Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Sunday hosted her Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame at State House in Dar es Salaam for a one-day working visit focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation.
The two leaders held a private meeting before leading official bilateral talks involving delegations from both countries, followed by a joint briefing with the media.
Discussions centered on expanding cooperation in trade and investment, transport and infrastructure, energy, defense and security, immigration, as well as coordination on regional and international issues.
Speaking after the talks, Samia said Tanzania and Rwanda continue to build on long-standing ties rooted in good neighborliness and historical friendship.
Trade between the two countries reached 644 billion Tanzanian shillings in 2025, she said, highlighting steady growth in economic engagement. She added that between 1990 and March 2026, Tanzania has registered 42 investment projects from Rwanda worth $325.5 million, creating more than 2,200 jobs.
Both sides agreed to accelerate the removal of non-tariff barriers to unlock further trade and fully utilize opportunities within the East African Community and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
On transport, Samia noted that about 70 percent of Rwanda’s cargo passes through Tanzanian ports, with the government committing to improve services at key facilities including Dar es Salaam and Tanga ports, as well as inland cargo handling systems.
The leaders also discussed ongoing infrastructure projects, including the proposed Isaka–Kigali railway, aimed at improving the movement of goods and boosting efficiency in cross-border trade.
In the energy sector, talks covered the Rusumo hydropower project involving Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi, which is expected to generate 80 megawatts, alongside power trade agreements between TANESCO and Rwanda Energy Group.
Kagame thanked the Tanzanian government for the reception, describing Tanzania as a key partner, particularly in trade and access to global markets through its ports.
He said the two countries should continue strengthening strategic cooperation to advance development goals and deepen collaboration within regional blocs including the East African Community and the African Union.
The visit underscores Tanzania’s role as a regional trade gateway, with both leaders signaling plans to expand economic ties and joint projects in the coming years.
