Forging ties, shaping the future: A game changer in Tanzania–Angola relations

By H.E. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania

As I conclude my State Visit to the Republic of Angola, I reflect with great appreciation on the warmth, vision, and renewed sense of purpose that marked every of my engagements. To me and my delegation, this visit has been far more than a diplomatic occasion. It was declaration of intent, boldly reaffirming our enduring friendship and solidarity, at the same time forward-looking and a commitment to elevate our bilateral relations to new heights. It marked a new chapter, in the book of history written by our founding Presidents—Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and Agostinho Neto— In every sense, a game changer aiming at invigorating our historical ties for economic cooperation.

Standing before the Angolan Parliament, I shared a sentiment that captures not just personal emotion, but the essence of deep fraternal bond between our two nations: “Angola to us is like one of the many houses one can have. It does not matter how long you have not visited that house, but whenever you visit, the warmth and the nostalgia keep getting better.” That warmth was palpable, and it reminded us of all that while time may pass, the foundations of friendship endure.

On behalf of the Government and people of the United Republic of Tanzania, I wish to express my deep appreciation for the warm welcome extended to me by His Excellency President João Lourenço, the Government, and the people of Angola.

Tanzania and Angola are bound by a shared history, political affinities, and a profound sense of humanity. From the dark era of colonialism to the struggle for liberation, and the challenges faced as newly independent states, our peoples have always found common purpose. The selfless roles played by our leaders in liberating Africa form the moral compass upon which today’s cooperation is anchored.

We must never forget the significant role that Tanzania and the wider region played in supporting Angola’s liberation, nor Angola’s vital contribution to securing an independent, apartheid-free southern Africa. Ours is a shared legacy, driven by justice, Pan-Africanism, and a belief in the destiny of a united continent.

Today, the battles we fight are different. They are no longer about territorial occupation but about the occupation of our minds by poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment. We must explore our potential and resources with the same determination and unity that defined our liberation struggles. The spirit of Pan-Africanism and African Unity must now guide us in confronting modern challenges—climate change, food insecurity, unsustainable debt, and youth unemployment.

During my bilateral discussions with President Lourenço, we reaffirmed our shared commitment to economic transformation. We both acknowledged that while our political relationship is strong and historic, our economic cooperation must be revitalized to match it. We took stock of the untapped opportunities that exist in trade, energy, transport, agriculture, and mineral development.

Angola’s strength in oil and gas, energy infrastructure, and resource development aligns well with Tanzania’s growing economy, stable investment climate, and strategic location linking East, Central, and Southern Africa. We have agreed to foster closer cooperation in renewable energy, logistics, the blue economy, and regional trade—especially under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Beyond economic ties, we also recognized the importance of investing in people. We must empower our youth, who are brimming with talent, creativity, and ambition. Education, technology, skills development, and entrepreneurship must be prioritized. Encouragingly, both our countries are witnessing increasing gender parity, rising standards in health and education, and expanding infrastructure—important steps toward inclusive development.

People-to-people connections are equally vital. We must promote academic exchanges, tourism, professional collaboration, and cultural partnerships that foster familiarity and trust between our citizens. This is how we humanize diplomacy and ensure that cooperation moves beyond boardrooms into the daily lives of our people.

Tanzania and Angola also remain committed to regional peace, security, and unity under the Southern African Development Community (SADC). We will continue to support African solutions to African problems, while also engaging constructively with global partners for equitable and sustainable development. As I emphasized in my address to the Angolan Parliament, “We, the current generation, must transform this great history into a future of great promise. Together we must strive to build confident, secure, innovative, and dynamic people.”

In the words of Mwalimu Nyerere, “Unity will not make us rich, but it can make it difficult for Africa and the African peoples to be disregarded and humiliated.” That is the spirit that must now guide our efforts—one of dignity, determination, and mutual ambition.

Let this visit be remembered not only as a celebration of our shared history, but as the dawn of a new chapter—one defined by economic transformation, regional solidarity, and a deep belief in our collective capacity to shape the future, a gamer changer in our bilateral ties.

Together, we rise. Together, we shape Africa’s tomorrow.