Here are Tanzania’s G20 priorities
DAR ES SALAAM: AS President Samia Suluhu Hassan embarks on her inaugural participation at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Tanzania is poised to advocate for critical issues that resonate with its national development goals and the broader African agenda.
The summit, scheduled for tomorrow and Tuesday, under the theme “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet,” presents a significant platform for Tanzania to elevate its profile on the global stage.
Tanzania’s participation comes at a pivotal moment, marking the first time a female executive president from Africa attends the G20 Summit.
This historic engagement underscores Tanzania’s commitment to addressing pressing global challenges, particularly in 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.
President Samia aims to secure increased support for sustainable agricultural practices and climate resilience initiatives.
With over 65 per cent of the Tanzanian population reliant 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.
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.
In this matter, President Samia will call for increased concessional financing from G20 countries and Multilateral Development Banks to support developing nations, particularly in Africa.
This financial support is crucial for implementing sustainable development initiatives and addressing the continent’s unique challenges.
Reform of global governance institutions is another priority; Tanzania will advocate for comprehensive reforms in global governance institutions to ensure they better represent the interests of developing countries.
This includes calls for changes in organisations such as the United Nations Security Council, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.
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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.
