US Vice President Kamala Harris visited Tanzania as part of a tour of Africa to strengthen ties with a continent where China and Russia are gaining influence. During her time there, she revealed plans to increase trade with and investment in Tanzania.
Harris began her journey in Ghana on Sunday before traveling late on Wednesday to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s commercial hub, where she visited President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Thursday. Harris listed a number of initiatives and said, “Working together, it is our shared goal to increase economic investment in Tanzania and strengthen our economic ties.”
Both Harris and Hassan included an updated Memorandum of Understanding between the Tanzanian administration and the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM).
This will make it possible for American businesses to export products and services to Tanzania in a variety of industries, including infrastructure, transportation, digital technology, climate and energy security, and power generation, for up to $500 million in financing.
Harris also mentioned a new collaboration in cybersecurity and 5G technology, as well as LifeZone Metals’ plans to build a new processing facility in Tanzania for the minerals used in EV batteries.
“This initiative, which adheres to cutting-edge and low-emission standards, is significant and innovative. It is significant that raw minerals will soon be handled in Tanzania, by Tanzanians”, she added, noting that starting in 2026, the facility will export battery-grade nickel to the United States and the rest of the world.
President Hassan stated on Thursday that her “most important request” was to streamline the visa procedure between Tanzania and the United States because both nations would gain from a “long duration visa” that would boost trade and tourists.
After a period of isolationism imposed by her predecessor John Magufuli, who canceled all of his ministers’ overseas visits and discouraged travel, Tanzania has resumed its international involvement under Hassan. Since Magufuli, who passed away in office in 2021, had suspended political rights, she has received acclaim from all over the world for restoring them.
Magufuli had imposed restrictions on Tanzania’s LGBT community, outlawed political rallies by anyone other than elected officials, and detained numerous followers of the opposition. Additionally, he disapproved of COVID-19 vaccines and exhorted Tanzanians to trust in praying and alternative therapies like steam inhalation.
Upon taking office, Hassan changed the laws, and earlier this month Tanzania reached the landmark of having fully immunized 50% of its people against the coronavirus.
