Arusha. President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Monday held bilateral talks with her Ghanaian counterpart, John Dramani Mahama, with the two leaders pledging to deepen cooperation in trade, youth employment, digital finance, and regional connectivity.
The talks took place at the State Lodge in Arusha, where President Mahama is on a one-day working visit to Tanzania.
He is in the country to serve as the Guest of Honour at the official opening of the 2026 judicial year of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights and to attend celebrations marking 20 years since the court’s establishment.
According to a statement issued by the Directorate of Presidential Communications, the discussions focused on strengthening economic ties between Tanzania and Ghana, particularly in value addition, industrial development, and digital innovation.
The two leaders emphasised the need to enhance trade and investment flows by promoting value addition to domestic resources and reducing dependence on raw commodity exports.
President Mahama outlined steps Ghana has taken to industrialise its mining and cocoa sectors, with a view to increasing domestic revenue and creating employment.
President Samia, on her part, said Tanzania is intensifying efforts to strengthen its industrial base, including value addition in agriculture and mining, while positioning the country as a key processing and logistics hub within the region.
She added that Tanzania is keen to learn from Ghana’s experience in industrial processing and mineral beneficiation.
On youth employment, the leaders agreed to expand collaboration in skills development, innovation, and entrepreneurship, noting the urgent need to equip young people with practical skills that respond to labour market demands.
They also stressed the importance of creating a supportive business environment to enable youth-led enterprises to thrive.
In the digital economy, President Samia highlighted Tanzania’s progress in strengthening digital financial systems and enhancing cybersecurity, describing these as critical pillars for inclusive economic growth.
She said Ghana’s experience in financial technology and digital payment platforms offers valuable lessons for Tanzania, particularly in boosting financial inclusion and service efficiency.
The two leaders also agreed to promote cooperation in science and technology, including through knowledge exchange and joint initiatives aimed at strengthening innovation ecosystems in both countries.
Transport and connectivity featured prominently in the talks, with both sides proposing the introduction of direct flights between Tanzania and Ghana through Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL).
They said the move would ease travel, stimulate tourism, strengthen trade links, and deepen people-to-people relations, not only between the two countries but across the wider African continent.
President Mahama’s visit comes at a time when both nations are seeking to consolidate their economic partnerships within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to advancing regional integration and expanding intra-African trade.
Later in the day, President Mahama was scheduled to attend the official opening of the judicial year of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights and participate in commemorations marking two decades since the court’s founding in 2006.
The African Court, headquartered in Arusha, plays a central role in promoting justice, human rights, and the rule of law across the continent.
The visit underscores the growing diplomatic and economic ties between Tanzania and Ghana, as both countries seek to harness cooperation to drive sustainable development and shared prosperity.
