DAR ES SALAAM — Rwanda and Tanzania presidents Paul Kagame and Samia Suluhu Hassan have pledged to strengthen bilateral economic ties following high-level talks in Tanzania’s commercial capital, focusing on trade, infrastructure, and regional integration.
Speaking after a one-day working visit, President Kagame described the relationship between the two nations as deeply rooted and forward-looking.
“Rwanda and Tanzania are not only neighbors but brotherly countries bound by history and a shared goal of prosperity for our people,” President Kagame said. “Rwanda remains committed to building on this strong foundation by deepening our bilateral cooperation across trade, investment, infrastructure, logistics, energy, and regional integration.”
President Suluhu highlighted the growing economic interdependence between the two countries, noting that Tanzania remains a critical gateway for Rwanda’s international trade.
“Approximately 70 percent of Rwanda’s exports pass through Tanzania’s ports,” President Suluhu said. “Trade between our two countries reached 644 billion Tanzanian shillings in 2025, and investment from both sides continues to drive jobs and economic growth for our people.”
According to the Tanzanian leader, Rwandan investments have created more than 2,200 jobs in Tanzania, underscoring the tangible benefits of cross-border collaboration.
Both leaders agreed to remove non-tariff barriers and accelerate joint investments in key sectors, including transport and logistics infrastructure, communications, and energy. Plans discussed include expanding railway connectivity and advancing power trading arrangements to support industrial growth.
“We agreed to accelerate cooperation by removing non-tariff barriers, strengthening trade and investment, and investing more in transportation and logistics infrastructure, communications, as well as reliable energy,” President Suluhu added.
The talks also covered security and defence cooperation, with both countries committing to closer coordination on regional and international issues.
President Kagame said the strengthened partnership would contribute to broader regional goals under the East African Community framework.
“I look forward to continuing our collaboration to achieve tangible results for our citizens and advance the East African Community,” he said.
During the visit, President Kagame also announced plans to honour Tanzanian citizens who played a role in assisting Rwandans during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, signalling continued recognition of historical solidarity between the two nations.
The meeting in Dar es Salaam reflects growing momentum in regional integration efforts as East African countries seek to boost intra-regional trade and economic resilience.
