JAMHURI YA MUUNGANO WA TANZANIA KURUGENZI YA MAWASILIANO YA RAIS, IKULU
Dar es Salaam
04th May, 2026
Correspondence: press@ikulu.go.tz
PUBLIC STATEMENT
(FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE)
TANZANIA AND RWANDA AGREE TO DEEPEN COOPERATION IN TRADE, TRANSPORT AND ENERGY SECTORS
Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania today received His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda at State House in Dar es Salaam, on the occasion of his one-day working visit to the United Republic of Tanzania.
President Samia and President Kagame held a tête-à-tête meeting before leading official bilateral talks between the delegations of the two countries. The leaders thereafter briefed members of the media on the key areas discussed.
The two Heads of State reviewed the state of bilateral cooperation and agreed on measures to further deepen relations in trade and investment, transport and infrastructure, energy, defence and security, immigration, as well as coordination on regional and international matters.
Speaking after the talks, President Samia said Tanzania and Rwanda continue to enjoy relations anchored in brotherhood, good neighbourliness and historic friendship, reflecting the long-standing bonds between the peoples of the two countries.
President Samia said trade between Tanzania and Rwanda has substantially grown, reaching TZS 644 billion in 2025. She said that from 1990 to March 2026, the Tanzania Investment Centre had registered 42 investment projects from Rwanda worth USD 325.5 million, creating 2,225 jobs for Tanzanians.
She further stated that the two countries had agreed to expedite efforts to address trade constraints, including non-tariff barriers, with a view to expanding trade and investment and making full use of opportunities under the East African Community Common Market and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
On transport and infrastructure, President Samia said about 70 percent of Rwanda's cargo passes through Tanzanian ports, adding that Tanzania would continue to facilitate Rwanda- bound cargo through dedicated port services, the Dar es Salaam and Tanga ports, and designated storage facilities.
The two Presidents also discussed the development of rail and road infrastructure, including the Isaka-Kigali railway project, aimed at expediting cargo movement and improving trade efficiency between the two countries.
On energy, the leaders discussed the Rusumo Falls Hydropower Project, implemented by Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi, with a generation capacity of 80 megawatts, as well as power-trading arrangements between the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) and the Rwanda Energy Group (REG), aimed at supporting economic activity for the benefit of both countries.
For his part, President Kagame expressed appreciation to President Samia and the people of Tanzania for the warm welcome accorded to him and his delegation. He said Tanzania remains a strategic partner for Rwanda, particularly in trade and transport, given the role of Tanzanian ports in connecting Rwanda to regional and global markets.
President Kagame said Tanzania and Rwanda should continue to build on the strong foundation of their existing relations by advancing cooperation in strategic areas, expanding trade, implementing joint projects and driving forward the development agenda of both countries.
He further reaffirmed Rwanda's commitment to working closely with Tanzania in strengthening cooperation within the East African Community, the African Union and other international platforms, for the benefit of the citizens of both countries.
The visit underscored Tanzania's strategic position as a trusted regional partner and gateway to global markets, with outcomes expected to expand trade, improve connectivity and create wider opportunities for the people of Tanzania and Rwanda.
Bakari S. Machumu
Director of Presidential Communications, State House