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 Confirms Outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease
Dodoma — Tanzania today confirmed an outbreak of Marburg virus disease in the northwestern Kagera region after one case tested positive for the virus following investigations and laboratory analysis of suspected cases of the disease.
President of the Republic of Tanzania, Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, made the announcement during a press briefing alongside World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in the country’s administrative capital Dodoma.
“Laboratory tests conducted in Kabaile Mobile Laboratory in Kagera and later confirmed in Dar es Salaam identified one patient as being infected with the Marburg virus. Fortunately, the remaining suspected patients tested negative,” the president said. “We have demonstrated in the past our ability to contain a similar outbreak and are determined to do the same this time around.”
A total of 25 suspected cases have been reported as of 20 January 2025, all of whom have tested negative and are currently under close follow-up, the president said. The cases have been reported in Biharamulo and Muleba districts in Kagera.
“We have resolved to reassure the general public in Tanzania and the international community as a whole of our collective determination to address the global health challenges, including the Marburg virus disease,” said H.E President Hassan.
WHO is supporting Tanzanian health authorities to enhance key outbreak control measures including disease surveillance, testing, treatment, infection prevention and control, case management, as well as increasing public awareness among communities to prevent further spread of the virus.
“WHO, working with its partners, is committed to supporting the government of Tanzania to bring the outbreak under control as soon as possible, and to build a healthier, safer, fairer future for all the people of Tanzania,” said Dr Tedros. “Now is a time for collaboration, and commitment, to protecting the health of all people in Tanzania, and the region, from the risks posed by this disease.”
Marburg virus disease is highly virulent and causes haemorrhagic fever. It belongs to the same family as the virus that causes Ebola virus disease. Illness caused by Marburg virus begins abruptly. Patients present with high fever, severe headache and severe malaise. They may develop severe haemorrhagic symptoms within seven days.
“The declaration by the president and the measures being taken by the government are crucial in addressing the threat of this disease at the local and national levels as well as preventing potential cross-border spread,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “Our priority is to support the government to rapidly scale up measures to effectively respond to this outbreak and safeguard the health of the population,”
Tanzania previously reported an outbreak of Marburg in March 2023 – the country’s first – in Kagera region, in which a total of nine cases (eight confirmed and one probable) and six deaths were reported, with a case fatality ratio of 67%.
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In the African region, previous outbreaks and sporadic cases have been reported in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, South Africa and Uganda.
Marburg virus is transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads among humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, surfaces and materials. Although several promising candidate medical countermeasures are currently undergoing clinical trials, there is no licensed treatment or vaccine for effective management or prevention of Marburg virus disease. However, early access to treatment and supportive care – rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids – and treatment of specific symptoms, improve survival.
Source: allafrica.com
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