of the world’s leading economic powers, confirms that her leadership is acceptable and that the G20 can learn from a country with ample resources under the female Head of State.
