DUBAI: Tanzania and Antigua and Barbuda have agreed to strengthen political, economic and people-to-people ties, as leaders of the two Commonwealth member states met on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit in Dubai.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania and Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda discussed expanding Africa–Caribbean cooperation within the Commonwealth framework, with a focus on trade, investment, tourism, aviation connectivity, education and security collaboration, according to a statement from Tanzania’s presidency.
The leaders agreed to advance cooperation in trade, investment and tourism through structured technical engagement, alongside efforts to enhance aviation links building on existing Africa–Caribbean flight connections. They also agreed to deepen security cooperation, technology transfer and cultural exchanges.
Education and human capital development featured prominently in the talks, including support for the Julius Nyerere Commonwealth Scholarship Programme and broader academic and skills exchanges.
To ensure delivery, the two sides agreed to establish joint technical teams to operationalise the agreed areas of cooperation.
Prime Minister Browne praised Tanzania’s handling of recent post-election security challenges, citing the establishment of an independent commission of inquiry as evidence of transparency, respect for constitutional order and good governance.
Diplomacy| President Samia urges dialogue and unity as global tensions rise
President Samia briefed Browne on Tanzania’s ongoing political reforms, including plans to establish a national reconciliation commission and introduce constitutional changes.
Browne extended a formal invitation to President Samia to attend the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) and announced plans to visit Tanzania in June or July 2026.
The engagement advances Tanzania’s strategic objective of expanding South–South cooperation beyond traditional partners, positioning the country as a bridge between Africa and the Caribbean.
Officials said the initiative leverages Commonwealth platforms to promote investment, education and mobility, while reinforcing international confidence in Tanzania’s governance, stability and reform trajectory.
President Samia reaffirmed Tanzania’s readiness to support Antigua and Barbuda’s chairmanship of the Commonwealth and underscored the country’s commitment to implementation and results.
