By Business Insider Reporter
In a significant boost to UK-Tanzania economic relations, the United Kingdom’s newly appointed Trade Envoy to East Africa, Kate Osamor MP, has arrived in Tanzania for her first official visit from 9–11 June 2025.
The visit marks a renewed chapter in the UK’s strategic engagement with Tanzania and the broader East African region – signaling a deepening commitment to fostering sustainable growth, innovation and long-term investment.
Tanzania, one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies with ambitious development goals outlined in its Vision 2050 strategy, stands as a key partner in the UK’s international trade agenda.
Ms Osamor’s visit reflects not only the UK’s intent to scale up its economic footprint in East Africa, but also its dedication to supporting inclusive prosperity through impactful trade and investment partnerships.
Appointed as the UK Trade Envoy to Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, Ms Osamor plays a pivotal role in advancing bilateral trade relations and promoting sustainable investment opportunities.
Her three-day programme in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar includes a series of high-level engagements designed to expand collaboration in key sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing, digital innovation, and critical minerals – sectors identified as vital to Tanzania’s economic transformation.
During her visit, Ms Osamor will meet with senior government officials, private sector leaders, and UK-affiliated enterprises, focusing on creating stronger commercial ties and unlocking new investment flows.
Key highlights of the visit include a high-level meeting with the Minister of Planning and Investment, aimed at exploring avenues for deeper economic collaboration.
Ms Osamor will also tour major UK-affiliated enterprises, including Diageo’s Serengeti Breweries and the Kazi Yetu Tea Factory, to engage directly with local business operations and innovation.
In Zanzibar, she will hold discussions with the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA) to identify potential areas for investment cooperation. Additionally, she will participate in a a, featuring prominent UK-linked companies such as Vodacom, MECCO, Tower & Co, Kabanga Nickel, and Propav.
The visit comes on the heels of the East Africa Trade and Investment Forum (EATIF) held in London – the first UK event dedicated to strengthening commercial ties with East Africa.
Organised by the UK Government, EATIF brought together public and private sector leaders from Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, reinforcing the UK’s position as a trusted trade and development partner.
At the forum, two landmark announcements underscored the UK’s deepening economic partnership with East Africa.
First, a US$100 million trade finance facility was launched in collaboration with Standard Chartered Bank, aimed at supporting businesses in Kenya and Tanzania, with the potential to unlock over US$450 million in trade volumes.
Second, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Geological Survey of Tanzania and the British Geological Survey, focusing on enhancing geological research, mining governance, and the sustainable management of mineral resources
Ahead of her visit, Ms Osamor expressed her enthusiasm: “I am delighted to be visiting Tanzania for the first time in my role as the UK Trade Envoy to East Africa. I am excited to meet with Tanzanian businesses, hear directly from local entrepreneurs, and see firsthand the innovation and ambition shaping this economy. This visit is about building meaningful connections – strengthening the bridge between UK investment and Tanzania’s dynamic growth.”
Marianne Young, the British High Commissioner to Tanzania, noted: “The UK is proud to be working hand-in-hand with Tanzania to drive forward a modern and inclusive vision of economic growth. Last month’s East Africa Trade and Investment Forum in London demonstrated just how much potential exists when government, public and private sectors come together across borders. “This visit builds on the momentum of that forum, and on the foundation of our Mutual Prosperity Partnership, which continues to open doors for investment, innovation, and shared opportunity.”
