Tanzania has announced plans to reopen its embassy in Luanda, Angola, as part of efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties and expand bilateral cooperation. The move was announced by President Samia Suluhu Hassan during a press conference with Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço at State House in Dar es Salaam on October 29, 2026. This development marks a significant step in enhancing relations between the two nations.
The state visit by President Lourenço is the first by an Angolan President since 1979, when the country's founding leader, Dr. António Agostinho Neto, visited Tanzania. During the joint news conference, President Samia highlighted the need to boost bilateral trade, which currently remains low despite the longstanding ties and opportunities available in both markets. Tanzania has invited Angola to source agricultural produce from its market.
To expand trade, Tanzania also identified opportunities to import Angolan petroleum products and fertilisers. The two countries agreed to pursue the interconnection of Angola's Benguela Railway and TAZARA through Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This link will facilitate freight transport between the Atlantic port of Lobito and the Indian Ocean port of Dar es Salaam, enhancing trade and economic cooperation.
The two leaders also discussed air connectivity, with plans to establish direct flights between Tanzania and Angola, enabling travel without transit through third countries. In the energy sector, the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) has begun assessing investment prospects in Angola's Lobito Refinery. This development is expected to strengthen cooperation in the energy sector.
President Lourenço emphasized the importance of African countries drawing on their respective capabilities to address development challenges. He also highlighted Angola's interest in recruiting Tanzanian health professionals on contract to address personnel shortages in its expanding hospital network. Additionally, Angola will cooperate with Tanzania through exchanges of expertise and training at medical education institutions.
The leaders witnessed the signing of agreements and memoranda of understanding providing for cooperation in aviation, communications, and meteorology. These agreements aim to enhance cooperation in key sectors and promote economic growth. The two countries signed an MoU in April 2025 to boost investment and economic ties, focusing on agriculture, tourism, and industrial development.
The strengthened ties between Tanzania and Angola are expected to have a positive impact on the economic growth and living standards of both countries. President Lourenço underscored the importance of building on their historic friendship to advance economic growth and improve living standards. The cooperation agreements are a significant step towards achieving this goal.
Key points
- Tanzania and Angola have signed MOUs for cooperation in aviation, communications, and meteorology.
- The two countries have agreed to reopen Tanzania's embassy in Luanda, Angola.
- Tanzania and Angola plan to establish direct flights and enhance cooperation in the energy sector.
