Singapore (Commonwealth Union)_ Tanzania and Singapore have signed five agreements to boost cooperation in trade, investment, skills development, climate initiatives and diplomatic relations. The agreements were signed at the State House and witnessed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam during a historic state visit to Dar es Salaam by the latter. The visit is important because it is the first official visit to Tanzania by a Singaporean President since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1980. The visit also coincides with the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Tanzania and Singapore, a reflection of decades of cooperation and a growing partnership.
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The new agreements help remove business barriers and build a stronger partnership. The landmark agreements signed are the Tax Treaty, Green Energy Partnership, Skills Development, Trade Help, and Foreign Policy Talks. Both leaders called the agreements a big step toward closer economic and diplomatic ties. The key agreements include a treaty to avoid double taxation and tax evasion. The pact is expected to boost trade and investment by allowing businesses and investors to operate in both countries without double taxation. Another agreement focuses on public sector skills development. Speaking after the signing ceremony, President Hassan stressed the importance of investing in young people through education, entrepreneurship, innovation and vocational training. She said developing digital skills remains a priority as Tanzania implements its Digital Economy Strategy for 2024-2034.
The two countries also signed a memorandum of understanding on carbon trading under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which is expected to back climate action efforts while providing opportunities for sustainable development and environmental investment. Other agreements include regular consultations between the foreign ministries of both countries and cooperation on trade facilitation, aimed at improving communication, strengthening business ties and creating new opportunities for economic cooperation. President Hassan also invited Singapore to establish an embassy in Tanzania, a move that could further deepen diplomatic and commercial engagement.
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Beyond the signed agreements, the two leaders discussed cooperation in several other areas, including healthcare, agriculture, and regional trade. President Shanmugaratnam noted collaborative efforts to tackle sickle cell disease and promote agricultural investment, and cited opportunities from the African Continental Free Trade Area, which provides greater access to African markets. The new agreements are in line with Tanzania’s overall approach to attract foreign investment, technology and expertise to support national development. With Singapore’s global experience in trade, finance, technology and infrastructure development, the partnership should bring long-term benefits to both countries and deepen economic ties in the years ahead.
