Over the past few weeks, my Instagram and X feeds have been flooded with updates on the China–US trade drama. What started as random bits of content on my timeline quickly drew me in, and before I knew it, I was deep into news reports, podcasts, and anything that could help me make sense of what was going on.
This unexpected rabbit hole turned out to be a massive eye-opener for me, especially when it comes to power and leverage between these two global superpowers. I’m not here to pick a side (and even if I had, that’s not what this article is about).
But what kept ringing in my head throughout this process was “what does this power struggle mean for a country like Tanzania?” Are we standing to benefit or lose anything from all this? I don’t have all the answers, but join me in unpacking these questions as we reflect together.
When superpowers clash, it’s easy for the rest of us to sit back and watch like it’s a football match. The ongoing trade war between the United States and China may seem distant from daily life here in Tanzania, but make no mistake – there’s a lot we can learn from it. It is not just about tariffs or tech bans. It’s about power, influence and strategy.
And for a country like Tanzania, watching how these two giants navigate offers tangible takeaways, especially when it comes to the power of leverage, having a strong political stand, and recognising the role of the people in shaping a country’s direction.
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Power of leverage
It is not just about what you have, it’s about how you use it.
China and the US are both using what they have to get what they want. China boasts massive supply chains, while the United States commands global influence and strong consumer demand. Both know the value of their assets, and they are not afraid to use them to negotiate better deals or protect their interests.
In Tanzania, we take pride in our natural resources, including minerals, gas, fertile land, and more. But the key question is: are we truly leveraging them? Simply owning resources doesn’t automatically give us power. What matters is how we manage them.
Are we negotiating contracts that serve our long-term interests? Are we adding value before exporting, or just shipping out raw materials? To be taken seriously on the global stage, we need to think more strategically. Leverage means using what you have to shift the balance and not selling yourself short.
Strong political stand
One thing that’s clear in this US-China trade war is that both countries are firm in defending their interests. Whether you agree with them or not, their leaders have made it clear what they stand for, and they have stuck to it.
Tanzania has made big moves in the past, and at times, we have taken bold stands. But consistency is where we often struggle. Policies change with leadership, long-term plans get shelved, and sometimes we bend too easily under political pressure or external pressure.
What we can learn here is that strength isn’t just about shouting the loudest. It’s about having a clear, evidence-based position and sticking to it. If the US and China can do it in the middle of global scrutiny, so can we.
The role of the people
This part often gets overlooked. The trade war isn’t just about politicians and economists; people also play a role in it. In the US, farmers, consumers, and business lobbies have pushed the government to take specific actions. In China, growing pride in local products has helped drive investment in regional innovation and manufacturing.
In Tanzania, we often underestimate our power as citizens. But history tells us a different story. We have seen people mobilise for constitutional reform, Kariakoo traders demanding a better business environment and pushing back against “unfair” tax practices, the Maasai protest in Loliondo, etc.
If more Tanzanians understood the role they can play in shaping policies, trade and governance, we would have a stronger voice in both local and global affairs. Whether it’s holding leaders accountable, supporting local products, or pushing for better policies, the people matter—a lot.
READ MORE: International Trade Isn’t Charity: Malawi, Tanzania, and the AfCFTA Promise
A point of reflection
The reality is that when two economic giants conflict, the effects inevitably trickle down. Tanzania might not be at the centre of the storm, but we will still feel the winds. Shifts in trade directions, changes in prices, or emerging investment opportunities are all on the table.
Ponder this: if US companies want to move manufacturing away from China and explore opportunities within Africa, could Tanzania be a viable option? If China seeks new sources of raw materials or expands its market in Tanzania, are we ready to respond?
This is the main point of this piece: we need to be ready, prepared with the necessary infrastructure, policies, and workforce, and most importantly, with the right mindset. We can’t just watch the game; we need to be prepared to get on the field.
This trade war isn’t just a fight between giants. It’s a reminder that power comes in many forms—strategy, unity, vision and people. And now that we are in the process of preparing the national Vision 2050, perhaps these are the right conversations to expand. Tanzania may not be large, but we have potential. And potential, when used with purpose, is a powerful thing.
Miriam Mwaibula is a Learning and Strategy Programme Officer at Twaweza East Africa. She can be reached at mmwaibula@twaweza.org or on X as @MMwaibula. The opinions expressed here are the writer’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Chanzo. If you are interested in publishing in this space, please contact our editors at editor@thechanzo.com.
