DAR ES SALAAM: Tanzania says it will use its anticipated 2029 non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council to strengthen regional peace, economic integration and investment flows, positioning itself as a stabilising force in Eastern and Southern Africa.
Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo said the council membership would provide a strategic platform to articulate Tanzania’s positions on global security issues while advancing national and continental interests.
“Tanzania’s move to become a member of the UN Security Council is a significant milestone,” Kombo told reporters at State House in Dar es Salaam. “It allows us to advocate for priorities that directly affect our national and regional development.”
The two-year Security Council term would follow Tanzania’s scheduled chairmanship of the African Union (AU) in 2028 under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, reinforcing the country’s expanding diplomatic profile.
Officials argue that peace and stability are closely linked to economic performance. Lower conflict risk reduces insurance and logistics costs, improves sovereign credit ratings and strengthens investor confidence — particularly for strategic trade infrastructure such as the Port of Dar es Salaam.
Kombo said instability increases borrowing costs and weakens growth prospects, while regional security enhances integration across transport corridors and supply chains.
The 15-member Security Council comprises five permanent members — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States — and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms by the UN General Assembly.
Tanzania’s growing continental leadership was highlighted at the recent 39th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly, where President Samia was appointed AU Champion for Maternal and Child Health and Champion of Clean Cooking and Energy in Africa.
Health Permanent Secretary Dr Seif Shekalaghe said maternal mortality has fallen significantly in recent years, crediting expanded emergency transport initiatives such as the M-Mama programme.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Khamis Mussa Omar said AU member states agreed to increase domestic allocations to priority sectors, including healthcare, education and agriculture, as part of broader commitments under Agenda 2063, the continent’s long-term development framework.
Officials say Tanzania’s upcoming AU and Security Council roles will provide an opportunity to align diplomatic influence with economic reform, infrastructure investment and regional stability.
