Tanzania Targets $2 Billion in Russian Investment as Western Ties Fray After Disputed Election

President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s first state visit to Moscow in 57 years opened discussions in healthcare, mining and energy as Dar es Salaam seeks to diversify partnerships amid Western criticism.

Tanzania is seeking more than $2 billion in Russian investment and business deals over the next three to five years as President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government deepens ties with Moscow following a disputed election that strained relations with Western capitals and the African Union.

The projected deals, valued at approximately Sh5.2 trillion in local currency, were announced on June 7 by John Ulanga, Tanzania’s ambassador and director of economic diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation. “Based on the discussions held on trade and investment, we are confident that within the next three to five years, Tanzania will attract investments and business worth more than $2 billion,” he said. “This will position Russia among Tanzania’s key development partners.”

The announcement followed Hassan’s first state visit by a Tanzanian leader to Russia in 57 years, which included participation in the St Petersburg International Economic Forum. Tanzanian officials held talks with Russian companies interested in healthcare, mining, energy, agriculture and technology.

Healthcare emerged as a major area of potential cooperation. Russian companies expressed interest in pharmaceutical manufacturing and local vaccine production, with Ulanga stating that within five years they could partner with Tanzania to produce up to 20 million vaccine doses annually for domestic use and regional markets. Russian firms also expressed interest in uranium, nickel and other critical minerals, as well as oil and gas sector development through companies including Gazprom.

A report by Accra Street Journal noted that Tanzania’s pivot toward Moscow comes after its relations with Western partners deteriorated following the disputed October 29, 2025 elections. Hassan was declared the landslide winner, but opposition groups accused the government of fraud and protested the exclusion of main challengers. The protests were followed by a security crackdown, an internet shutdown and restrictions on political activity.

The US Department of State said the government’s actions raised “grave concerns about the direction of our bilateral relationship and the reliability of the Tanzanian Government as a partner,” announcing a comprehensive review. The European Union expressed concern over “violence, the internet shutdown as well as reports of irregularities.” Britain, Canada and Norway issued a joint statement expressing concern over reported deaths and injuries. The African Union election observation mission concluded that the elections “did not comply with AU principles, normative frameworks, and other international obligations and standards for democratic elections.”

Despite the deepening engagement with Moscow, Tanzanian officials said they are not abandoning Western partners. Planning and Investment Minister Kitila Mkumbo said Tanzania would continue seeking opportunities that support its development priorities. “As we implement Vision 2050, we must seek investment opportunities across the world,” he said. Foreign Affairs Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo added that the visit had positioned Tanzania within Russia’s wider strategy of expanding cooperation with African countries in trade, investment and development.

Source: Accra Street Journal 

Last Updated on June 9, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.

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