DODOMA: Tanzania’s Vice-President, Emmanuel Nchimbi, has urged newly appointed ambassadors to advance the country’s economic, political and diplomatic interests abroad, underscoring a renewed focus on economic diplomacy under the government’s evolving foreign policy.
Speaking at a farewell meeting with envoys at Chamwino State House in Dodoma on Monday, Nchimbi called on the diplomats to actively promote Tanzania as an investment destination and strengthen bilateral ties in their respective postings.
“You must be innovative and hardworking in promoting investment opportunities and attracting business and partnerships that will contribute to national development,” he said.
The Vice-President also asked the envoys to align their work with the priorities of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, particularly efforts to boost economic growth, expand trade and deepen international cooperation.
Tanzania in recent years has recalibrated its foreign policy towards what officials describe as “economic diplomacy”, a strategy aimed at leveraging diplomatic missions to attract foreign direct investment, promote exports and secure strategic partnerships.
The approach builds on earlier policy frameworks but has gained renewed emphasis under President Hassan’s administration, which has sought to re-engage with international partners following a period of more inward-looking policies.
Nchimbi said envoys must also support the implementation of long-term national frameworks, including the Tanzania Development Vision 2050, as well as the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) election manifesto and other government directives.
He congratulated the diplomats on their appointments and urged them to justify the confidence placed in them through dedicated service.
Speaking on behalf of the envoys, ambassador-designate to Oman, Maulidah Hassan, said the diplomats would carry out their duties diligently and uphold Tanzania’s interests abroad.
Those attending the meeting included envoys appointed to Saudi Arabia, Zambia, Oman, Comoros, Sweden and South Korea, as well as Tanzania’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations in New York.
Tanzania’s foreign policy has historically prioritised regional cooperation, non-alignment and support for African liberation movements.
In the current phase, the government is placing greater emphasis on economic outcomes, including trade promotion, tourism, infrastructure partnerships and energy investments such as the planned liquefied natural gas (LNG) project.
The shift reflects broader competition among African economies to attract global capital and reposition themselves within changing geopolitical and trade dynamics.
Under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania has also moved to strengthen ties with multilateral institutions and key bilateral partners in Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Asia.
