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Tanzania, Ethiopia sign trade deals to boost economic cooperation

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the Uhuru Stadium, tanzania on March 2, 2024. (Photo: X/Abiy Ahmed)

By Bashir Mohammed | 04 Mar 2024

The bilateral agreements targeted trade, energy, agriculture, air travel, and the sharing of aviation technologies.

Tanzania and Ethiopia have inked bilateral agreements targeting trade, energy, agriculture, air travel, and the sharing of aviation technologies.

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed attended the ceremonial signing, demonstrating a commitment to enhance cooperation between the two nations.

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation confirmed on Friday that the leaders of the two countries aimed to deepen trade and bilateral relations, opening doors for new opportunities.

Tanzanian Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Co-operation, January Makamba, expressed optimism about the Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), emphasising their potential to unlock markets and stimulate investments, particularly in the coffee and tea sectors.

"Ethiopia is globally renowned for coffee and tea production; Tanzania's tea and coffee are equally popular. Therefore, how to access markets together will be an integral part of bilateral agreements during this visit," said Makamba.

Aviation sector

Ethiopia, a leading coffee producer in Africa, plans to collaborate with Tanzania in the aviation sector.

Over the past seven years, 75 Tanzanian pilots and 25 engineers have received training in Ethiopia, fostering a cooperative spirit between Ethiopian Airlines and Air Tanzania through joint commercial operations.

The two nations agreed to collaborate on power generation through technology exchange, focusing on the East African Power Pool programme.

Tanzania also seeks Ethiopian expertise to establish hydroelectric power stations and implement irrigation and land use technology to enhance electricity production, crop yields, and quality livestock products.

To combat human trafficking, both countries have committed to addressing the issue, particularly concerning Ethiopian nationals.

Tanzania has been a transit route for illegal immigrants from Ethiopia, and the joint efforts seek to dismantle human trafficking networks operating in the region.