Why integrating BTS into national strategies is vital

LONDON: THE High Commission of Tanzania in the United Kingdom (UK) has pledged to strengthen connections between the Britain– Tanzania Society and Tanzanian institutions, while advocating for the integration of the society’s initiatives into national development strategies.

This commitment was made by Tanzania’s High Commissioner to the UK, Mbelwa Kairuki, during BTS’s 50th anniversary celebrations held recently in London.

The society’s current President is former Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, with Vice-Presidents Professor Esther Mwaikambo, Andrew Coulson and Julian Marcus.

“I bring warm congratulations and best wishes from president Samia Suluhu Hassan, as we mark the 50th anniversary of BTS,” said Ambassador Kairuki in his keynote address.

“Like her esteemed predecessors, President Samia deeply values the immense contributions that BTS and the Tanzania Development Trust (TDT) have made to Tanzania’s development over the past five decades.”

To underscore the importance of the occasion, the president dispatched her diplomatic advisor, Ambassador Maulidah Hassan, to represent her at the event.

Amb Kairuki also conveyed a congratulatory message from BTS President Jakaya Kikwete, who is expected to officiate a similar event in Dar es Salaam this November.

Founded in 1975, the Britain–Tanzania Society is a non-political, nongovernmental organisation dedicated to fostering communication, cooperation and mutual understanding between Tanzania and the UK.

It has played a central role in grassroots development, education, technology and health interventions across Tanzania.

“For half a century, BTS and TDT have demonstrated the power of people-topeople diplomacy, touching over 900,000 lives through community projects, education and innovation,” said Kairuki.

“We honour the past, celebrate the present and commit to a future of deeper collaboration, youth empowerment and sustainable development.”

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He noted that over 680 community-led projects have delivered essential services such as clean water, education and healthcare to underserved areas of Tanzania.

Tanzanian students, through collaboration with UK institutions, have gained world-class education and returned home better equipped to contribute to the nation’s development.

In addition, the society has hosted hundreds of Kiswahili classes, trade forums and cultural events to foster deeper bonds between Tanzanians and Britons.

Highlighting innovative approaches, Kairuki praised the Crowd2Map initiative, under which more than 18,000 digital volunteers have helped map remote communities.

These maps aid emergency response, public health planning and efforts to combat female genital mutilation (FGM).

He also lauded the society’s quarterly publication, Tanzanian Affairs, which has produced 141 editions chronicling the nation’s political, economic and cultural journey since 1975.

Kairuki stressed that BTS’s longstanding work aligns with the evolving UK–Africa relationship, as Britain repositions itself toward more balanced and mutually beneficial partnerships across the continent.

“With the UK no longer among Africa’s top three trading partners, grassroots initiatives like those of BTS and TDT are critical in catalysing sustainable trade and investment,” he said.

“Our work through BTS is already ahead of the curve, modelling the kind of equitable, practical engagement the UK seeks to adopt. It is essential that we now align these efforts with Tanzania’s national strategies.”

The golden jubilee celebration was attended by BTS Chairperson Dr Paul Harrison, TDT Chairperson, trustees, development partners and friends of Tanzania.

The society’s roots trace back to 1975, when Bishop Trevor Huddleston in the UK and former Tanzanian Minister for Foreign Affairs Amon Nsekela championed its formation as a vehicle for dialogue, partnership and development.