Dar es Salaam. President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, on Monday launched the 2001 Foreign Policy revised edition of 2024 at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam, citing sweeping global changes over the past two decades as the main reason for the policy overhaul.
President Samia stated that ongoing global political and economic shifts are forcing developing nations like Tanzania to reassess their foreign policies to remain relevant and better prepared for emerging risks.
She noted that the once-stable and predictable global supply chains have been significantly disrupted due to economic conflicts and wars in Europe and the Middle East, resulting in food and fuel insecurity worldwide.
“This situation has led major global powers to scramble to dominate and control sources of strategic energy and mineral resources critical to the green energy transition,” President Samia explained.
She warned that the rise of economic wars has ushered in monopolistic practices, weakening the global trade system and undermining fair competition.
“The emergence of trade wars has led to monopolies and protectionism, eroding the principles of global commerce and shaking the foundation of our promised globalization,” she said.
President Samia emphasized that the world has increasingly fragmented into three major blocs; the Global West, Global East, and Global South — all pursuing divergent, often adversarial, geopolitical strategies. This division, she added, forces developing countries to reevaluate their position and role on the global stage.
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“We are witnessing a global policy shift. Instead of making the world a ‘global village’ rooted in humanity, solidarity, mutual respect, and cooperation, we are now seeing a defensive posture where every side is safeguarding its interests. We can say that the globalization we were promised brought us this far, only to abandon us midstream.”
She added that these realities, alongside technological advancements, have changed the global political landscape, prompting Tanzania to adjust its foreign policy accordingly.
President Samia described the updated policy as a continuation of the country’s domestic agenda, calling it a vital tool for advancing Tanzania’s participation in international politics, economics, and global forums all while safeguarding national interests.
Key focus areas in the newly revised policy include economic diplomacy, enhanced engagement with the Tanzanian diaspora, increasing Tanzania’s influence globally, and strengthening international partnerships to tackle global challenges, including disasters.
The new policy is anchored on eight guiding principles, an update from the previous seven, following recommendations from a special review committee. The additional principle emphasizes the protection and promotion of Tanzanian culture, values, and the Swahili language.
“In today’s world, especially in the face of cultural invasion and shifting global norms, we saw the need to include a principle that defends and promotes Tanzanian traditions, morals, and the use of our esteemed Swahili language,” President Samia stated.
The other guiding principles include: Upholding the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the United Republic of Tanzania; Promoting freedom, human rights, equality, and democracy, Maintaining good neighborly relations; Fostering African unity; Strengthening economic cooperation with development partners; Pursuing a non-aligned foreign policy and Supporting United Nations efforts to address global peace, security, and development challenges
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Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, emphasized that the implementation of the new policy will require close collaboration among stakeholders, including government ministries, departments, and the private sector. His ministry, he said, is preparing a training program to educate all relevant parties on the policy.
Additionally, Kombo announced plans to deploy Economic Diplomacy Attachés to every Tanzanian embassy abroad to promote trade and investment. These officers will help Tanzanians access foreign markets and assist international investors in identifying opportunities within Tanzania.
