Dar es Salaam. In a world where global influence is often equated with economic power, Tanzania’s invitation to participate in this year’s G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, was a milestone.
Although not a member of this exclusive group of the world’s largest economies, the East African nation’s seat at the table signifies its growing presence in global diplomacy and strategic importance.
Under the leadership of President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania’s participation in the G20 is more than an honorary gesture; it’s a calculated move with long-term implications for the country’s development, regional leadership, and international influence.
The power of global recognition
The immediate takeaway from Tanzania’s participation is the diplomatic clout it brings.
By being invited by the Brazilian President, Mr Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, to attend the G20 Summit held on November 18 and 19, 2024, Tanzania enters a room where economic and political decisions are shaped by the world’s most powerful nations.
Although not a member, Tanzania’s invitation reflects recognition of its growing importance, both within Africa and on the broader global stage.
In an era where the world is shifting toward multipolarity, Tanzania’s participation underscores the rising significance of smaller, emerging economies in shaping international discourse.
As the first female president of Tanzania, President Samia Suluhu Hassan seized the opportunity to assert her country’s voice in critical global debates—particularly those surrounding trade, climate change, sustainable development, and global security.
Through her engagements with G20 leaders, Tanzania positioned itself as a forward-thinking, active player, eager to contribute to global solutions while advocating for the specific needs of developing nations.
Economic impact: from global visibility to trade partnerships
Beyond diplomacy, Tanzania’s participation in the G20 carries tangible economic implications.
In the competitive landscape of global trade, visibility is often the first step toward greater access.
With the G20 economies—many of which are major trade partners—Tanzania now has a more direct connection to global markets.
The country’s vast natural resources, growing agricultural sector, and rapidly expanding infrastructure network present attractive opportunities for foreign direct investment (FDI).
Aligning itself with the G20 opens doors to trade deals that might otherwise be inaccessible.
For instance, Tanzania’s agricultural exports could benefit from enhanced access to global markets, especially given the G20’s focus on international trade policies and economic stability.
During her participation, President Dr Samia effectively used the platform to advocate for support in enhancing the agricultural sector.
She appealed to G20 members to help address challenges such as limited mechanization, inadequate fertilization, and the need for research and development.
“We believe that with targeted support, we can better harness innovation, build resilience, and enable more meaningful and inclusive growth,” President Samia expressed.
Tanzania has already made strides through major policies and institutional reforms aimed at elevating its agricultural sector.
The results are promising: nearly 62 percent of the workforce is engaged in agriculture, which achieved a growth rate of 4.2 percent last year, with food self-sufficiency at 128 percent.
Additionally, Tanzania stands to benefit from its increased global visibility to boost its tourism sector—a key economic driver.
Being in the spotlight at the G20 summit could help attract tourists and investors, spotlighting Tanzania’s natural wonders like Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, and its pristine beaches.
A statement by Tanzania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs seen by The BizLens earlier this week highlighted that President Samia’s participation will enhance the country’s global profile and accelerate the achievement of its development goals.
A voice for sustainable development and climate action
Tanzania’s geography—home to vast natural resources and vulnerable coastal regions—makes it particularly susceptible to the effects of climate change.
Thus, President Samia’s participation in the G20 Summit provided an opportunity to amplify Tanzania’s call for stronger international cooperation on environmental and climate issues.
Tanzania shares these challenges with many countries in the Global South.
However, the G20 platform is largely shaped by the priorities of wealthier nations.
By participating, Tanzania highlighted the disproportionate burden faced by developing nations in adapting to and mitigating climate change, advocating for more equitable global solutions.
At the same time, Tanzania stands to benefit from the climate financing commitments made by the G20 nations.
While many of the world’s largest economies have made strides in green energy and climate policies, they have also been called upon to extend financial support to countries like Tanzania, which require resources to cope with both the immediate impacts of climate change and the need for long-term sustainable growth.
President Samia specifically called for the G20 to allocate special drawing rights to African financial institutions, such as the African Development Bank, and to create a more stable and predictable financing framework.
Regional leadership and African unity
Tanzania’s participation also enhances its role as a regional leader in East Africa and across the African continent.
As the African Union (AU) increasingly asserts its influence in global governance, Tanzania’s presence at such a high-profile summit positions it as an advocate for African development goals.
Aligned with broader regional priorities like debt relief, fair trade, infrastructure development, and African integration, Tanzania’s voice at the G20 reflects the continent’s aspirations for greater participation in global economic decision-making.
“We call on the G20 to support us with additional debt relief mechanisms, grants, and concessional loans to address our pressing needs and vulnerabilities,” Dr Samia urged.
Tanzania’s push for stronger ties with G20 countries can serve as a model for other African nations looking to integrate more deeply into the global economy.
This invitation underscores the increasing relevance of African nations in shaping international policy—not only as recipients of aid but as active participants in global development.
A future-oriented strategy
For Tanzania, the G20 invitation is more than a symbolic achievement; it reflects a future-oriented strategy President Samia has been building since taking office in 2021.
Her administration has focused on fostering an environment of stability, infrastructure development, and attracting foreign investment—key elements for Tanzania’s long-term economic transformation.
This strategy aligns with Tanzania’s broader vision of becoming an industrialized, middle-income country by 2025.
The G20’s emphasis on technology, innovation, and sustainable economic models is essential to Tanzania’s aspirations, and through its participation, the country has gained access to networks and initiatives that could significantly boost its development trajectory.
The road ahead
Tanzania’s participation in the 2024 G20 Summit marks a pivotal moment in its foreign policy and global engagement.
Far from being a fleeting honor, this invitation signals Tanzania’s increasing relevance on the global stage and its potential to influence global discourse.
For Tanzania, this is a call to action—a challenge to leverage the visibility, diplomatic relationships, and economic opportunities that come with being part of such an influential global gathering.
The key to turning this opportunity into tangible benefits lies in Tanzania’s ability to continue building on its regional strength, engaging with global partners, and advocating for policies that reflect its national priorities, particularly in sustainable development and economic transformation.
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, Tanzania’s participation in the G20 is not just a recognition of where it stands today, but a strategic move to shape where it hopes to be in the years to come.
