Tanzania and Algeria are shifting their relationship from friendship and solidarity to practical cooperation. The two countries have identified five areas of cooperation: pharmaceuticals, energy, higher education, agricultural trade, and beekeeping. This shift gained momentum on June 10, 2026, when Tanzania's Ambassador to Algeria, Mobhare Matinyi, presented his Letters of Credence to Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. President Tebboune emphasized the need to move from identifying possibilities to implementing them.
The practical approach to cooperation is a result of directives from both presidents. Tanzanian President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan instructed Ambassador Matinyi to reap the benefits of their long-standing relationship. The Embassy of Tanzania in Algiers will use regular monthly press briefings to keep Algerians informed about developments in bilateral cooperation. Ambassador Matinyi aims to highlight areas where businesses, institutions, and citizens can identify opportunities for engagement.
The pharmaceutical sector is a key area of cooperation. Algeria has developed one of Africa's largest pharmaceutical manufacturing industries, achieving over 80% self-sufficiency in essential pharmaceutical products. Tanzania, on the other hand, has a strong pharmaceutical regulatory system, recognized as Maturity Level 3 under the World Health Organization's Global Benchmarking Tool. The two governments are pursuing technical cooperation to strengthen pharmaceutical production, regulation, and trade.
Algeria's pharmaceutical company, Frater-Razes, is expected to visit Tanzania to examine potential trade and investment opportunities. Hikma Pharmaceuticals is finalizing an agreement with MSD Medipharm to facilitate trade and future investment. Tanzania aims to develop a pharmaceutical export base capable of serving markets across East, Central, and Southern Africa. Algeria brings substantial manufacturing experience to the partnership.
The energy sector is another area of cooperation. Algeria has made significant progress in expanding energy access, with 99% electricity access and 26,000 megawatts of generation capacity. Tanzania, which is pursuing expanded electricity access and connectivity by 2030, can learn from Algeria's experience. A delegation from Tanzania's Electrical Transmission and Distribution Company visited Algeria to examine its experience in electricity transmission and distribution.
Educational cooperation is also underway. Algeria announced 176 university scholarships for Tanzanian students, and Tanzania selected 150 outstanding students under the Samia Scholarship Extended programme to pursue higher education in Algeria. The programme aligns with Tanzania's emphasis on developing skills in science, technology, engineering, and health sciences. This cooperation creates a new generation of people with academic and professional links to one another.
Agricultural trade, including cashews, and beekeeping are other areas of cooperation. The two countries are exploring ways to increase trade and investment in these sectors. With these practical cooperation efforts, Tanzania and Algeria are turning their presidential directives into tangible opportunities for their people. The cooperation is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of citizens in both countries.
Key points
- Tanzania and Algeria are cooperating in five strategic areas: pharmaceuticals, energy, higher education, agricultural trade, and beekeeping.
- The two countries are pursuing technical cooperation in pharmaceuticals to strengthen production, regulation, and trade.
- Algeria has offered university scholarships to Tanzanian students, promoting educational cooperation between the two nations.
