Tanzania has been urged to leverage its overseas properties to boost national income and attract foreign capital. Deputy Minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, Kaspar Mmuya, made the call during a visit to a 22-storey commercial building under construction, owned by the Tanzanian Embassy in Kenya. He was accompanied by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, James Millya. The visit took place on November 6, 2026.
According to Mmuya, diplomatic relations with other countries should yield tangible economic benefits beyond fostering friendship and cooperation. He suggested that government-owned properties managed through Tanzania's embassies should be developed and utilized commercially rather than remain idle. These properties could serve as important sources of revenue through investment and business activities. This approach would enable Tanzania to tap into new revenue streams.
Mmuya emphasized the need for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation to strengthen partnerships with investors and financial institutions. This would help mobilize capital for similar projects across more Tanzanian diplomatic missions. He commended initiatives already underway in some embassies, saying effective utilization of the country's overseas assets would increase foreign exchange earnings and create new trade opportunities.
The deputy minister noted that investing in such properties would expose Tanzania to international commercial markets and enhance its capacity to manage business ventures beyond its borders. He praised the Ministry for implementing President Samia Suluhu Hassan's vision of economic diplomacy aimed at translating international relations into tangible development gains. This vision seeks to maximize the economic benefits of Tanzania's diplomatic engagements.
Mmuya also praised Tanzania's Ambassador to Kenya, Dr. Bernard Kibese, for his contribution to strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries. He stressed that the success of diplomacy should not be measured solely by the establishment of friendly relations but also by its ability to generate investment, expand trade, and increase national revenue. This approach would help redefine the role of diplomacy in Tanzania's economic development.
The proposed strategy aligns with Tanzania's efforts to expand its economic opportunities and strengthen economic ties with host nations. By leveraging its overseas properties, Tanzania can increase its foreign exchange earnings and create new trade opportunities. This approach would also enable the country to diversify its revenue streams and reduce its dependence on traditional sources of income.
The call to monetize overseas properties reflects a broader effort to optimize Tanzania's diplomatic assets and maximize their economic benefits. As the country continues to implement this strategy, it is likely to have a positive impact on its economic development and international relations. The success of this approach will depend on effective partnerships with investors and financial institutions.
Key points
- Tanzania has been advised to transform government-owned land and buildings abroad into revenue-generating investments.
- Deputy Minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, Kaspar Mmuya, made the call during a visit to a 22-storey commercial building under construction, owned by the Tanzanian Embassy in Kenya.
- Effective utilization of the country's overseas assets would increase foreign exchange earnings, create new trade opportunities, and strengthen economic ties with host nations.
