Tanzania has launched a revised National Foreign Policy aimed at strengthening its international influence, enhancing economic diplomacy, and responding to global challenges, while honouring the Pan-African legacy of founding president Mwalimu Julius Nyerere.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan unveiled the updated policy during a high-level ceremony held at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam. The event was attended by Zanzibar President Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, members of the Diplomatic Corps, senior government officials, and private sector representatives.

In her keynote address, President Samia said the revised policy was a timely response to global shifts in trade, security, and diplomacy.

“This policy speaks of who we are, firm in our values, proactive in our diplomacy, and committed to constructive partnerships that advance peace, security, and shared prosperity,” she said.

The new policy builds on Tanzania’s historic leadership in African diplomacy, particularly under Nyerere, who positioned the country as a key voice in regional liberation, unity, and non-alignment. It also aligns with modern priorities such as regional integration, climate action, digital transformation, and diaspora engagement.

Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo outlined the policy’s ten strategic pillars, which include Economic Diplomacy, Peace and Security, Ratification of Treaties, Participation in Global and Regional Bodies, Promotion of Kiswahili, International Resource Mobilisation, Blue Economy Development, Diaspora Engagement, Human Rights and Good Governance, and Climate Leadership.

A key innovation in the policy is the introduction of a Special Status for Tanzanians in the diaspora, allowing non-citizen nationals abroad to own land, register businesses, and invest in Tanzania legally.

President Samia called for the involvement of retired diplomats in training current foreign service officers, aiming to strengthen the country’s diplomatic capacity.

Zanzibar President Dr. Mwinyi welcomed the policy as a tool for expanding Tanzania’s diplomatic reach and unlocking social and economic potential.

“Tanzania continues to position itself globally, and the revised policy aligns with evolving global needs,” he said. “This policy will benefit both the Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar.”

Since taking office in 2021, President Samia has made strategic regional visits to Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Mozambique, and Zambia, reviving trade and diplomatic ties. Her administration has promoted Tanzania as a leader in peacekeeping, climate resilience, and infrastructure development.

Tanzania’s growing stature was recently reflected in its invitation to the high-level meeting on the Lobito Corridor Development Project in Angola under the G7’s Global Infrastructure Initiative, and the election of Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi as the next WHO Africa Regional Director.

The policy also supports Tanzania’s active role in regional peace efforts, including contributions to security in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province and President Samia’s leadership as Chair of the SADC Organ in 2024.

Earlier this year, she also unveiled a statue of Mwalimu Nyerere at the African Union headquarters in Ethiopia, a symbolic gesture recognising Tanzania’s foundational role in Pan-Africanism.

The government says the revised National Foreign Policy is a blueprint for future engagement that balances Tanzania’s traditional values with current global demands.

“This is not just a change of direction, it’s a renewal of purpose,” President Samia said. “We are positioning Tanzania as a confident, capable, and committed partner on the world stage.”