Tanzania establishes economic units in its embassies

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA has established Economic Diplomacy Units in its embassies abroad to strengthen the country’s engagement in global trade, investment, and strategic partnerships.

The new structure, which will be rolled out across all diplomatic missions, is part of efforts to translate Tanzania’s foreign relations into tangible economic benefits.

Diplomats stationed abroad will now include officers with specialized training in economic diplomacy to support national development goals.

Speaking during the announcement, Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, said the move is a key component of the ministry’s action plan following the launch of the Foreign Policy 2024, which replaces the 2001 version.

“In the past, embassies were staffed with political and cultural attachés, but now we are moving toward having designated economic diplomacy officers who can interpret and act on the country’s economic agenda,” said the Minister.

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He added that a national training programme on economic diplomacy will be introduced for government institutions through the Ministry’s Economic Diplomacy Department, now headed by an ambassador appointed to lead the reform.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who officiated the launch of the new policy, directed the ministry to improve inter-ministerial coordination and strengthen partnerships with the private sector to maximise strategic international opportunities.

The ministry has also adjusted its internal structure to include new units for geopolitical and geostrategic analysis, aimed at guiding policy and strategic decisions in line with emerging global trends.

According to MFAEAC, the newly launched policy and diplomatic structure will enhance the role of Tanzania’s foreign missions in advancing national development goals through well-coordinated international engagement.