Dar es Salaam. Tanzania and Kenya have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening diplomatic relations, with senior officials from both countries pledging deeper cooperation in trade, diplomacy and regional development.
The renewed commitment was expressed during high-level bilateral consultations between the foreign affairs ministries of the two neighbouring states.
Tanzania’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Dr Samwel Shelukindo, said the partnership between the two countries remained strong and grounded in shared interests and structured cooperation mechanisms.
He cited established frameworks such as the Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) and the Joint Trade Committee (JTC) as key instruments guiding bilateral engagement.
Dr Shelukindo noted that ongoing discussions among ministries and technical experts had laid a firm foundation for tangible outcomes, particularly in energy, security, industry and investment.
He added that sustained dialogue between institutions from both sides would help unlock new opportunities and enhance mutual economic growth.
On his part, Kenya’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs, Dr Abraham Sing’Oei, underscored the importance of expanding economic cooperation.
He said bilateral trade between the two countries had surpassed one billion US dollars, reflecting growing commercial exchanges and increasing cross-border investment flows.
Available trade statistics indicate that Kenya exported goods worth approximately $488.75 million to Tanzania in 2024, while Tanzania exported goods valued at about $320.87 million to Kenya during the same period.
Data also show that Tanzania imported goods worth about $400.39 million from Kenya in 2024, underlining Kenya’s position as one of Tanzania’s key regional trading partners.
Key traded goods between the two countries include manufactured products, mineral fuels, pharmaceuticals, cereals and machinery, reflecting the complementary nature of their economies.
The meeting further addressed the removal of non-tariff barriers, with both sides pledging to resolve outstanding challenges by mid-2026.
Officials said the elimination of such barriers remained critical to facilitating smoother cross-border trade and improving the movement of goods within the region.
Plans are also underway to convene a session of the Joint Trade Committee alongside a major business forum expected to bring together more than 200 companies from both countries.
The forum is expected to provide a platform for businesses to explore partnerships and investment opportunities across multiple sectors.
The discussions also touched on the forthcoming State Visit of Kenya’s President, Dr William Ruto, to Tanzania, where he is scheduled to hold talks with President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The visit is expected to further consolidate bilateral relations and advance cooperation in strategic sectors.
Tanzania’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr Ally Gugu, and Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Mr Aristides Mbwasi, also participated in the consultations.
The renewed diplomatic engagement comes at a time when regional trade within the East African Community continues to expand, supported by rising demand for manufactured goods and agricultural products across member states.
Recent regional data show that trade within the East African Community recorded strong growth in 2025, reflecting improving economic integration and increased cross-border commerce among member countries.
Analysts say continued collaboration between Tanzania and Kenya, two of the region’s largest economies, remains essential to sustaining regional growth, enhancing industrial development and strengthening economic resilience across East Africa.
