Bridging Continents Pioneering a Renewed Russia–Tanzania Partnership in 2025

Executive Summary

In May 2025, Russia and Tanzania reinvigorated their longstanding ties—rooted in Cold War solidarity—by convening high-level meetings in St. Petersburg. During sessions of the Intergovernmental Russia–Tanzania Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, both sides reviewed past achievements, confronted current hurdles, and set strategic priorities for the future. According to insights from Africa Security Analyst, the focus areas span agriculture, pharmaceuticals, tourism, and comprehensive trade integration, with efforts aimed at converting historical goodwill into concrete, mutually beneficial projects.

Historical Foundations and Renewed Ambitions

Once defined by robust political solidarity during the Soviet era, Russia and Tanzania maintained warm relations through Dar es Salaam until these connections waned after 1991. Over the past decade, however, renewed high-level exchanges and a series of bilateral agreements have rekindled dialogue between Moscow and Dar es Salaam. This fresh momentum is now being harnessed to deepen economic cooperation and stimulate investment in key sectors.

Agricultural Expansion as a Cornerstone

Tanzania’s economy, predominantly agricultural and employing nearly half of its workforce, boasts vast arable land but faces chronic under-investment in irrigation, credit, and modern technology. At the recent St. Petersburg session, more than 40 Russian firms signalled their intent to export meat, dairy, fish, and oil-seed products to Tanzania. With Dar es Salaam positioned as the gateway into the East African Community, Russia’s Agroexport Centre plans to boost agricultural revenues from around USD 7 billion in 2024 to USD 15 billion by the end of 2025. The emerging “single-window” strategy envisions Tanzania not only as a stand-alone market of 62 million consumers but also as a strategic entry point into the broader East African market via the establishment of regional distribution centres.

Health and Pharmaceutical Cooperation

While China and India have established expansive health manufacturing hubs across Africa, Russia’s engagement in the pharmaceutical sector remains modest despite earlier pledges. Tanzanian officials underscored the necessity for Russia to take a more active role in building local healthcare capacity. They identified significant opportunities in pharmaceuticals and medical services, where successful models from other Asian investors have generated employment and improved access to essential healthcare.

Reviving Air Links: Boosting Tourism and Cultural Exchange

Restoring direct flights between Moscow and Dar es Salaam emerged as a top priority, viewed as critical for stimulating tourism, facilitating business travel, and strengthening cultural ties. Although carriers such as EgyptAir and Ethiopian Airlines currently service segments of Africa and Russia, no airline offers a direct connection between Russia and East or Southern Africa. Air Tanzania has expressed readiness to host Russian delegations and finalize the 2024 air-services agreement, a move that could bridge this crucial connectivity gap.

Toward BRICS and Broader Trade Integration

Ethiopia’s recent inclusion in BRICS has spurred Tanzanian leaders to explore deeper economic ties with the bloc. Russia’s ambassador highlighted that several BRICS members are already strategic partners for Tanzania, hinting at a natural convergence. This alignment could unlock new channels of investment and solidify Tanzania’s shift towards more diversified and resilient economic partnerships.

Learning from the Past, Acting in the Present

Commission participants cautioned against relying on purely symbolic rhetoric. To prevent Western, Asian, or Arab competitors from gaining ground, Russia and Tanzania must accelerate the implementation of their agreements. This means converting memoranda into tangible investments on the factory floor—from irrigation and fertilizer production to pharmaceutical facilities and routine direct flight operations. The real challenge lies in transforming diplomatic goodwill into measurable progress and sustainable growth.

Strategic Roadmap for the Future

Both governments agreed that state-level accords must be bolstered by private-sector dynamism and vibrant entrepreneurial linkages. Key priorities include:

• Ambitious Export Goals: Leveraging expanded logistics corridors, concessional financing for Tanzanian importers, and coordinated trade-promotion campaigns, Russia aims to raise agricultural exports from about USD 7 billion in 2024 to USD 15 billion by the end of 2025.
• Restoring Direct Flights: Fast-tracking the regulatory approval of the June 2024 air-services agreement is critical, with the goal of reinstating direct passenger and cargo flights between Moscow and Dar es Salaam by late 2025.
• Tourism and Trade Impact: Enhancing direct air connectivity is essential not only to boost tourist arrivals and facilitate business travel but also to strengthen cultural exchanges, which are key to the long-term success of the partnership.

Specialized working groups are now drafting detailed, timeline-driven roadmaps, integrating private-sector engagement across each priority area, with plans expected to be finalized by July 2025.

Conclusion

By converting diplomatic pledges into concrete investments—from modernizing agricultural practices and establishing pharmaceutical plants to strengthening energy infrastructure and securing direct air services—Russia and Tanzania are laying the groundwork for a pioneering model of South–South cooperation. This revitalized partnership promises sustainable growth, improved living standards, and deeper regional integration. As the 21st century unfolds, these long-standing ties could well become a transformative force for both nations and the broader East African region.