President Samia, Chapo promise to build stronger economic ties between Tanzania, Mozambique

Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her Mozambican counterpart Daniel Chapo have pledged to revive the dwindling economic and business environment to reflect the longstanding diplomatic and historical relationship between Tanzania and Mozambique.

Speaking during a joint press conference on Thursday, May 8, 2025, following bilateral talks President Hassan said both countries have agreed to work together to ease the business environment in order to boost shared economic growth.

“We’ve acknowledged that despite our close proximity and strong historical ties, our economic collaboration is not yet on par with our diplomatic relations,” President Hassan said.

President Chapo is on a three-day official visit to Tanzania.

The two presidents have agreed to establish joint border posts to facilitate trade and ease the movement of people and goods. Additionally, they plan to form a joint economic commission to oversee the implementation of shared initiatives aimed at accelerating economic development for both nations.

“Economic ties thrive when there is strong transport and logistics infrastructure. We’ve agreed to enhance the development of such infrastructure, especially at our borders,” President Hassan added.

She revealed that on May 6, ministers from both countries met to discuss various development projects aimed at advancing mutual prosperity. As part of President Chapo’s visit, he is expected to tour several of these projects, including Tanzania’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).

She pointed out that both Tanzania and Mozambique are blessed with vast natural gas reserves and emphasised the importance of exchanging expertise and conducting joint research in the sector.

On blue economy opportunities, President Hassan said the two countries have agreed to enhance cooperation in sustainable use of marine and aquatic resources.

Recognising agriculture as a key pillar of their economies, they also plan to collaborate and share knowledge, particularly in the cashew sector.

President Hassan congratulated President Chapo on his victory in Mozambique’s October 2024 general election and thanked him for honouring her invitation to visit Tanzania.

“Tanzania and Mozambique share more than borders—we are bound by blood. Communities such as the Makonde, Makua, and Yao are found in both countries, and it's no surprise that our cultures are so similar,” she noted.

She recalled the role of Tanzania’s founding leaders in supporting Mozambique’s liberation struggle, stating that the Frelimo party was founded in 1962 in Dar es Salaam and Tanzania played a significant part in helping Mozambique achieve independence.

As Mozambique prepares to celebrate its 50th independence anniversary, Tanzania has been officially invited to attend the celebrations.

The two leaders also discussed peace, security, and stability in Africa and agreed to collaborate in addressing transnational crimes.

President Chapo, in his remarks, said this visit marks his first official trip abroad since assuming office. He noted that even during his presidential campaign, Tanzania was the first country he visited, and he had promised to return as President—an assurance he has now fulfilled.

“This visit aims to strengthen the deep historical and brotherly ties between our two countries. Our political relations are excellent and unique, especially in the areas of defence and security,” said President Chapo.

He added that they have agreed to explore new areas of cooperation in the blue economy and will be visiting Zanzibar to foster collaboration in tourism and maritime sectors.

The two nations also intend to partner in agriculture, mining, and energy. “Mozambique is rich in mineral resources, and there's a need for collaboration in tapping these resources for the benefit of our people and the region,” he said.

President Chapo further revealed that they had discussed the need to establish a union of cashew-producing countries and increase joint investments in the sector.

He announced that Mozambique will commemorate its 50th independence anniversary on June 15, 2025, and noted that last September, the country launched a symbolic torch of independence to unite its people in celebration.

President Chapo was sworn in on January 15, 2025, after winning the October 2024 presidential election under the Frelimo party with 70.67 percent of the vote. His main rival, independent candidate Venancio Mondlane, secured 20.3 percent.

Frelimo’s continued hold on power means the party, which shares fraternal ties with Tanzania’s ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), has governed Mozambique for over 49 years since its independence in 1975.

As part of his state visit, President Chapo also toured the SGR project and the Zanzibar islands.

Signed Agreements

During the bilateral meeting, Tanzania and Mozambique signed two formal agreements and four memoranda of understanding (MoUs).

The agreements include one for the establishment of a One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) and another for the exchange of prisoners between the two countries.

The signed MoUs cover the exchange of students between the Tanzanian Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and Mozambique’s Ministry of Education and Human Development, cultural cooperation, collaboration between the Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA) and Mozambique’s National Medicines Regulatory Authority, and partnership between Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC) and Radio Mozambique.