DAR ES SALAAM: Russia is seeking to expand investment and trade with Tanzania as the two countries deepen economic cooperation across strategic sectors including healthcare, industrial development, technology, science, energy and infrastructure.
Russia’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Andrey Avetisyan, said Russian companies are increasingly viewing Tanzania as an attractive investment destination, citing its political stability, strategic location, improving business environment and growing access to regional markets.
Speaking during Russia Day celebrations at the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF) over the weekend, Mr Avetisyan said Moscow was committed to encouraging more Russian businesses to establish partnerships and invest in Tanzania as part of efforts to broaden bilateral economic relations.
He said Russian companies participating in this year’s trade fair were exploring opportunities in manufacturing, healthcare, scientific research and technology, while seeking long-term partnerships with Tanzanian businesses.
“The participation of Russian companies at Saba Saba shows their interest in finding new markets and building stronger business partnerships with Tanzania,” Mr Avetisyan said.
According to the ambassador, stronger private sector collaboration would facilitate technology transfer, innovation and skills development while opening new opportunities for trade and investment between the two countries.
The growing commercial engagement reflects Russia’s interest in strengthening its economic footprint in East Africa, where Tanzania has emerged as one of the region’s fastest-growing economies and a gateway to regional markets.
Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade Dennis Londo said the expanding partnership demonstrates the two countries’ shared commitment to promoting industrialisation, trade and innovation in support of Tanzania’s long-term development objectives.
He said the increasing presence of Russian exhibitors at the annual trade fair highlights growing investor confidence and follows President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s recent visit to Russia, which sought to strengthen bilateral cooperation in key economic sectors.
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Mr Londo said Russian investors are exploring opportunities in pharmaceutical manufacturing, medical research, vaccine production and scientific collaboration with Tanzanian institutions.
He added that Russia has also expressed interest in cooperating with Tanzania in space science and satellite technology, areas that could help strengthen the country’s scientific research capacity and support its digital and technological transformation.
The deputy minister said such partnerships would contribute to Tanzania’s ambition of building a competitive, knowledge-based economy by promoting innovation, technology transfer and industrial growth.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining a stable and predictable investment environment through continued reforms aimed at attracting foreign direct investment and supporting private sector-led growth.
Mr Londo said partnerships with technologically advanced economies would play an important role in modernising Tanzania’s industrial base, improving productivity, increasing export competitiveness and creating employment opportunities.
“For Tanzania to achieve a competitive economy, we need stronger cooperation in technology, innovation and industrial development,” he said.
Tanzania has in recent years intensified efforts to attract strategic investment through regulatory reforms, expanded infrastructure and improved logistics, positioning itself as a regional trade, manufacturing and investment hub in line with the aspirations of the National Development Vision 2050.
