Egypt is actively pursuing initiatives to reclaim agricultural land and establish logistics hubs in Tanzania. This interest aims to enhance cooperation on water management among Nile Basin nations and bolster agricultural productivity and trade between the two countries.
Strengthening Diplomatic Ties
During a recent press conference in Tanzania’s capital, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan emphasized their commitment to cultivating a strategic partnership. President Hassan commended the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project, noting its significance for regional collaboration. The project, which involves a 2,115-megawatt hydropower plant, was contracted by Egypt in December 2018 and represents a step toward sustainable energy and resource management.
Sisi highlighted the cooperative aspects of this venture, stating that the hydropower project serves as a model for mutual development and prosperity. In light of these discussions, the two leaders signed two memoranda of understanding focused on transport, electricity, and renewable energy, underscoring their determination to deepen bilateral relations.
Agricultural Initiatives and Food Security
One of the pivotal topics discussed during their meeting was a proposed agricultural land reclamation project in Tanzania. Sisi articulated that this initiative aims to boost food security for both nations by addressing the demand for essential crops. The plan entails expanding agricultural efforts in phases, with an ultimate goal of enabling exports.
In addition, Sisi expressed Egypt’s readiness to contribute to the modernization and development of the Port of Dar es Salaam. He emphasized the importance of integrating this project into wider regional logistics networks to facilitate trade and economic growth, not just between Egypt and Tanzania but across neighboring countries.
Enhancing Trade and Infrastructure
The two leaders also explored the establishment of a shipping route connecting the Egyptian port of Safaga with Dar es Salaam. They discussed creating a multimodal corridor linking Cairo and Dar es Salaam, intended to support a range of joint development projects. Sisi noted that these discussions aim to reinforce mutual understanding and collaborative efforts among the Nile Basin countries.
Tanzania features prominently among the 11 nations that share the Nile River, which includes countries like Uganda, Ethiopia, and Sudan. Egypt’s Water Resources and Irrigation Ministry recently urged these nations to re-evaluate their agreements relating to water usage, particularly concerning the Entebbe Agreement, amid rising concerns about Egypt’s vital water resources.
Business Collaborations
The meeting culminated with the presence of Egyptian and Tanzanian business leaders, who engaged in discussions focused on trade and investment opportunities. Sisi highlighted positive outcomes from these dialogues, underscoring the significance of the two signed memoranda of understanding. The agreements pave the way for collaborative projects in agriculture, livestock, and various infrastructure developments.
Trade statistics reveal a growing relationship, with trade between Egypt and Tanzania totaling $12.3 million in the first quarter of 2026 and a recorded increase in Egyptian exports. This uptrend not only reinforces the economic bond but also reflects the shared vision for sustainable growth and mutual benefit in agriculture and logistics.
The ongoing dialogue and collaborative projects between Egypt and Tanzania underscore a promising future for cooperation, marked by a commitment to fostering economic ties and managing shared water resources effectively.