Tanzania invites Turkish investment in strategic infrastructure, energy projects

Dar es Salaam. The government of Tanzania has formally invited Turkish investors to participate in strategic sectors including infrastructure, energy, and agriculture.

This initiative aims to accelerate economic growth and bolster diplomatic relations between the two nations.

The Minister for Finance, Amb Khamis Mussa Omar, issued the call during a meeting with the Turkish Ambassador to Tanzania, Dr Bekir Gezer.

A delegation from the Turkish EXIM Bank accompanied the Ambassador to the Ministry of Finance sub-offices in Dar es Salaam.

Amb Omar specifically encouraged Turkish participation in the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway.

Turkish EXIM Bank has already expressed a strong interest in financing Lot 3 and Lot 4 of this project.

These sections are vital for connecting Dar es Salaam to the hinterland and neighbouring landlocked countries.

The completion of the railway project is expected to transform Tanzania into a premier transport and trade hub for East and Central Africa.

Amb Omar noted that the project will create a significant economic development corridor and unlock diverse investment opportunities.

He also highlighted Tanzania's rapid progress in the energy sector.

Domestic electricity production has increased from 1,700 MW to over 4,000 MW following the completion of the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project.

The government aims to reach a production capacity of 8,000 MW by 2030 and eventually 15,000 MW.

Amb Omar invited further Turkish investment through Public-Private Partnerships to meet these ambitious targets.

Regarding agriculture, Amb Omar emphasised Tanzania's vast fertile land and abundant water resources.

He suggested that Tanzania could benefit from Turkish expertise in modernising the sector to become a primary food basket for the African continent.

Ambassador Gezer reaffirmed the deep-rooted brotherhood and mutual respect shared by Tanzania and Turkey.

He praised Tanzania’s political and economic stability and its wealth of natural resources.

Ambassador Gezer remarked that the country's geographic location makes it an attractive destination for global investors.

He confirmed that Turkey remains ready to collaborate on development projects through the Turkish EXIM Bank and various private firms.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation.

Representatives from Standard Chartered Bank and the Turkish EXIM Bank were also present to discuss project financing and international relations.

This high-level engagement marks a significant step in deepening the bilateral economic partnership between the two republics.