Dar es Salaam. Tanzania and Mozambique have agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation across a broad spectrum of economic, trade, investment and security sectors, with leaders from both countries expressing optimism that the renewed collaboration will stimulate growth and foster stability on both sides of the border.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her Mozambican counterpart, President Daniel Francisco Chapo, reached the consensus during official talks held at State House in Dar es Salaam on Thursday.
The two Heads of State underscored the need to address trade bottlenecks and improve the business environment, particularly through the operationalisation of a Joint Economic Commission (JEC).
“Our partnership with Mozambique is rooted in shared history, aspirations and proximity. We are now deepening this relationship through structured mechanisms that will unlock economic potential and foster sustainable development ,” said President Samia.
Among the key outcomes of the meeting was a commitment to improving cross-border trade through simplified trade regimes and better support for small and informal traders.
“We have agreed to simplify cross-border trade procedures so that our people, particularly small traders and border communities, can do business with ease and dignity,” President Samia added.
The leaders also emphasised the importance of agriculture in their respective economies, agreeing to strengthen cooperation in this sector—particularly in cashew production, where the two countries pledged to share research, improve yields and jointly engage in value addition for better export returns.
“Mozambique and Tanzania share more than a border; we share a future. And that future depends on the strength of our cooperation in areas such as agriculture, education, and security,” President Chapo said.
In the extractive sector, the discussions focused on Mozambique’s gas sector, with Tanzania expressing interest in learning from its southern neighbour’s experience.
“Mozambique has made great progress in the gas sector. We are keen to learn and cooperate in that regard as Tanzania moves forward with its own gas development agenda,” President Samia noted.
On trade infrastructure, the two countries witnessed the signing of agreements on the establishment of a One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) at Mtambaswala–Negomano to facilitate smoother trade flows and people-to-people contact. A prisoner exchange agreement was also signed.
“The Mtambaswala–Negomano One-Stop Border Post will be a game changer. It will boost trade, strengthen security, and connect our people more efficiently,” President Samia said.
Other memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signed include cooperation in education, culture, drug control, and public broadcasting between Mozambique Radio and Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC).
President Chapo called for continued investment in cross-border infrastructure, including road construction linking southern Tanzania to northern Mozambique.
“We must invest in infrastructure that connects our countries—roads, ports, and aviation links—so that trade and investment can flourish,” he stated.
He further expressed the need to review the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) and work with relevant regional groupings to improve air connectivity.
“We also intend to review the Air Services Agreement so that our airlines can operate more efficiently across our skies,” President Chapo added.
Both leaders agreed to strengthen joint security mechanisms in the border regions of Ruvuma, Mtwara, Nyasa and Cabo Delgado. Mozambique also formally confirmed its participation as a partner in the Salim Ahmed Salim International Centre for Foreign Relations, with both countries pledging to promote academic and diplomatic exchange through the centre.
President Samia accepted an invitation to attend Mozambique’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations, scheduled for 25 June 2025 in Maputo.
