Denmark reaffirms long-term commitment to Tanzania

Dar es Salaam. The Kingdom of Denmark has reaffirmed its commitment to a strong and forward-looking partnership with Tanzania, marking its renewed diplomatic presence in the country during a Constitution Day reception held on 5 June at the Danish Ambassador’s residence in Dar es Salaam.

The event, commemorating the 176th anniversary of Denmark’s Constitutional Act—one of the oldest constitutions in the world—also symbolised Denmark’s strategic re-engagement with Tanzania, following the closure of its embassy in 2021.

“Today we mark that Denmark is back in business in Tanzania,” said the Danish Ambassador, Mr Jesper Kammersgaard. “We need strong, trusted partnerships, especially in times of uncertainty. Our presence here reflects our commitment to dialogue, mutual respect, and shared progress,” he added, referring to Denmark’s longstanding and respectful ties with Tanzania.

The reception was attended by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mr Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, who was guest of honour. Also in attendance were members of the diplomatic corps, private sector representatives, development partners, civil society actors, and the media.

In his remarks, Ambassador Kammersgaard said Denmark’s decision to maintain an active role in Tanzania reflects a broader shift in its engagement strategy with African nations.

Drawing on his earlier diplomatic posting in the country 15 years ago, the envoy noted visible signs of socio-economic progress, including the rise of a middle class and strengthened agriculture and trade sectors—areas Denmark has supported for over six decades. Cumulatively, Danish investments in Tanzania are estimated at approximately $5 billion.

For his part, Minister Kombo lauded Denmark as one of Tanzania’s most trusted and enduring partners, recalling that it was the first country to establish official development cooperation with Tanzania.

He acknowledged the role of DANIDA, Denmark’s development agency, in supporting Tanzania’s national priorities across various sectors.

Now in its seventh decade, the Danish-Tanzanian partnership is evolving beyond the traditional development assistance model. Under Denmark’s new Africa policy Africa’s Century—the Nordic country is expanding its diplomatic and commercial footprint on the continent, with increased focus on trade, investment, and people-to-people linkages.