DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA and Kenya are set to seal major trade and investment deals at a high-level business forum during President William Ruto’s State visit.
The Tanzania-Kenya Business Forum 2026, themed “A Renewed Tapestry of Partnership,” is a key highlight of the two-day visit from tomorrow to Tuesday (May 4 to 5), hosted by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The forum is expected to drive the signing of a series of Memoranda of Understanding and bilateral agreements aimed at advancing cooperation across key strategic sectors, including trade, transport, energy, tourism and digital connectivity.
At least 20 commercial agreements are expected to be concluded during the forum, alongside investment commitments estimated at about 500 million US dollars, underscoring a strong push to deepen economic ties between the two neighbouring countries.
The engagements will also facilitate more than 200 business-to-business meetings, providing a platform for companies from both sides to expand partnerships and unlock new opportunities across sectors.
Trade between Tanzania and Kenya has already surpassed the one billion US dollar mark, reflecting a rapidly growing economic relationship anchored in complementary strengths. Tanzania’s economy, driven by natural resources and agriculture, continues to align with Kenya’s position as a regional hub for finance, manufacturing and logistics.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Tanzania’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Dr Bernard Kibesse, said the trip marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations.
“This visit is more than a diplomatic routine; it is a demonstration of a rich history and a shared future between two nations bound by more than just a border,” he said.
He further said that the partnership has evolved into a strategic pillar of regional integration, supported by rising trade volumes, expanding investment flows and improved infrastructure connectivity.
Dr Kibesse said Kenya remains the leading African investor in Tanzania, with hundreds of firms operating across sectors such as banking, manufacturing, tourism and agriculture, while Tanzania continues to serve as a key supplier of agricultural products to the Kenyan market.
He added that more than 50 non-tariff barriers have already been resolved, with both countries working to eliminate the remaining ones by mid-2026 to further ease cross-border trade.
The High Commissioner of Kenya to Tanzania, Ms Catherine Karemu said the State visit will further consolidate the longstanding ties between the two countries and open new avenues for cooperation.
“The visit will further strengthen the strong bonds of friendship between our two countries in trade, investment, transport and infrastructure, ICT, education, tourism, energy, agriculture, livestock and fisheries,” she said.
He said that the visit also carries both symbolic and practical significance, highlighting growing collaboration in infrastructure development, connectivity and regional integration.
The envoy added that the Tanzania-Kenya Business Forum will ensure that the private sector remains central to expanding investment, driving job creation and sustaining shared prosperity between the two nations.
Beyond the forum, President Ruto is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with President Samia, address the National Assembly and witness the signing of key agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation and accelerating regional integration.
The visit is widely seen as a decisive step in translating strong political ties into tangible economic gains, with both countries positioning themselves as a more integrated and competitive economic bloc in East Africa.
source: dailynews.co.tz
