Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is set to receive two East African heads of state in quick succession, in visits expected to deepen diplomatic, economic and regional cooperation.
According to an official statement, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda will undertake a working visit on May 3, followed by a state visit by President William Ruto of Kenya from May 4 to 5.
Both leaders will be hosted by President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the State House in Dar es Salaam, where bilateral talks are scheduled to take place.
The government said the visits reflect a shared commitment among the three nations to strengthen diplomatic relations, expand economic cooperation and reinforce regional solidarity within the East African bloc.
During his visit, President Kagame is expected to hold official talks with his Tanzanian counterpart aimed at advancing bilateral cooperation between Tanzania and Rwanda.
He will depart shortly after concluding the engagements.
President Ruto’s visit will be more extensive.
In addition to bilateral discussions, the two leaders will witness the signing of several agreements and address the media.
He is also scheduled to attend a Tanzania–Kenya Business and Investment Forum in Dar es Salaam, aimed at promoting trade and attracting joint investment.
Later, President Ruto will be honoured at a state banquet before travelling to Dodoma on May 5.
There, he is expected to address Parliament prior to concluding his visit.
The statement highlighted the longstanding and strategic ties between Tanzania and Rwanda, noting that cooperation under the Joint Permanent Commission has strengthened trade and investment flows between the two countries.
It also underscored the significance of Tanzania’s relations with Kenya.
Between 2020 and 2024, trade in goods between the two countries accounted for about 40 per cent of total intra-regional trade within the East African Community.
The three countries continue to collaborate across key sectors, including trade, infrastructure, agriculture, health, education and energy.
These engagements are seen as vital in driving shared prosperity and advancing regional integration across East Africa.
