Dodoma, 27 April 2023 (TDI): President Paul Kagame Arrived in Tanzania on Thursday for a two-day working visit to cement bilateral relations between the two neighboring countries. The President of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu visited Rwanda two years ago.
During the press conference, President Kagame asserted that there exists a strong bond of friendship between Rwanda and Tanzania. He referred to the late Mwalimu Juliuls’s support of his country in wartime against Uganda back in 1978, saying:
“The seeds of tanzania and rwanda’s relations were planted decades ago, and they continue to bear fruit today”
Furthermore, he said that both the neighboring states have common aspirations to improve the lives of the citizens. He added that Africa has a competitive edge thanks to the enterprising young population of the continent. They only need to foster an environment that supports them.
Trade Relations
Tanzania and Rwanda are key trade partners. Several businesses have grown their presence in Tanzania. Statistics from 2021 show that Tanzania’s Rwanda’s export to Rwanda surged quadrupled, from $60 million to $278 million.
Rwanda’s exports to Tanzania doubled from $2.2 million to $1.3 million. Additionally, both inbound and outbound goods from Rwanda pass through the Central Corridor, linking Rwanda to Tanzania’s port of Dar es Salam.
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Rwandans’ Expectations
The implementation of this engagement will have a direct impact on the lives of Rwandans, particularly those in the logistics business. The long overdue train line named Dar es Salaam-Isaka-Kigali rail line, connecting the two nations, is anticipated to revolutionize the logistics industry. It will also have a huge impact on the freight transportation industry. Moreover, it will significantly advance the nation’s goal of utilizing its strategic location to become a regional commerce hub.
Thus Rwandans have high expectations of the fate of this strategic infrastructure project that is likely to be discussed.
