President Samia meets Man United’s Sir Jim Ratcliffe

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania president Samia Suluhu Hassan held a high-level meeting with the co-owner of English football giants Manchester United, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, at the State House in Dar es Salaam on April 11, 2025.

The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation in wildlife conservation and exploring opportunities for sports development in Tanzania.

During their discussions, President Hassan expressed her gratitude to Sir Jim Ratcliffe for the significant role his foundation, Six Rivers, has played in supporting conservation efforts in Tanzania.

She praised the foundation’s effective collaboration with the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) and the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI), particularly in managing human-wildlife conflicts and promoting ecological sustainability.

President Hassan also acknowledged the foundation’s commitment to restoring the former glory of the Selous Game Reserve, one of Africa’s largest and most iconic wildlife sanctuaries.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, through Six Rivers, reaffirmed his intention to revitalise Selous into a haven once again teeming with large mammals and thriving biodiversity.

In a gesture of mutual respect and goodwill, Sir Jim Ratcliffe presented President Hassan with a special gift—a Manchester United jersey signed by the club’s players. The gesture symbolised a growing friendship and a shared vision between Tanzania and the Manchester United family.

Sir Jim also revealed his ambition to use Manchester United’s global platform to promote Tanzania as a premier tourist destination.

Recognising the potential of sports as a unifying and developmental tool, President Hassan welcomed the initiative and invited him to consider establishing sports academies across Tanzania.

She emphasised the importance of nurturing young talent and building sustainable sports infrastructure to support the country’s growing passion for football and other sports.

The meeting also included special messages sent to President Samia from key figures associated with Manchester United.

Head Coach Ruben Amorim extended greetings on behalf of the club’s players, while legendary former manager Sir Alex Ferguson sent his personal regards to the Tanzanian leader, acknowledging the warm hospitality and Tanzania’s rising presence on the global stage.

In return, President Hassan presented Sir Jim Ratcliffe with a framed photo and a Tanzania national team (Taifa Stars) jersey bearing the message "Amazing Tanzania". The gift served as a symbol of national pride and an invitation to celebrate the country’s rich wildlife, culture, and sporting spirit.

This meeting marked a significant milestone in fostering cross-sectoral partnerships between Tanzania and influential international stakeholders. With tourism and sports at the forefront, the collaboration is expected to benefit both conservation efforts and youth development initiatives in the country.

As Tanzania continues to position itself as a destination of excellence, such engagements are set to open new doors for investment, global recognition, and sustainable development rooted in shared values and long-term aspirations.