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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Tanzania Declares Marburg Outbreak – Africa CDC Mobilizes Immediate Response
Addis Ababa, January 20, 2025</Strong> — Tanzania has declared a Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak after confirming one case and identifying 25 suspected cases in the Kagera Region of Northwestern Tanzania. The Marburg virus, a highly infectious and often fatal disease, is similar to Ebola and is transmitted to humans from fruit bats and monkeys. This outbreak marks the nation’s second encounter with the deadly virus, following the outbreak in Bukoba District of Kagera Region in March 2023, which resulted in nine cases and six deaths.
In response to this urgent threat, the Africa CDC is mobilizing strong support to help Tanzania contain the outbreak. A team of twelve public health experts will be deployed as part of an advance mission in the next 24 hours. The multidisciplinary team includes epidemiologists, risk communication, infection prevention and control (IPC), and laboratory experts to provide on-ground support for surveillance, IPC, diagnostics, and community engagement.
The Director-General of Africa CDC, Dr. Jean Kaseya, has engaged with Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the Minister of Health to ensure coordinated efforts and secure political commitment for the response.
“Africa CDC stands firmly with Tanzania in this critical moment. To support the government’s efforts, we are committing US$ 2 million to bolster immediate response measures, including deploying public health experts, strengthening diagnostics, and enhancing case management. Building on Tanzania’s commendable response during the 2023 outbreak, we are confident that swift and decisive action, combined with our support and those of other partners, will bring this outbreak under control,” Dr. Kaseya stated.
Africa CDC has recently supported efforts to enhance the diagnostic and sequencing capacity of public health laboratories in Tanzania. PCR Test kits and genomic sequencing reagents have been dispatched, with additional supplies in the pipeline. To ensure rapid identification and confirmation of cases, the institution will also provide technical assistance to strengthen detection and genome sequencing for better characterization of the pathogen. Additionally, support will be provided to improve case management protocols and enhance the capacity to deliver safe and effective treatment.
Africa CDC is committed to working closely with the Government of Tanzania, regional partners, international organizations, and global stakeholders, including the World Health Organization, to stop the spread of the Marburg virus.
Source: allafrica.com
