Why Tanzania remains strategic partner for the European Union

This marks the first-ever visit by a Cypriot Minister to Tanzania, a historic moment in our bilateral relations. We discussed a roadmap for expanding cooperation and signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to create a solid framework for institutional collaboration. Key areas of interest include maritime affairs and tourism, sectors that offer mutual benefit. On the EU front, we held extensive talks to strengthen EU-Tanzania relations, especially as we commemorate 50 years of cooperation. The message we are sending is clear: Tanzania is a strategic partner for the EU, and we’re committed to deepening that partnership across multiple fronts.

You also met with civil society leaders, business representatives, and other stakeholders. What were some pressing issues raised?

From the business community, I heard valuable feedback on the investment climate, which is a key indicator for attracting foreign direct investment. The three main factors they emphasised were: Political stability, regulatory clarity and taxation, access to finance and infrastructure development Tanzania is making excellent progress on all fronts, but like any growing economy, there are challenges to navigate. Regulatory frameworks and tax policies were identified as areas needing improvement; however, I was reassured that ongoing reforms are addressing these issues.

How do you see EU-Tanzania relations evolving amid shifting global and regional dynamics?

Our engagement is broad-based and longterm. We are not focused on one sector, but rather a range of strategic areas, from raw materials and energy to agriculture and digitalisation. Tanzania is a regional leader with substantial untapped potential. Under the Global Gateway initiative, we are funding flagship projects that align with regional priorities. The EU remains Tanzania’s largest trade partner, investor, and humanitarian aid provider, and the European Investment Bank plays a key role in financing East Africa’s development. This speaks to the EU’s deep and lasting commitment.

How is the EU working to improve the value of trade and rebrand East Africa from being primarily a commodity exporter?

Our priority is supporting value chains, financing and investing in local processing and manufacturing, particularly in natural resources and infrastructure. We see regional integration under the EAC as critical and continue to support it. We're also open to negotiating the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which could provide a robust platform for enhancing trade and economic cooperation.

How is the EU exploring deeper collaboration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)?

While the EPA is a central tool, we also emphasise connectivity projects, transport, digital, and energy infrastructure as catalysts for regional integration. The EU brings capital and long-term thinking to the table, but it’s essential to define realistic goals and timelines in full partnership with African countries.

With many global powers focusing inward and reducing international support, what are the implications for EU-Tanzania relations?

The global context is volatile, with overlapping crises affecting multiple regions. But while this has impacted financial planning, the EU is adapting to ensure we maintain funding for critical projects. We do not abruptly stop financing. Our model is predictable, long-term, and partnership-based. Tanzania remains a country of great interest and potential, and we will continue to prioritise our projects here.

With Tanzania heading toward general elections funded domestically, what role will the EU play, especially given past tensions around international observers?

The EU stands for democracy, human rights, and free and fair elections. These values are core to our engagement. It's commendable that Tanzania is self-funding the elections, which reflects growing institutional maturity. We had open and honest discussions about the electoral process, and while we do not interfere in internal politics, we emphasise the importance of transparency. We agreed to remain engaged in dialogue and observe developments as strategic partners.

Does Tanzania’s financial reliance on Western partners expose it to political interference?

This is not a uniquely African issue; it is a global consideration. The EU does not use financial leverage to dictate political outcomes. We prioritise partnerships built on mutual respect and refrain from interfering in domestic political affairs. That said, financial independence is one of many factors influencing political agency. We must also be aware of how technology, external influence, and domestic structures impact political expression globally.

Is the EU or the West the standard-bearer for democracy?

Imposing political systems is not the EU's approach. However, we do promote values we believe are universally beneficial: the rule of law, independent judiciary, human rights, and representative governance. These are not about Western ideals; they are the foundations of stable societies. Rather than enforcing them, we invite countries to seek best practices that work within their contexts.

What gives the EU the right to scrutinise political affairs in a sovereign country like Tanzania?

Raising concerns, especially those that are publicly known, is part of honest dialogue between partners. If a country is engaged in EU-funded projects, some internal rules and values guide our oversight. EU Parliamentarians have the right to raise issues. But we are here to discuss them with political leadership in a respectful, non-intrusive way. What sets the EU apart is our belief that economic partnerships cannot be separated from political values; both must progress together.