Dar es Salaam. Tanzania and Kenya have formalised a series of strategic partnerships to dismantle trade barriers and deepen economic integration.
The agreements were reached during a two-day state visit to Dar es Salaam on May 4, 2026, where President Samia Suluhu Hassan hosted President William Samoei Ruto.
Talks focused on accelerating regional cooperation. A key outcome was a firm commitment to eliminate all outstanding non-tariff barriers by the end of May 2026.
The leaders also directed that Joint Trade Committee meetings be held regularly.
The aim is to resolve disputes swiftly and prevent new administrative barriers.
President Ruto stressed the need to move beyond suspicion and bureaucratic delays.
He called for a partnership anchored in trust and trade facilitation.
Bilateral trade reached $860 million in 2025.
However, he noted it could have surpassed $1 billion without persistent non-tariff barriers.
Eight agreements were signed across key sectors.
These include cooperation in railway development and a feasibility study for a natural gas pipeline linking Dar es Salaam and Mombasa.
Other accords cover mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, agricultural development, and maritime transport.
There are also agreements on recognising seafarers’ certificates and harmonising standards between Zanzibar and Kenya.
Infrastructure and energy featured prominently. The leaders reviewed progress on power interconnection and transport corridors.
Focus areas included railway links through Tanga, Moshi, Kilimanjaro and Taveta.
The coastal road network from Dar es Salaam to Mombasa was also discussed.
The visit concluded with the Tanzania–Kenya Business Forum.
Both presidents engaged the private sector. President Samia reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to regulatory alignment and infrastructure development.
President Ruto projected up to $500 million in new cross-border investment within three years.
