Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan has rejected suggestions that Tanzania is under international sanctions.
Speaking at the 29th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Russia, she said the country remains open for business and firmly committed to attracting foreign investment despite growing international scrutiny.
Addressing delegates and global investors, Samia insisted that Tanzania continues to pursue its development agenda without the constraints of sanctions.
“You asked me about sanctions and how we will move forward with development. I want to assure you that Tanzania is not under sanctions. We are not under sanctions, and we are continuing to organise ourselves to develop our country. But we are not under sanctions,” President Samia stated during the high-level panel discussion.
Her remarks came during a plenary session that brought together some of the world’s most influential political figures, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and Chinese Vice President Han Zheng.
The SPIEF forum, held annually in St. Petersburg since 1997, is one of the world’s major platforms for international economic dialogue, bringing together heads of state, policymakers, investors and corporate leaders to discuss global trade, investment flows and economic cooperation.
This year’s edition focused on strengthening pragmatic economic partnerships amid shifting global geopolitical dynamics.
Samia used the platform to position Tanzania as a stable and attractive destination for foreign investment, highlighting the government’s commitment to improving the business environment and expanding opportunities for international capital.
She pointed to key sectors, including infrastructure development, energy, mining, tourism, and industrial growth, as priority areas for investment. The President also underscored ongoing efforts to modernise Tanzania’s economy and strengthen its role as a regional trade and logistics hub.
Her remarks come as Tanzania seeks to deepen trade and investment ties with Russia and other non-Western partners amid ongoing tensions with the European Union over a €156 million development funding package linked to the aftermath of the 2025 general election.
The funding was effectively frozen in late 2025 after European Parliament committees objected to the proposed package, prompting the European Commission to suspend its implementation.
Earlier this month, European lawmakers again moved to maintain pressure by blocking a revised version of the funding, extending uncertainty over the disbursement.
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