Kinyarwanda
English
Swahili
Tanzania and Singapore Sign Historic Agreements to Boost Economic and Health Cooperation
On June 9, 2026, the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, and the President of Singapore, H.E. Tharman Shanmugaratnam, held a joint press conference at the State House in Dar es Salaam.
During the event, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in economic development, trade, investment, and human capital development. This event marked 45 years of diplomatic ties and was the first-ever State Visit by a Singaporean president to Tanzania.
President Samia explained that Tanzania plans to use Singapore’s experience in trade, technology, the digital economy, education, and youth skills development.
This experience will support Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050, which aims to prepare young people for self-employment and economic participation. She stated that the discussions focused on building a result-oriented partnership to bring tangible benefits to both nations. To help support this relationship, she invited Singapore to open a resident diplomatic mission in Tanzania.
President Samia also invited Singaporean companies to invest in Tanzania’s agricultural sector through offshore food production arrangements. Under this model, Singaporean investors can produce agricultural goods in Tanzania and export the output back to Singapore.
President Tharman emphasized Tanzania’s strategic role as a gateway to East Africa. He noted that the country's geographical position and ongoing investments in transport and trade infrastructure continue to improve regional connectivity and economic opportunities.
During the visit, the two leaders witnessed the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding. These agreements cover cooperation in skills development, trade, investment, and carbon market collaboration.
Additionally, both governments agreed to continue discussions regarding a prospective Free Trade Agreement between Singapore and the East African Community (EAC). They also committed to health sector cooperation, with a specific focus on joint research for sickle cell disease.
