Tanzania asks Commonwealth members to deepen ties in time of political pressure

LONDON: THE Minister of State in the President’s Office (Special Duties), Palamagamba Kabudi, has said the Commonwealth of Nations should continue to serve as an important platform for addressing development challenges and strengthening international cooperation, particularly at a time marked by political, economic, and environmental pressures.

Prof Kabudi made the remarks during the 26th Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting (CFAMM) held on March 8, 2026, in London.

 He attended the meeting on behalf of Tanzania’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo.

During his address, Kabudi emphasized the need to strengthen trade and investment among member states by drawing lessons from regional integration initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area, which aims to boost intra-African trade.

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He also highlighted the importance of expanding cooperation in critical minerals and developing digital infrastructure to attract investment, facilitate technology transfer, and expand the use of online government services.

Meanwhile, the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, urged member states to strengthen collaboration to respond effectively to changing global conditions.

Botchwey said the meeting provides an opportunity for member states to discuss strategies for promoting trade and investment while addressing major global challenges, including climate change and economic pressures.

The CFAMM meeting brings together foreign ministers from the Commonwealth’s 56 member countries and serves as a key forum for discussing international issues affecting the development of member states.