Samia pledges stronger trade ties with Zambia

President Samia Suluhu Hassan has pledged to foster deeper economic integration between Tanzania and Zambia.

At the celebrations of Zambia’s 59th Independence Anniversary on Tuesday, where she was the guest of honour, President Hassan expressed her commitment to furthering the historic bilateral ties between the two countries.

Addressing a captivated audience, President Hassan highlighted the significance of the day by recalling the enduring struggle for independence that both countries shared.

“I give tribute to our founding fathers, who passionately believed in a common cause, fought for it, and paved the way for future prosperity,” she stated while stressing the importance of unity and diversity in shaping Zambia into a strong nation.

On economic transformation, she crucially underlined the concept of equitable resource distribution, asserting that the people must remain at the centre of all initiatives. “We underscore the need for the people to be at the centre of our initiatives,” she stated firmly.

Highlighting her commitment to people-centred initiatives and in line with our ambition to further ease business between our two countries, “My administration has made a decision to allocate 20 hectares of land at the Kwala Dry Port in the Coastal region for consignments destined for Zambia,” she noted.

She further added that Zambian importers will be given a longer free storage period that goes up to 45 days. The move will further boost trade between the two countries and create more trade opportunities for their two peoples. “This is a gift from Tanzania as you celebrate your independence,” President Hassan noted.

She assured the audience that Tanzania’s modernization and mechanisation of the Dar es Salaam port would ensure it functions effectively, efficiently, and seamlessly. She urged the Zambian business community to seize the unique opportunity for increased trade and collaboration.

The Head of State also pledged to enhance energy security and power supply by linking the seven African power pools with the eastern power pools.

“We are committed to transforming the existing Tanzania-Zambia Mafuta pipeline (Tazama) and constructing a new natural gas pipeline from Dar es Salaam to Zambia,” she announced.

President Hassan reiterated Tanzania’s unwavering support for Zambia. “I would like to assure you, Zambian sisters and brothers, that Tanzania will remain an extended family member, a reliable friend, and a strategic partner,” she declared.

On the other hand, President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia expressed his gratitude for President Hassan’s presence at Zambia’s independence celebrations, emphasising the deep-rooted connection between the two countries.

He highlighted the historical significance of their geographical proximity and the invaluable relationships between their people.

President Hichilema affirmed their collective responsibility to rehabilitate and develop the shared endowments that history has gifted them, such as the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (Tazara), pipeline expansion, and clean energy opportunities.

“Our cooperation would be instrumental in improving the efficiency of transportation corridors in the Southern African Development Community,” he stated.

Both leaders underscored the importance of bilateral cooperation, regional integration, and global partnerships, with an emphasis on peace, security, and stability.

They recognised the interdependence between political stability and economic progress, urging leaders worldwide to work diligently to sustain peace and prosperity.

“In a world where instability anywhere can disrupt stability everywhere, we call on all global leaders to build peace and stable nations for the economic transformation agenda to thrive,” said President Hichilema.