Leaders witnessed the signing of agreements and explored new areas of collaboration in trade, education, healthcare, and sustainable development
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam undertook a State Visit to the United Republic of Tanzania from 8 to 10 June 2026, reaffirming the longstanding friendship between Singapore and Tanzania and exploring new opportunities for bilateral cooperation. The visit coincided with the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and included high-level meetings, agreement signings, and engagements with government, business, and academic stakeholders.
On 9 June, President Tharman met with President Samia Suluhu Hassan in Tanzania. During their discussions, both leaders agreed that the milestone anniversary of diplomatic relations presented a timely opportunity to deepen cooperation in a range of sectors, including the blue and green economies, digitalisation, tourism, port development, food security, youth development, vocational and technical education, and healthcare. They also discussed collaboration with leading Tanzanian institutions, including the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences and Benjamin Mkapa Hospital, and reaffirmed their commitment to multilateral cooperation.
Following the meeting, the two Presidents witnessed the signing and exchange of several agreements and Memoranda of Understanding covering the establishment of bilateral consultations, collaboration in carbon credits, capacity building in trade facilitation, and skills development. An Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation was also concluded, reflecting both countries’ commitment to strengthening economic cooperation and facilitating cross-border investment.
Source: MFA Tanzania
At a Joint Press Conference, President Tharman and President Suluhu Hassan welcomed the East African Community’s intention to pursue a Free Trade Agreement with Singapore. The proposed agreement would represent the East African Community’s first free trade negotiations with a partner outside Africa and Singapore’s first such agreement with an African regional bloc, marking a significant step in expanding economic linkages between the two regions.
President Suluhu Hassan later hosted President Tharman at a State Banquet, where both sides reaffirmed the importance of continued engagement and cooperation across a broad range of sectors.
During the visit, President Tharman and President Suluhu Hassan also attended the Tanzania–Singapore Business and Investment Forum, which brought together companies and business leaders from both countries to explore trade and investment opportunities. President Tharman subsequently visited the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s oldest and largest public university, where he delivered a lecture on opportunities for investment in inclusive and sustainable growth.
On 10 June, President Tharman travelled to Zanzibar, the semi-autonomous region of Tanzania, where he met President Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi. Discussions focused on opportunities to strengthen cooperation in business, trade, and investment. During the visit, President Tharman also toured Darajani Souk, a community revitalisation initiative co-sponsored by Singapore-based spice and agro-commodities trading company Nomanbhoy & Sons.
Source: MFA Singapore
