Tanzania and Rwanda strengthened their strategic partnership in Dar es Salaam on 3 May 2026 to boost trade and integration in East Africa. Presidents Hassan and Kagame identified trade, infrastructure and energy as priorities.
Tanzania and Rwanda are strengthening their strategic partnership with the ambition of accelerating trade and deepening regional integration in East Africa. Meeting in Dar es Salaam on 3 May 2026, President Samia Suluhu Hassan and President Paul Kagame agreed to consolidate their ties around three priorities: trade, infrastructure and energy. At the heart of this momentum is the Isaka–Kigali railway project, a key component of Tanzania’s Standard Gauge Railway, designed to link Kigali to the port of Dar es Salaam. Its objective is to reduce logistics costs and shorten transit times for landlocked Rwanda, whose nearly 70% of imports and exports already pass through Tanzania.
Tanzania is indeed a key partner for Rwanda. Over the years, we have strengthened our partnership across many sectors, particularly trade and logistics, facilitating Rwanda’s connections to global markets. At this time of geopolitical uncertainty, our region must remain focused and united around a shared vision of prosperity and cooperation.
Paul Kagame, President of the Republic – Rwanda
This geopolitical rapprochement strengthens the Central Corridor, positioning Tanzania as a major alternative to Kenya. With 2.33 billion dollars invested in its railway network, Dar es Salaam aims to become the region’s main commercial gateway. For Kigali, this cooperation secures and diversifies its maritime access, which is crucial in a context of competition between trade corridors and sovereignty challenges within the East African Community.
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I’m pleased to inform you that trade between Rwanda and Tanzania has grown to reach 644 Billion Tanzanian shillings last year. Since March this year, the Tanzania Investment Center has registered a total of 42 projects from Rwanda worth 325.5 million US dollars, which have created employment for 2,225 Tanzanians. THis is a significant contribution to our economy. On Tanzania’s side, there are also several companies that have invested in Rwanda.
Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the Republic – Tanzania
Bilateral trade between the two countries has traditionally been modest but is rising, with estimates of around 200 to 300 million dollars per year in recent years. The Rusumo Falls hydropower project, with a capacity of 80 MW and shared by Rwanda, Tanzania and Burundi, is strengthening energy cooperation and access to electricity. Now nearly fully operational, with production launched in late 2023, it positions Tanzania as Rwanda’s main gateway to trade, accelerating East African economic integration through connectivity and interdependence.
