Kigali. Tanzania’s delegation is in Kigali this week to participate in the 16th Session of the Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) with Rwanda, in what marks another milestone in the ongoing efforts to cement bilateral ties and foster deeper economic, infrastructural and diplomatic cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
The JPC meeting, taking place from July 24 to 26, 2025, comes at a time when both nations are keen to expand trade relations.
Leading the Tanzanian delegation is the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Amb Said Shaib Mussa, who said at a preparatory meeting that Tanzania’s presence in Kigali for the JPC reflects its solid commitment to regional solidarity and shared prosperity.
“This meeting offers a strategic platform for our two nations to deepen bilateral cooperation, advance diplomatic understanding, and chart joint socio-economic development strategies,” said Amb Mussa.
He urged the delegation to act with integrity, patriotism and a strong sense of national responsibility.
He noted that the JPC serves as a mechanism not only for reviewing the progress of past bilateral agreements but also for identifying fresh areas of collaboration, with discussions expected to focus on trade, infrastructure, health, education, security, tourism and technology.
The JPC, a bi-national consultation mechanism, has proven to be an essential instrument for shaping the direction of Tanzania-Rwanda relations.
It provides a formal space for both parties to assess the status of bilateral agreements, activate dormant Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), and explore new avenues for cooperation.
The Tanzanian delegation, which includes officials from various ministries, government institutions, and technical experts, was formally received by Tanzania’s High Commissioner to Rwanda, Dr Habib Kambanga, who described the JPC as a critical platform for reinforcing brotherly relations and streamlining bilateral cooperation.
Rich history of collaboration and structured dialogue
The Kigali meeting follows the 15th JPC session held in Dar es Salaam from November 25 to 28, 2021.
That meeting brought together both countries’ foreign ministers and sectoral experts from key portfolios such as trade, transport, industry, and infrastructure.
It reviewed the implementation of resolutions from the 14th JPC, which took place in Rubavu District, Rwanda, in 2016.
One of the key outcomes of the 14th JPC in 2016 was the agreement to establish a Joint Implementation Committee composed of permanent secretaries from both foreign ministries.
This committee was mandated to meet quarterly to fast-track decision-making, particularly on infrastructural development under the Central Corridor, a vital artery linking Tanzania and Rwanda, and extending to Burundi, eastern DRC and parts of Uganda.
Delivering tangible outcomes
Speaking during the ongoing Kigali meeting, Amb Mussa emphasised the need to operationalise previous MoUs and push for full implementation of pending joint projects.
“We are determined to foster deep consultations, sustain solidarity, and lay a strong foundation for joint development,” he said.
Echoing the sentiment, Amb Kambanga called on the delegates to identify new areas of collaboration and ensure that all deliberations remain focused on the broader national and regional interests.
He stressed the need for tangible results, both in terms of projects delivered and citizen-level impact.
The Director of Africa Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Amb Ali Bujiku, highlighted the importance of thorough technical preparations and time-sensitive execution, noting that the delegation’s responsibilities are not merely administrative but strategic in shaping the future of bilateral cooperation.
As the 16th JPC unfolds in Kigali, expectations remain high that it will culminate in renewed agreements, enhanced policy alignment, and concrete steps towards joint prosperity.
The outcomes will not only influence Tanzania-Rwanda relations but also ripple across the East African region, reinforcing integration and economic interdependence in an increasingly interconnected continent.
