President Samia’s Speech in Russia: An Economic, Social and Diplomatic Victory!

FEATURE ARTICLE:

By Beda Msimbe, TBN, from Russia

Friday, June 5, 2026, was a historic and remarkable day when Tanzania’s President, Samia Suluhu Hassan, stood before world leaders at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum and delivered a compelling speech that carried the voice of all Tanzanians while highlighting the opportunities available in Tanzania and the country's new direction toward building a modern economy.

The forum formed an important part of President Samia’s visit to Russia, a trip that was not merely ceremonial but aimed at showcasing the vast economic and social opportunities available in Tanzania.

The warm reception and hospitality accorded to President Samia throughout her stay in Russia reflected the genuine friendship and cordial relationship between her and the host, President Vladimir Putin. The visit revived historical ties and highlighted the need for both nations to move beyond political liberation and work together toward economic emancipation and social prosperity.

While addressing participants at the economic forum, President Samia presented thought-provoking arguments that called for a reassessment of the current global order. One of the most striking points she raised was that by 2050, one out of every four people in the world will be African. She accompanied this projection with a profound question:

"Will Africa prosper and grow under whose conditions, and under whose economic model?"

This question resonated strongly amid the current geopolitical environment, where traditional partnerships are increasingly shaped by conditions, rivalries, and power struggles that often limit the development prospects of poorer nations or dictate who they can engage with.

Through a logical and forward-looking perspective, President Samia urged the world not to overlook Africa but to acknowledge reality and allow the continent to determine its own destiny.

Africa already has Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), yet there are still external forces that seek to divide African nations and create the impression that they cannot solve their own challenges.

President Putin expressed support for this position, prompting approval and applause from participants in the hall. Indeed, there are many issues that Africans themselves are capable of addressing for the benefit of humanity.

Key Areas Highlighted

During both her speech and official visit to Russia, President Samia touched on numerous issues. Several of these areas stand out as significant achievements for Tanzania.

It is worth noting that President Samia’s delegation included Tanzanian business leaders, underscoring the strong diplomatic foundation that has long existed between Tanzania and Russia.

The relationship dates back to the early years of Tanzania’s independence. Just two days after Tanganyika gained independence, Russia extended its congratulations, and it did the same following the Zanzibar Revolution.

Addressing investors, President Samia pointed out that Tanzania’s economy is growing at an annual rate of approximately six percent, making it one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies.

She also unveiled Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050, which aims to raise the average income of every Tanzanian to approximately US$7,000 while outlining numerous investment and business opportunities available across the country.

Her speech, which was repeatedly interrupted by applause, attracted considerable interest from Russian investors. Representatives of Russia’s private sector acknowledged Tanzania as a secure and politically stable market that supports business growth and capital investment.

President Samia also highlighted Tanzania’s major infrastructure transformation, particularly in railways and ports. During both the main forum and side meetings involving Tanzanian and Russian business communities, she explained the strategic importance of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), which links the Port of Dar es Salaam with Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

She further outlined a five-year plan (2026–2031) to extend the railway to Musoma and connect the southern corridor toward Malawi and Mozambique. Given Russia’s extensive experience in railway technology and transportation systems, Russian stakeholders expressed interest in providing engineering expertise and equipment to support these regional connectivity projects.

Another area that generated significant excitement was Tanzania’s improved investment environment and 24-hour business registration system. President Samia explained how investment inflows had increased from US$3 billion in 2021 to US$12 billion in 2025, largely due to reforms that enable company registration to be completed within 24 hours.

As a result of these reforms, Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) and Russian investment institutions signed cooperation agreements. The move was widely welcomed as a sign that bureaucracy is increasingly being eliminated in favor of efficiency and business-friendly governance.

Additionally, major projects such as the Bagamoyo Special Economic Zone and the Mangapwani International Cargo Port in Zanzibar attracted strong interest from major Russian shipping and maritime companies. These firms agreed to send expert teams to Tanzania to conduct feasibility studies and explore investment opportunities.

In the mining sector, President Samia emphasized Tanzania’s determination to add value to its natural resources domestically. The country possesses significant reserves of gold, uranium, nickel, graphite, helium, and rare earth minerals.

"We no longer want to export raw materials alone; we want processing industries established here at home," President Samia stated.

Russia, a global mining powerhouse, responded positively by expressing willingness to support the establishment of industrial parks and processing facilities in Tanzania to ensure minerals are refined and value-added before export.

Throughout the visit, President Samia demonstrated that Tanzania is ready for business, innovation, and strategic partnerships that contribute to the welfare and prosperity of its people.

As she concluded her speech at the St. Petersburg forum by expressing sincere gratitude to President Vladimir Putin for his hospitality, the two leaders exchanged smiles that symbolized acceptance of Tanzania’s message and the beginning of a new golden chapter in the relationship between the two nations.