By Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian
At the Indonesia-Africa 2024 Forum, Tanzania has reaffirmed its dedication to advancing Africa’s economic transformation under the African Agenda 2063. On the second day of the forum, Zanzibar President Dr. Hussein Mwinyi emphasized the critical role of Africa’s economic development in fostering growth, political stability, and global cooperation.
Dr. Mwinyi highlighted that Africa’s transformation is vital for reducing poverty by developing industries, improving infrastructure, and creating jobs. He stressed that shifting away from traditional reliance on raw materials and agriculture towards diversified industries fosters innovation and contributes to a more prosperous and stable world.
Tanzania is keen to strengthen its bilateral ties with Indonesia, especially in trade, to support the goals of “the Africa we want.” Dr. Mwinyi stated, “We are committed to partnering with Indonesia to enhance trade and align with the African Agenda 2063, which outlines our strategic framework for sustainable development.”
Representing President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Dr. Mwinyi emphasized Tanzania’s support for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the world’s largest free trade zone, which aims to unify the market across Africa. He reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to expanding mutually beneficial cooperation.
Trade between Tanzania and Indonesia has significantly increased, with exports from Dar es Salaam rising from $13 million in 2019 to $33.77 million in 2023. Key Tanzanian exports to Indonesia include tobacco, cocoa, beans, groundnuts, cloves, cotton, and palm oil.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Tanzania and Indonesia, a milestone underscoring their growing friendship. Dr. Mwinyi invited Indonesian investors to explore opportunities in Tanzania’s agriculture, minerals, tourism, blue economy, oil, and gas sectors.
He also praised Indonesia for its support in developing Tanzanian human resources through training programs and called for more scholarships and exchange programs in fields such as medical sciences, engineering, fisheries, tourism, agriculture, and ICT.
During the forum, Tanzania and Indonesia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on medicine control and medical equipment. The MoU, signed by Dr. Adam Fimbo of the Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority and Dr. Taruna Ikrar of Indonesia’s Food and Drug Control Authority, aims to enhance cooperation on drug registration, inspection, and information sharing.
Earlier this year, President Samia Suluhu Hassan visited Indonesia, resulting in agreements to boost trade, investment, and collaboration in the oil and gas sector. Indonesia’s PT Pertamina (Persero) has expanded its role in the Mnazi Bay oil and gas block and provided training for Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) employees.
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