Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan today, April 11, met and held talks with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, owner of English Premier League giants Manchester United.
The talks focused on strengthening ties in wildlife conservation and tourism promotion.
The meeting, held at the State House in Dar es Salaam, highlighted ongoing collaboration between Tanzania and Ratcliffe’s conservation-focused organisation, Six Rivers, which works closely with Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) and the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI).
President Samia expressed her appreciation for the foundation’s efforts in mitigating human-wildlife conflict in protected areas, particularly through innovative and cooperative conservation strategies.
According to Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Six Rivers is committed to revitalising the Selous Game Reserve and restoring its global reputation as a haven for large mammals.
He emphasised the importance of supporting local and national efforts to preserve Tanzania’s unique biodiversity.
In a gesture of goodwill, President Samia presented the British billionaire with a framed photograph and a Taifa Stars jersey emblazoned with the slogan “Amazing Tanzania”.
The gift underscored Tanzania’s ambition to harness sports as a vehicle for national branding and international engagement.
In return, Sir Jim Ratcliffe handed over a signed Manchester United jersey to President Samia—a symbol of goodwill and partnership.
He also revealed plans to use the club’s global reach to promote Tanzania’s tourism sector, pledging to work with stakeholders to attract more visitors to the country.
President Samia took the opportunity to invite Ratcliffe to invest further in Tanzania, particularly by establishing sports academies aimed at nurturing local talent and strengthening the country’s sporting infrastructure.
The meeting comes amid renewed efforts by the government to position tourism, conservation and youth development as key pillars of national growth and international diplomacy.
