Dubai. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has reinforced Tanzania’s growing international profile through a series of high-level bilateral engagements at the 13th World Governments Summit (WGS) 2026.
Using the global forum to advance the country’s economic diplomacy agenda and deepen strategic partnerships, President Samia held talks with several African and international leaders, which underscored Tanzania’s deliberate push to align foreign relations with national development priorities.
The engagements, conducted on the sidelines of the summit, reflected a broader effort to attract investment, enhance cooperation, and position the country as a stable and credible partner on the global stage.
Ahead of the formal summit sessions, the President held consultative discussions with the President of Ethiopia, Mr Aye Atske-Selassie, and exchanged greetings with the President of Angola, Mr João Lourenço.
These interactions reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to regional dialogue and African solidarity.
Her diplomatic programme also included meetings with the Prime Minister of Chad, Mr Allamaye Halina, the President of Kosovo, Ms Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu, and the President of Botswana, Mr Duma Boko.
Collectively, the talks highlighted Tanzania’s inclusive foreign policy approach, which seeks cooperation beyond traditional geographical and political blocs.
A key highlight of the visit was an extensive meeting with the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Mr Gaston Browne.
The two leaders explored concrete avenues to strengthen ties between Africa and the Caribbean, with particular emphasis on utilising the Commonwealth as a platform for closer economic and social cooperation.
They reflected on the shared historical links between Africa and the Caribbean and stressed the need for structured efforts to reconnect the continent with its diaspora.
The discussions focused on translating historical bonds into modern partnerships in trade, tourism, education, and investment.
Prime Minister Browne commended Tanzania’s leadership in managing post-election security challenges, noting that the establishment of an Independent Commission of Inquiry demonstrated a strong commitment to accountability, transparency, and the rule of law.
In response, President Samia outlined ongoing institutional reforms, including the formation of the National Reconciliation Commission and preparations for constitutional amendments.
She reaffirmed the government’s resolve to strengthen democratic governance and social cohesion.
The leaders agreed to pursue cooperation in several priority areas.
These include enhanced trade and tourism linkages between Africa and the Caribbean under the Commonwealth framework, technical cooperation, and improved air connectivity to facilitate travel and business.
They also reached consensus on collaboration in security, technology transfer, and human capital development.
A scholarship programme under the Julius Nyerere Commonwealth Fellowship was identified as a key instrument for skills development.
To ensure effective implementation, the two sides agreed to establish a joint technical team.
Prime Minister Browne formally invited President Samia to attend the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) and announced plans to visit Tanzania in mid-2026.
President Samia also held substantive talks with the Secretary General of UN Tourism, Ms Shaikha Al Nuwais.
She congratulated Ms Al Nuwais on her historic appointment as the first woman to lead the organisation and reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to a strong strategic partnership.
The discussions centred on transforming Tanzania’s tourism sector in line with sustainability, diversification, and digital innovation, as outlined in the National Development Vision 2050.
Priority areas included sustainable and ecological tourism, with a focus on community-based models in Zanzibar and Mafia Island.
Digitisation of the tourism sector featured prominently, covering destination branding, digital marketing, and data-driven planning.
Expansion into sports tourism was highlighted, particularly ahead of Tanzania’s co-hosting of AFCON 2027. Gastronomy and cultural tourism were also identified as growth areas.
Ms Al Nuwais praised Tanzania as a global leader in tourism promotion, citing the Tanzania: The Royal Tour film as an example of effective international branding.
UN Tourism pledged support for Tanzania’s target of increasing annual tourist arrivals to eight million and raising the sector’s contribution to GDP from 17 per cent to 24 per cent.
The organisation also expressed support for Tanzania’s bid to host a UN Tourism Regional Office.
Throughout the engagements, President Samia reiterated Tanzania’s commitment to peace, transparency, and results-driven diplomacy.
Her participation at WGS 2026 reflects a strategic focus on achieving tangible economic and governance outcomes.
By broadening cooperation across Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond, Tanzania continues to align its national priorities with global investment and development trends.
President Samia’s presence at the summit has reinforced the country’s standing as a stable, predictable, and constructive international partner, while positioning it as a bridge between diverse global blocs.
