Kabudi calls for focus shift in Tanzania-China cooperation

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s minister of Constitution and Legal Affairs, Prof Palamagamba Kabudi, has emphasised that the relationship with China should not only prioritise short-term economic gains but also evolve into long-term strategic cooperation that mutually benefits both nations.

Speaking at the 75th-anniversary celebration of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, he highlighted the importance of transforming the existing partnership into one that lays the groundwork for future prosperity.

Prof Kabudi lauded the robust bilateral trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) that have cemented China’s status as Tanzania’s largest trading partner for the seventh consecutive year.

While acknowledging the successful infrastructure projects and the substantial Chinese investments that have created numerous economic opportunities, Prof Kabudi emphasised the need for a shift in focus towards sustainable development.

“We must ensure that this partnership not only strengthens our economy but also builds the necessary foundation for Tanzania’s future,” he stated.

The minister identified key areas such as industrialisation, technology transfer, and energy access as essential for Tanzania’s continued advancement.

“The focus should be on long-term strategic cooperation—expanding industrialisation, enhancing technological skills, and ensuring access to clean energy for all Tanzanians,” Prof Kabudi urged, calling on stakeholders from both countries to explore new avenues of collaboration that align with Tanzania’s Vision 2025 goals, particularly in human capital development and sustainable industrial growth.

Reflecting on the profound impact of Chinese investments, Prof Kabudi shared impressive statistics: over 1,360 registered projects from 2001 to 2024 have collectively created more than 150,000 jobs across diverse sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture and infrastructure.

“These investments are not just numbers on a balance sheet; they represent opportunities for new jobs, better infrastructure, and access to technological advancements.

“However, we must ensure that our cooperation doesn’t end there. The partnership with China must equip Tanzania for future global challenges, preparing our industries and workforce for the digital age,” he said.

Echoing these sentiments, Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania, Chen Mingjian, highlighted the deepening economic and diplomatic ties between the two nations.

“Tanzania has been a key partner for China in Africa, and our cooperation has grown significantly over the decades,” she noted, reaffirming China’s commitment to supporting Tanzania’s development aspirations, particularly in sectors like digital transformation, renewable energy, and infrastructure.

“China views its relationship with Tanzania as a cornerstone of its broader engagement with Africa, rooted in a mutual commitment to development and shared prosperity,” she stated.

Ambassador Mingjian went on to say that this partnership aims to foster deeper cooperation beyond mere trade, focussing on education and industrial capacity building.