Tanzania reaps tangible gains from its long- standing ties with India

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA is reaping tangible gains from its long-standing partnership with India, with hundreds of citizens acquiring critical skills through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, revealed this during the ITEC Day celebrations in Dar es Salaam and underscored the programme’s growing impact in strengthening human capital, describing it as a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation between Tanzania and India.

Additionally, the minister commended the Indian government for sustaining the initiative, noting that it has significantly contributed to capacity building among public servants and youth through specialised training in key sectors, including technology, health, agriculture, finance and human resource development.

“Through ITEC, many Tanzanians have gained valuable knowledge and practical skills that directly support national development priorities,” he said, linking the programme’s outcomes to the Sixth Phase Government’s agenda under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, which prioritises skills development and youth empowerment to drive economic growth.

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Moreover, Mr Kombo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to closely monitor and expand participation in such programmes to ensure more Tanzanians benefit from international training opportunities.

On broader diplomatic ties, he noted that relations between Tanzania and India have evolved into a strategic partnership, marked by increasing trade and investment flows between the two countries.

He also expressed gratitude to the Indian government for humanitarian support delivered through the Jaipur Foot initiative, which conducted its second prosthetics camp in Tanzania in November 2025, providing free artificial limbs to more than 600 beneficiaries.

Meanwhile, India’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Bishwadip Dey, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to deepening cooperation through training programmes, describing ITEC as a vital bridge for sharing expertise and strengthening people-to-people ties between the two nations.