Tanzania has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its partnership with the United States, with a focus on creating a more favorable environment for American citizens, businesspeople, and investors. This pledge was made during the annual Friends of Tanzania event held in New York, where Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, emphasized the government's efforts to improve the investment climate. By doing so, Tanzania aims to demonstrate its friendship and further solidify relations with the US.
Ambassador Kombo highlighted the government's readiness to support investors with regulatory, policy, and procedural matters, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will help resolve any challenges they may encounter. This commitment is part of broader efforts to enhance bilateral relations between the two countries. The Minister also mentioned that Tanzania will continue to provide visa-on-arrival access for US nationals, underscoring the government's dedication to fostering a conducive environment for American citizens and investors.
The event, organized by the Embassy of Tanzania in the United States, brought together senior government officials and dignitaries to celebrate the longstanding friendship, cooperation, and partnership between Tanzania and the US. Tanzania's Ambassador to the United States, Ms Elsie Kanza, noted that the event provided a platform to strengthen mutually beneficial relations between the two nations. The gathering was attended by notable figures, including Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, Professor Palamagamba Kabudi, and Permanent Secretary in the President's Office, Dr Tausi Kida.
Tanzania and the United States have maintained diplomatic relations for decades, with cooperation spanning trade and investment, health, education, and development. The two countries continue to engage through government institutions, diplomatic missions, and business platforms aimed at expanding economic cooperation and people-to-people ties. This enduring partnership has contributed to the growth of bilateral trade between the two nations.
The bilateral trade volume between Tanzania and the US more than doubled between 2021 and 2024, reflecting growing economic engagement between the two countries. Trade between the two nations rose to $778.1 million in 2024 from $380.2 million in 2021, representing a 104.7% increase. This growth has been supported by initiatives aimed at deepening commercial ties, including the establishment of the Tanzania American Chamber of Commerce (TACC) in 2023.
Tanzania's exports to the US are mainly agricultural commodities, minerals, and textiles, while major imports from the US include wheat, agricultural and transport equipment, chemicals, used clothing, and machinery. However, recent data show a significant shift in the direction of goods trade between the two countries. According to the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), US goods exports to Tanzania fell by 66.6% in 2025, while US goods imports from Tanzania rose by 18% during the same period.
The shift in trade dynamics resulted in a goods trade surplus for Tanzania in 2025, with Tanzanian exports to the US exceeding US exports to Tanzania by about $52.6 million. This development underscores the evolving nature of the trade relationship between the two countries. As Tanzania and the US continue to strengthen their partnership, both nations are likely to explore new opportunities for economic cooperation and growth.
Key points
- Tanzania pledges to create a conducive environment for American citizens, businesspeople, and investors.
- Bilateral trade between Tanzania and the US more than doubled between 2021 and 2024.
- Tanzania's exports to the US mainly include agricultural commodities, minerals, and textiles.
