Tanzania, Morocco to forge strategic golf partnership

Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Golf Union (TGU) and the Tanzania Ladies Golf Union (TLGU) are in the process of forging a strategic partnership with Morocco to promote and develop the sport of golf in both countries.

This collaboration was discussed during a meeting with Moroccan Ambassador to Tanzania, Zakaria El Goumiri, who noted the remarkable cooperation between the two countries as they approach the milestone of celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations in 2025.

Ambassador El Goumiri proposed a golf tournament to commemorate this significant anniversary, applauding the top golf leaders from both countries for their initiative in advancing this partnership.

He emphasized that the meeting enhanced the partnership, which will lead to concrete plans for collaboration.

TLGU president Queen Siraki told The Citizen yesterday that Morocco’s success stories in revolutionising sports, particularly in golf tourism through its well-landscaped golf courses, makes an ideal destination for golf trips in Africa.

 "The ambassador informed us that the sport saw significant development during the reign of the late King Has san II, the father of the current King Mohammed VI. Golf has a rich history in Morocco," said Siraki.

She stressed that Tanzania stands to learn much from Morocco's achievements in elevating the sport domestically.

Siraki expressed confidence that the partnership will strengthen the relationship and collaboration between the two countries.

She explained that several initiatives were discussed, including a two-country golf partnership, enhancing golf tourism between the nations, cultural and sports engagements, a special Tanzania and Morocco golf series, and the establishment of an African Diplomats Golf tournament.

"TGU and TLGU enthusiastically support this initiative, as it will unite Africa for a common cause, providing a platform to connect, socialize, play, and strengthen relationships," added Siraki.

She said Morocco boasts around 40 golf courses, each offering varying levels of difficulty, making it an attractive destination for golfers of all skill levels.

Regarding the development of golf in Tanzania, TGU chairman Gilman Kasiga mentioned that besides hosting joint tournaments, sharing best practices, and promoting golf tourism, the meeting also focused on general game development.

Kasiga stressed the potential benefits for Tanzania across various aspects of golf development through this partnership.

He noted that the partnership will coincide with the All Africa Ladies Championship Trophy scheduled for November 2024 in Morocco, where the Tanzanian team will participate, marking the beginning of a lasting relationship.

Dar-to-Dar Golf Tourism

Kasiga emphasized that a significant aspect of the partnership is the "Dar-to-Dar Golf Tourism" initiative, aimed at attracting golfers from both countries to play at the Dar es Salaam Golf Clubs in Tanzania and the Royal Dar es Salaam Rabat Golf Course in Morocco.

"This initiative aims to capitalize on the global tourism appeal of both nations, offering golfers unique experiences in two of the world’s renowned tourist destinations. The programme will also include opportunities to play on various other golf courses in both countries, promoting a vibrant golf tourism industry," said Kasiga.

Diplomatic Relationship Golf Series

Looking ahead to 2025, Kasiga mentioned that Morocco and Tanzania will celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations with the launch of the "Diplomatic Relationship Golf Series.

"This annual tournament will celebrate the historical ties between Tanzania and Morocco, strengthening bilateral relations through the sport of golf. The TGU and TLGU are excited about the potential of this partnership to enhance the sport and foster strong ties between our nations,” insisted Kasiga.