Dar es Salaam. Tanzania has now become India’s second-largest trading partner in Africa as the bilateral trade soared by 22 percent in the current financial year.
According to a statement from the High Commission of India in Dar es Salaam, the bilateral trade volume increased to $7.9 billion by May 27 this year, up from $6.48 billion during 2022/23.
The numbers moved Tanzania from being the third India’s largest trade partner from Africa to become the second and replace Nigeria.
Currently, India’s largest trading partner is South Africa, according to the statement.
“The latest trade statistics reveal not only an increase in the volume of bilateral trade but also an improvement in the trade balance,” it stated, adding that Tanzanian exports to India surged by 29.5 percent to $3.29 billion.
Tanzania exports various produce including legumes such as pigeon peas, soybeans, and cashew nuts, alongside avocados and other agricultural goods to India. The East African nation also exports gold and coal to India.
According to the statement, the balance of trade between India and Tanzania has shifted favourably towards Tanzania, improving by $435.51 million.
Tanzania imports essential commodities such as petroleum products, industrial machinery, tractors, motorcycles and automobiles from India. Moreover, India serves as a vital supplier of pharmaceutical products and sugar which is imported to fill the deficit and stabilise local prices.
“The burgeoning trade relations between India and Tanzania underscore the mutual commitment to fostering economic growth, enhancing cooperation, and unlocking shared prosperity,” the embassy stated, adding that the trajectory of the bilateral trade is poised for further growth and diversification in the years to come as both nations continue to deepen engagement across various sectors.
“This robust partnership holds the promise of mutual benefit, driving socio-economic development and prosperity for both India and Tanzania,” it stated.
Tanzania’s relations with India date centuries ago, when trade between the people of the Swahili Coast (including Zanzibar and Tanganyika) and Mandovi River Coast of Gujarat was documented.
The period witnessed the arrival of Indian traders, mostly from coastal Gujarat on the shores of Zanzibar and then to mainland Tanzania.
Last October, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, paid a state visit to India in efforts to elevate the ties to new heights.
The diplomatic relations between the two countries are built upon shared desire to deepen economic, political, cultural, and social engagements that started centuries ago.
The two countries are also linked by Air Tanzania Company Ltd (ATCL) which operates direct flights between Dar es Salaam and Mumbai.
In 2021, ATCL and Air India signed an interline agreement which was meant to increase connectivity for customers of both airlines.
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Babu Duni, who stepped down earlier this year, was succeeded by Othman Masoud, now the First Vice President of Zanzibar.
The policy aims to provide ongoing respect and support to retired leaders, ensuring their continued recognition and contribution to the party’s development.
“Recognizing their significant contributions to the development and prosperity of the party, this policy ensures that retired leaders continue to be acknowledged and respected by both the party and the community,” the policy states.
To benefit from this policy, leaders must not have left or been expelled from the party. They must have served the party with honor and dedication. The national leadership committee will determine whether a leader has fulfilled these criteria.
The policy seeks to honor retired leaders, protect their dignity, acknowledge their contributions, leverage their ideas for the party’s growth, and support them to the best of the party’s ability.
In honoring these leaders, the party will provide a vehicle, the type of which will be determined by the national leadership committee. Additionally, they will receive a monthly allowance, with the amount also set by this committee.
Other benefits include health insurance. If a leader does not own a home, the party will cover their rent at a rate decided by the committee.
The leadership committee may also grant special recognition based on the leader’s contributions. Retired leaders will participate in decision-making meetings according to procedures outlined in the party’s constitution.
Depending on the party’s resources at the time, the policy may also apply to retired deputy chairpersons for both the mainland and Zanzibar, the Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General for both mainland and Zanzibar, and the party’s Attorney General.
Additionally, leaders, executives, or members with exceptional contributions to the party’s protection, advocacy, and defense may also benefit, as determined by the leadership committee.
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