• Rwanda, Tanzania agree to deepen cooperation across key sectors

• Leaders pledge to remove trade barriers, boost regional integration

• Talks cover infrastructure, energy projects, and expanding bilateral trade

Rwanda and Tanzania have agreed to strengthen cooperation across trade and investment, transport and infrastructure, energy, defense and security, immigration, and regional and international matters.

The agreement followed talks between Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame during Kagame's working visit to Dar es Salaam on Sunday, May 3, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.

Suluhu Hassan said, according to a statement from the presidency, that the two sides also agreed "to accelerate efforts to remove trade obstacles, including non-tariff barriers, with the aim of expanding trade, boosting investment and fully leveraging opportunities under the East African Community common market and the AfCFTA."

The talks also covered railway and road infrastructure development, including the Isaka-Kigali railway project, aimed at accelerating freight movement and improving trade efficiency between the two countries.

On energy, the leaders discussed the Rusumo Falls hydroelectric project, a joint initiative involving Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi, as well as power supply agreements between the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) and the Rwanda Energy Group (REG).

Kagame said "Tanzania remains a strategic partner for Rwanda." He added that the two countries "should continue to build on their existing relationship by strengthening cooperation in strategic areas, expanding trade, implementing joint projects and advancing the development agenda of both countries."

Dynamic economic ties

Tanzania and Rwanda maintain close diplomatic ties and active trade. The two countries are continuing to deepen cooperation across several sectors while supporting regional development and economic integration within the East African Community.

Diplomatically, they engage regularly through high-level visits and bilateral agreements.

Economically, Tanzania plays a strategic role for Rwanda through its ports of Dar es Salaam and Tanga, which handle around 70% of Rwanda-bound freight. Bilateral trade reached 644 billion Tanzanian shillings (approximately $246.76 million) in 2025, according to Suluhu Hassan, while cross-border investment has supported job creation and economic growth.

"The Tanzania Investment Centre has registered 42 investment projects from Rwanda, valued at $325.5 million, creating 2,225 jobs for Tanzanians," the head of state added.

Lydie Mobio