Tanzania commits to deepen ties with China as it marks the 70th anniversary of China-Africa relations
DAR ES SALAAM: Tanzania and China are continuing to strengthen their diplomatic relations as celebrations marking 70 years of China-Africa relations were held in Dar es Salaam, bringing together citizens and stakeholders from both sides.
The celebrations, held on August 17 and 18, 2026, at the KMC Grounds in Kinondoni, featured a range of activities, including drone technology exhibitions, displays highlighting the Silk Road journey, and visits to sites reflecting the history, culture and development of relations between Tanzania and China.
The events were jointly organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation and the Chinese Embassy in Tanzania, with the aim of increasing public awareness of the history of the relationship and the opportunities arising from cooperation between China and African countries.
Speaking during the celebrations, Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Chen Mingjian stressed the importance of continuing to build and strengthen the friendship and cooperation that have developed between the two sides over several decades.
Ambassador Chen said 2026 has been given special significance in efforts to further strengthen communication and cooperation between the peoples of China and Africa through various social, economic and cultural initiatives.
Kinondoni District Commissioner Saad Mtambule said Tanzania-China relations remain important in creating new opportunities for citizens.
He said the partnership should continue to be used to empower young people, business communities and other groups to participate actively in development and trade activities.
The celebrations also highlighted areas with potential for expanded cooperation, including agriculture, education, infrastructure and technology, which have remained key components of the development agenda between Tanzania and China.
The Silk Road exhibition was also a major feature of the celebrations, aimed at promoting cultural and economic ties, as well as showcasing China’s duty-free import policy, which officially came into effect on May 1, 2026.
The year 2026 marks 70 years since China and African countries began establishing formal diplomatic relations in 1956. Over the decades, China-Africa cooperation has expanded beyond diplomacy to include trade, investment, education, infrastructure, technology and cultural exchanges.
This year has also been designated as a year for strengthening people-to-people cooperation between China and Africa, with an emphasis on increasing communication and mutual understanding through education, culture, youth programmes, the media and other social initiatives.
Under the programme, celebrations marking the 70th anniversary have been planned in eight African countries: Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa.
In Tanzania, the anniversary celebrations have also provided a platform to examine how the country’s long-standing relationship with China can be further developed to create more opportunities for citizens and support national development priorities.
