President Samia Suluhu with her delegation when she departed for Moscow

Suluhu noted that the visit comes at a crucial moment as Tanzania prepares to begin implementing its National Vision 2050. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu has departed the country for the Russian Federation on a state visit aimed at strengthening diplomatic, trade and investment relations between Tanzania and Russia.

In a statement before departure, Suluhu said the visit follows an invitation from Russian President Vladimir Putin and marks a rare milestone in Tanzania’s diplomatic history, being only the second state visit by a Tanzanian Head of State to Russia since the historic trip by founding leader Mwalimu Julius Nyerere in October 1969.

Coming at a time when Moscow is actively engaging world leaders through high-level diplomatic exchanges, the visit places Tanzania among a select group of countries deepening strategic ties with Russia amid a changing global order.

“I have today left the country heading to the Russian Federation for a state visit following an invitation from His Excellency President Vladimir Putin,” she said.

“This is a significant visit, coming more than five decades after the one undertaken by our Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere.”

Suluhu noted that the visit comes at a crucial moment as Tanzania prepares to begin implementing its National Vision 2050, which places strong emphasis on private sector participation as a key driver of economic transformation.

“This visit is particularly important as we approach the implementation of Vision 2050, which calls for increased participation of the private sector in national development,” she said.

During the visit, she added, discussions will focus on expanding cooperation in strategic sectors that directly impact citizens’ livelihoods, including energy, infrastructure, agriculture, education, and industrial development.

“We will hold discussions with our hosts aimed at strengthening cooperation in strategic sectors that touch the lives of our people,” President Suluhu said.

She noted that their focus is to ensure that this partnership translates into tangible benefits for ordinary citizens.

The Head of State further revealed that she will also participate in business and investment forums aimed at showcasing Tanzania’s economic opportunities to Russian investors, while also working to expand export markets for Tanzanian goods.

“We shall take part in business and investment platforms to present the opportunities available in our country. At the same time, we are working to open wider market access for Tanzanian products in Russia and beyond," she said.

The visit is expected to reinforce Tanzania’s foreign policy agenda of economic diplomacy, with an emphasis on attracting foreign direct investment and strengthening bilateral cooperation with key global partners.

The delegation accompanying the President is expected to engage in a series of high-level meetings, bilateral talks, and investment promotion sessions throughout the visit. The Star