Tanzania and Singapore have agreed to deepen cooperation in agriculture, trade, investment, technology and skills development, with a renewed emphasis on food security and economic growth following high-level talks in Dar es Salaam.
The agreement was reached during discussions between Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and visiting Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, whose visit both leaders described as historic.
The visit coincides with the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and marks the first official visit by a Singaporean Head of State to Tanzania.
Welcoming her counterpart, President Samia said the visit reflects the enduring friendship between both nations and signals a new phase of bilateral cooperation.
“This is a visit of great historical significance. It comes as our two countries celebrate 45 years of friendship and cooperation. It is also the first visit by a President of Singapore to Tanzania, opening a new chapter in our bilateral relations.”
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She noted that discussions focused on strengthening existing areas of cooperation while identifying new opportunities in trade, agriculture, digital innovation, youth empowerment and investment.
According to her, agriculture and food security emerged as priority areas, with both countries agreeing to expand investment in modern farming techniques, mechanisation, storage infrastructure and agricultural value chains.
“We have agreed to broaden our cooperation in trade, diplomacy, science and technology while creating opportunities for our youth through the digital economy.”
President Samia added that Singaporean investments in Tanzania currently exceed US$299 million across at least 36 projects, expressing optimism that the figure would rise with new areas of collaboration. She also said Tanzania had invited Singapore to establish a resident embassy in Dar es Salaam.
The two leaders witnessed the signing of several agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation in agriculture and investment, expected to support agricultural modernisation, reduce post-harvest losses, improve storage systems and boost productivity.
The agreements are also expected to enhance job creation, attract foreign investment, support technology transfer and advance Tanzania’s economic transformation agenda.
In his remarks, President Tharman described Tanzania as a trusted partner committed to sustainable development and constructive international engagement.
“This visit comes at a time when it is important for us to renew our long-standing relationship, strengthen existing areas of cooperation, and explore new opportunities together,” he said.
He added that Singapore views Tanzania as a strategic partner in Africa and emphasised the need for partnerships that respond to evolving global economic and technological realities.
“Our goal is to build bridges that connect Singapore not only with Tanzania but also with Africa as a whole,” he said.
President Tharman also welcomed Tanzania’s proposal to expand cooperation through the East African Community (EAC), describing it as a platform that would enhance trade, investment and knowledge exchange across the region.
Analysts say the renewed partnership is expected to boost agricultural productivity, strengthen food security, expand market access and deepen economic ties between Africa and Asia.
The visit is widely seen as a milestone in Tanzania-Singapore relations, laying the foundation for enhanced cooperation driven by innovation, sustainable development and shared prosperity.
