President Samia Suluhu Hassan made a historic state visit to Russia from June 3 to 5, 2026, at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin. This was the second state visit by a sitting Tanzanian head of state in 57 years, following President Julius Nyerere’s visit to the Soviet Union in October 1969.
The visit attracted international attention not because Tanzania was abandoning its traditional partners, but because it occurred just after the disputed October 2025 general election, which sparked nationwide protests that resulted in significant casualties.
The visit also took place amid global tensions, with Russia at the centre of the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Any world leader visiting Moscow is closely watched by Western governments.
Nevertheless, the visit underscores Africa’s growing strategic importance. The contemporary competition for influence in Africa continues in new forms. Countries including China, the United States, India, Russia, and the European Union are competing not for territorial conquest but for economic opportunities, market access, political influence, access to resources, and strategic partnerships.
The visit demonstrates Africa’s independent foreign policy—the ability of African nations to engage with different global powers based on their national interests.
READ MORE: Tapping Into Multipolarity: The Pragmatic Shift in Tanzania’s Foreign Policy
This shows that President Samia’s visit to Russia represents not a shift in Tanzania’s diplomatic principles but rather a continuation of Tanzania’s long-standing relationship, commitment to the Non-Aligned Movement, national sovereignty, strategic engagement, economic pragmatism, and adaptation to the changing global order.
Sustainable relations
The relationship between Tanzania and Russia has existed since the decolonisation era and has always been sustainable and friendly, based on mutual benefits. The USSR supported Tanzania during its fight for independence and was among the first countries to recognise Tanganyika’s independence, establishing official diplomatic relations on December 11, 1961.
This growing cooperation led to President Julius Nyerere’s state visit to Russia in October 1969.
The Russian House in Dar es Salaam was established on December 1, 1990, to promote science and Russian culture in Tanzania. Cooperation between the two countries has continued to grow. In 2016, Tanzania hosted the bilateral economic forum Russia–Africa Summit in Dar es Salaam.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister of Tanzania at that time, Kassim Majaliwa, participated in the first Russia-Africa Summit, a historic event that took place on October 23-24, 2019, in Sochi, Russia. The summit laid the foundation for new integration between Russia and Africa.
President Samia’s visit to Russia is therefore a continuation of these historic events between the two countries.
Guiding principles
Tanzania’s foreign policy consists of guiding principles that determine how the United Republic interacts with other actors in the international system to achieve its national interests. Among the key guiding principles are national sovereignty and non-alignment.
The principle of national sovereignty seeks to safeguard Tanzania’s territorial integrity, freedom, and political independence. This principle justifies Tanzania’s visit to Moscow as not being a new phenomenon, but rather a continuation of Tanzania’s long-standing belief that it is a sovereign nation with full autonomy to engage in international relations with any state it deems appropriate.
The principle of non-alignment also justifies Tanzania’s visit to Moscow, as it positions Tanzania as a neutral actor within the international system. According to this principle, Tanzania is not influenced by any hegemonic power and is therefore free to maintain relations with the United States, Russia, India, China, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the European Union whenever it considers such engagement beneficial to its national interests.
Significance
The recent visit of Tanzania to Russia holds significant importance for both parties in economic and social aspects. The visit is likely to lead to increased investment between the two countries.
READ MORE: Putin Calls for Stronger Russia–Tanzania Trade as Samia Visits Moscow
President Putin noted that there was a 20 to 25 percent increase in trade turnover in 2025. This figure is expected to increase further in sectors such as mining, oil and gas, transport and communication, agriculture, and tourism. The establishment of direct flights by Air Tanzania to Moscow would increase tourism and facilitate movement of people between the two countries.
There has been considerable criticism of President Samia’s visit to Moscow from both domestic and international actors, with many arguing that the visit could jeopardise Tanzania’s relations with Western nations amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
However, considering the historical background, foreign policy principles, and the economic benefits for both parties, the visit was potentially beneficial and came at an opportune time. The visit portrayed Tanzania as a key player in the international system with full sovereignty to act in accordance with its foreign policy.
Moreover, the visit is expected to strengthen the relationship between Tanzania and Russia whilst expanding cooperation in key sectors that contribute to the economic development of both countries.
Yasri Juma Othman is a Master’s student in International Cooperation and Development at the Open University of Tanzania. He’s available at +255 621 863 919 or at Othmanyasri44@gmail.com. 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.
2 responses
It is well organized and argued keep it up dear student of MAICD
This vist keep the strength to the relationship between Tanzania and Russia and full of benefits betweend these two countries