Russia’s Strategic Focus on Africa
Given the evolving geopolitical landscape, Africa is increasingly recognized as a pivotal element in Russia’s foreign policy strategy. The Intergovernmental Russia-Tanzania Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation convened in St. Petersburg, Russia’s second-largest city, for extensive discussions aimed at critically assessing the current state of Russian-Tanzanian relations. The agenda centered on re-evaluating key economic cooperation areas, achievements, challenges, and future outlooks. Historically, Russia and Tanzania have enjoyed a strong relationship, with roots tracing back to the Soviet era, although this connection waned significantly following the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991. Nevertheless, over the past ten years, both nations have made concerted efforts to revitalize their bilateral ties. Despite various challenges, both parties have maintained a political dialogue as a foundation for enhancing economic, trade, technological, educational, and cultural partnerships.
Expanding Agricultural Investments
On May 13, during the Intergovernmental Commission for Trade and Economic Cooperation’s meeting in St. Petersburg, participants explored potential large-scale investments, particularly in sectors that generate employment. Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov, who co-chaired the session alongside Planning and Investment Minister Kitila Mkumbo, highlighted Tanzania’s strategic position as a gateway for Russian goods into the East African market. Currently, over 40 Russian companies are eager to export agricultural products, including livestock and various food items, to Tanzania and the broader East African region. With a population of approximately 62 million, Tanzania is the most populous nation entirely situated south of the equator. Notably, the country’s economy heavily relies on agriculture, with a significant portion of its workforce employed in this sector. Given its extensive arable land and the prevalence of irrigation farming, it is essential to focus on agricultural investments to enhance food security. However, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) indicates that Tanzania faces considerable resource constraints in credit services, infrastructure, and access to advanced agricultural technologies, exacerbating issues of hunger and poverty. Consequently, Tanzania ranks 159 out of 187 countries on the United Nations Human Development Index (2024). In light of these challenges, around 40 Russian companies are actively working to diversify exports of agricultural products such as meat, dairy, and fish to Tanzania, viewing the nation as a crucial entry point into the East African market. Previous agreements have established a framework to advance this partnership, with Russia targeting an ambitious $15 billion in agricultural exports, having earned over $7 billion in the previous year.
Growth in the Pharmaceutical Sector
Tanzania, like other nations in Africa, is making significant strides in health diplomacy. The country is capitalizing on government incentives, as various foreign investors, including those from India, have successfully entered the health sector. These investors, navigating the complexities of global politics, prioritize corporate investment and aim for substantial outcomes. They engage in negotiations and outline financial strategies, which are crucial for building relationships with Tanzania. Countries like China and India have established manufacturing hubs in Tanzania, contributing to job creation and skills development among the youth. Tanzania is carefully evaluating its engagement with key external powers, particularly in the health sector, where both China and India have made substantial investments. China has notably constructed the Africa CDC headquarters in Addis Ababa and is involved in the production and distribution of medical supplies, alongside a wide array of healthcare services. Meanwhile, India ranks as the third-largest investor in Africa’s health sector after China. In contrast, Russia, although expressing intentions to support Africa’s healthcare development during past summits, has yet to solidify its role in this sector.
Tourism and Recreational Opportunities
The recent meetings of the Intergovernmental Commission for Trade and Economic Cooperation in St. Petersburg also included a focus on tourism, particularly the possibility of reinstating direct flights between Moscow and Dar es Salaam. The two nations formalized an air services agreement in 2024, with officials emphasizing that restoring direct air links is vital for unlocking economic potential and fostering interpersonal connections, as well as promoting tourism. Tanzania’s national airline, Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL), currently operates flights to destinations in the Middle East and Asia, but there remains a significant gap in air connectivity between Russia and various regions in Africa. The absence of regular flights creates isolation, particularly as the world shifts towards a multipolar dynamic. Minister Reshetnikov reiterated Russia’s willingness to send a delegation of business representatives to Tanzania in June-July to explore collaboration within the aviation sector, highlighting the importance of resuming direct air connections. Additionally, Uganda has expressed interest in establishing similar air routes, with Vice President Jessica Alupo advocating for direct flights to facilitate movement and investment. The lack of reliable airlines has hindered the ability to fully capitalize on Africa’s growing regional and continental air hubs, restricting access to tourism opportunities and economic cooperation.
Tanzania’s Potential BRICS Membership
Closer relations between Tanzania and BRICS are becoming increasingly likely, according to Russian Ambassador to Tanzania Andrey Avetisyan. He noted that several BRICS nations are strategic partners for Tanzania, contributing significantly to its economic development in alignment with President Samia Hassan’s economic diplomacy. Although the topic of Tanzania joining BRICS has not yet been formally addressed, Avetisyan suggested that as Ethiopia recently gained membership, Tanzania’s ties with the group are bound to strengthen, particularly given its cooperative efforts within the African Union and the East African Community.
Learning from Past Policy Errors
In light of historical missteps and the shifting geopolitical climate, Russia is gradually opening its borders to African nations. However, official rhetoric often overshadows tangible actions, with the implementation of policy initiatives lagging behind the discussions held at various summits and meetings. This slow progress has created openings for competitors from the West, Europe, Asia, and the Arab world. The Tanzanian delegation has clearly articulated these concerns, urging for actionable steps to renew investment across diverse economic sectors. Despite existing challenges, both nations acknowledged the necessity of a decisive turning point to invigorate the continent’s economy, which is a primary goal of foreign relations with African countries. While Russia has publicly endorsed economic partnerships with Tanzania, the focus must shift to practical execution. The discussions in May in St. Petersburg underscored the need to transition from mere rhetoric to concrete investment actions. Analysts suggest that Africa, including Tanzania, should leverage trade to transform and diversify its economy, capitalizing on its established relationships with Russia. As both nations navigate their future interactions, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and private-sector engagement will be essential. The pressing need for genuine investment in Tanzania and other African nations transcends anti-Western discourse, highlighting the importance of fulfilling the promises made in bilateral agreements. The relationship between Russia and Tanzania, along with other African nations, has been characterized by numerous meetings and diplomatic engagements. It is crucial for both parties to recognize that the time for polarized rhetoric has passed. This moment calls for a renewed commitment to implement policy decisions effectively, despite the challenges that lie ahead.
