President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania recently held separate meetings with South Africa's outgoing High Commissioner to Tanzania, Noluthando Mayende-Malepe, and a Qatari investor, Dr Khalid bin Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Attiyah. The meetings took place at State House in Dar es Salaam on Friday, November 6, 2026. President Hassan commended Ms Mayende-Malepe for her efforts in strengthening diplomatic and economic relations between Tanzania and South Africa during her four-year tenure.
Ms Mayende-Malepe expressed her gratitude to President Hassan and the Tanzanian government for their cooperation and hospitality. She highlighted the historical ties between the two countries, dating back to Africa's liberation struggles, and stated that Tanzania held a special place in her diplomatic career. The High Commissioner also commended Tanzania's contribution to regional and international affairs and encouraged Tanzanian companies to explore trade and investment opportunities in South Africa.
President Hassan noted that trade between Tanzania and South Africa had increased during Ms Mayende-Malepe's tenure but called for greater efforts to expand trade and investment for the mutual benefit of their citizens. Ms Mayende-Malepe presented her credentials to President Hassan on August 25, 2022. Her departure marks the end of her four-year diplomatic mission in Tanzania.
In a separate meeting, President Hassan discussed potential investment opportunities with Dr Al Attiyah, chairman of Qatar-based Thirty-Five Investment Holding. The company is interested in investing in agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and transport infrastructure in Tanzania. Dr Al Attiyah expressed interest in sugar production and cattle farming in Kongwa District, Dodoma Region, and deep-sea fishing, as well as the construction of fish processing facilities and storage infrastructure at Kilwa Fishing Port.
The proposed investments in the fisheries sector aim to strengthen the fisheries value chain by expanding capacity to process and preserve marine products. Dr Al Attiyah also mentioned that his company is assessing investment opportunities in transport infrastructure in Zanzibar. Discussions on the proposed projects have already begun between the company's team and experts from relevant Zanzibar institutions.
President Hassan directed the relevant government institutions to continue engaging with Dr Al Attiyah's company in accordance with existing laws, regulations, and procedures. This will help identify viable projects and ensure that any proposed investments benefit both parties. The President emphasized the importance of cooperation and mutually beneficial investments.
The meetings with Ms Mayende-Malepe and Dr Al Attiyah reflect Tanzania's ongoing efforts to strengthen diplomatic relations and attract foreign investment. The country is working to expand trade and investment opportunities with other nations, particularly in key sectors such as agriculture, livestock, and fisheries.
Key points
- President Samia Suluhu Hassan met with South Africa's outgoing High Commissioner to discuss trade and diplomacy.
- Tanzania is seeking to attract Qatari investment in agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and transport infrastructure.
- The proposed investments aim to strengthen Tanzania's fisheries value chain and expand its economic opportunities.
