By Correspondent Benny Mwaipaja
Efforts to increase the volume of trade between Tanzania and Norway have taken centre stage in recent diplomatic and economic engagements between the two countries, as leaders from both sides explore new opportunities to deepen their long-standing partnership.
Speaking during a meeting with the Ambassador of Norway to Tanzania, Tone Tinnes, in Dar es Salaam, the Minister of Finance, Ambassador Khamis Mussa Omar emphasised the importance of strengthening economic ties by encouraging greater trade and investment between the two nations.
Ambassador Tinnes also highlighted the need to enhance commercial exchanges, noting that the current level of trade between the two countries remains relatively modest compared to the potential that exists.
“I would like to see the level of trade between our two countries increase beyond what it is today, and I will continue encouraging more investors from Norway to come to Tanzania to invest,” she said.
Analysts say expanding trade could help Tanzania benefit from Norway’s technological expertise, particularly in sectors such as energy, environmental management and sustainable industries, while at the same time opening new markets for Tanzanian products.
The renewed focus on trade builds on more than six decades of cooperation between the two countries. According to the Minister of Finance, Tanzania and Norway have enjoyed a strong economic, social and diplomatic relationship since 1964, which has supported development in various sectors.
“Tanzania and Norway are proud of the strong economic, social and diplomatic relations that have contributed to development in many sectors,” Ambassador Omar said during the meeting.
Over the years, Norway has been a key development partner for Tanzania, supporting initiatives in energy, oil and gas, public financial management, agriculture, health, education and environmental conservation. The partnership has also extended to social protection programmes aimed at reducing poverty.
Ambassador Omar noted that the Government appreciates Norway’s continued support, including a grant of NOK 525 million (approximately TSh 136.5 billion) provided since 2020 to support poor households through the Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF) programme.
“The Government recognizes and appreciates the grant support of NOK 525 million provided since 2020 to empower poor households economically through the TASAF programme,” he said.
Beyond development cooperation, the Tanzanian government is now keen to translate the strong diplomatic relationship into increased private sector participation and investment. Ambassador Omar used the meeting to invite Norwegian businesses to explore opportunities in Tanzania, particularly in areas that can enhance value addition in agricultural production.
“We invite the Norwegian business community and investors to come and invest in Tanzania in various sectors, including adding value to agricultural products,” he said.
Norway has also expressed interest in collaborating with Tanzania in energy development and environmental conservation, including emerging opportunities in carbon trading, which is increasingly becoming a significant area for climate finance and sustainable investment.
Ambassador Tinnes noted that such cooperation could create both environmental and economic benefits.
“Norway is ready to cooperate with Tanzania in investing in the energy sector and environmental conservation, particularly carbon trading, which has significant financial potential and is also important for environmental protection,” she said.
The discussions also come at a time when Tanzania is implementing major economic reforms aimed at attracting foreign investment and strengthening its role in regional and global markets.
Ambassador Tinnes commended these efforts, describing them as an encouraging signal for international partners and investors.
“I commend the major economic and social reforms taking place in Tanzania, and Norway will continue to support these efforts for the benefit of the people of both countries,” she said.
For Tanzania, strengthening trade with Norway represents an opportunity not only to diversify its economic partnerships but also to tap into new investment flows and advanced technologies that could support long-term sustainable development. As both countries explore ways to expand commercial relations, the meeting in Dar es Salaam signals a shared commitment to transform a historically strong diplomatic partnership into a more robust economic and trade relationship in the years ahead.
