Tanzania reveals its diplomatic focus for 2024

Dar es Salaam. The government on Sunday outlined its diplomatic priorities for next year, including finalisation of special status for Tanzanian diaspora.

Tanzania is reviewing its foreign policy and plans to recognise the diaspora with special status instead of allowing dual citizenship, which Tanzanians living abroad have for many years clamoured for.

Addressing a news conference in Dar es Salaam, Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation minister January Makamba said the government was amending the 2001 Foreign Policy to adapt to changing global dynamics and promote international cooperation.

He added that the changes were meant to ensure relevance and effectiveness in fostering diplomatic relations, addressing global challenges and safeguarding national interests.

“We are also committed to finalising the establishment of special status for our diaspora and identifying their relevant rights,” Mr Makamba said.

The special status arrangement was previously scheduled to be finalised before the end of this month.

According to Mr Makamba, migration laws related to dual citizenship would be discussed in Parliament next year.

As part of efforts to expand Tanzania’s representation outside and its presence globally, the government plans to open at least two new embassies next year.

This should go a long way in fostering bilateral relations with key partners, Mr Makamba said.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan is expected to chair the 2024 Southern African Development Community (Sadc) meeting on politics, defence and security cooperation, which Tanzania will host.

The government also aims to strengthen bilateral economic relations through trade and investment forums with various countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, the United Kingdom, France, Vietnam and Pakistan.

“These are just a few examples. We may have even more forums, which will provide platforms for mutually beneficial engagements that will foster economic growth and diversification,” Mr Makamba said.

Reviewing notable successes of 2023, he added that the first business forum between the European Union and Tanzania was held and attended by about 600 participants.

The gathering paved the way for the unlocking of new business financing to the tune of 540 million euros (Sh1.4 trillion).

Mr Makamba said there were also a number successful visits outside the country by President Samia Suluhu Hassan and to Tanzania by foreign heads of state.

Notable visits to Tanzania by foreign dignitaries this year included the one that involved US Vice President Kamala Harris, who assured President Hassan that the US was committed to further  strengthening its relations with Tanzania that have existed for about 60 years.

Tanzania also hosted presidents Klaus Werner Iohannis of Romania Joko Widodo of Indonesia, Katalin Novák of Hungary and Frank-Walter Steinmeier of Germany.

Mr Makamba said Tanzania’s diplomatic priorities this year revolved around enhancing bilateral relations, promoting trade and investment, securing financing for development projects, stepping up the country’s influence worldwide and fostering regional integration.

He added that President Hassan has played a pivotal role in championing the country’s foreign policy by participating in various global conferences and conversations, including the United Nations Climate Conference (COP28), which ended last week in Dubai, the 15th Brics Summit held from August 22 to 24 in Johannesburg and the Saudi Arabia-Africa Summit, which took place in Riyadh last month.