By Business Insider Reporter
The President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s official state visit to the Russian Federation, has opened new opportunities for trade, investment and the delivery of major development projects. Bilateral trade between the two countries is projected to reach approximately US$307.5 million (about TSh 830.25 billion).
In addition to the projected trade growth, investment commitments are expected to exceed US$434 million (TSh 1.172 trillion).
Observers note the visit comes at a time when economic ties between Tanzania and the global power are strengthening.
Over the past five years, commercial cooperation between the two countries has followed a positive trajectory, with trade value rising from US$178.8 million (TSh 483 billion) in 2020 to around US$307.5 million (TSh 830.25 billion) in 2025.
This increase reflects the success of the Sixth Phase Government’s economic diplomacy and its efforts to find new markets for Tanzanian products worldwide.
Tanzania’s exports to Russia have also grown, rising from US$7.5 million (TSh 20.25 billion) in 2020 to US$29.5 million (TSh 80 billion) in 2025. This trend signals stronger demand for Tanzanian goods in the Russian market and improved international competitiveness for those products.
Key Tanzanian exports gaining traction in Russia include black tea, tobacco, cashew nuts, coconut, roses, hides and skins, minerals and timber-based decorative products. The growth in exports is driven by product quality and concerted efforts to expand external markets.
On the import side, Tanzania continues to benefit from essential goods sourced from Russia, including fertiliser, wheat, metal products, petroleum fuels, sulphur and other raw materials used in industry and agriculture. These imports have contributed significantly to enhancing domestic production and economic development.
Beyond trade, cooperation has yielded results through Russian investment in a range of projects across Tanzania. To date, more than 70 projects worth US$434.22 million have been established in various sectors, creating over 3,018 jobs for Tanzanians and contributing to technology and skills transfer.
Among these projects, the Mkuju River uranium project in Ruvuma Region has attracted international attention. Valued at US$1.2 billion and being developed by Mantra Tanzania Ltd, a subsidiary of Russia’s ROSATOM, the project is expected to position Tanzania among Africa’s major uranium producers with a potential output of up to 3,000 tonnes per year.
Expected benefits from the project include increased government revenue through taxes and dividends and wider economic activity stimulated by the investment. The 2025 launch of a pilot uranium processing plant at Nyota, attended by President Samia, is viewed as a significant step in adding value to the country’s mineral resources.
In the energy sector, Tanzania–Russia cooperation continues through natural gas and compressed natural gas (CNG) projects carried out in partnership between Gazprom International and Anric Energy. These projects aim to increase access to clean, affordable and reliable energy for industry and households.
The transport sector is also benefiting. FESCO, in collaboration with the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), is progressing plans to improve Dar es Salaam Port infrastructure, including feasibility studies for the development of berths 14 and 15. The upgrades are expected to raise the port’s handling capacity to more than 30 million tonnes of cargo a year.
President Samia’s visit to Russia appears to be an important step in consolidating economic relations between the two nations. Analysts believe the cooperation will open fresh investment opportunities, boost international trade and strengthen Tanzania’s position as a hub for trade, energy and logistics in the East and Southern African region.
