Rwanda and Tanzania Strengthen Bilateral Ties in Trade, Energy, and Infrastructure

Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Vincent Biruta, and Tanzanian counterpart, January Makamba, have pledged to enhance bilateral cooperation between their countries across various sectors. The commitment was made during a news conference in Kigali on Tuesday, March 12, following a bilateral meeting between their delegations.

Tanzania has reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating Rwanda’s use of the port of Dar es Salaam for international trade. This move aims to streamline Rwanda’s cargo imports, which currently constitute over 80% of the port’s handling.

To further bolster trade and transportation between the two nations, Tanzania plans to improve its road infrastructure, particularly focusing on the 92-kilometer route from Rusabunga to Rusumo. Efforts are also being made to address non-harmonised levies issues raised by truckers from both countries.

Tanzania has encouraged the private sector in Rwanda to utilize land allocated to Rwanda in Kwala and Isaka. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure effective transport corridors, especially the one connecting Dar es Salaam to Rwanda.

The Rusumo Hydropower Plant, a joint project involving Rwanda, Tanzania, and Burundi, is nearing completion. Once operational, the plant will generate 27 megawatts, benefiting both Rwanda and Tanzania by adding power to their national grids later this year.

Minister Biruta highlighted the historical, cultural, and linguistic ties that bind Rwanda and Tanzania, with Kiswahili being included as Rwanda’s fourth official language in 2017. He emphasized Rwanda’s commitment to maintaining strong trade ties with Tanzania, which serves as an important trade partner due to its direct access to the Indian Ocean.

The ministers also discussed regional security issues and expressed a mutual desire to continue fostering good neighborly relations and promoting increased trade flows for the benefit of both nations.

During his visit, Minister Makamba paid respects at the Kigali Genocide Memorial and is expected to engage with students from various universities in Rwanda as part of his tour agenda.