Cooperation between China and Tanzania is contributing to the realization of the Global South Development Agenda
The bilateral relationship between China and Tanzania has improved significantly in the 21st century. Their cooperation spans various international platforms where both countries advocate for the interests of the Global South. The arenas include the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, which promotes mutual respect and sovereignty, equality and peace among the member states. In particular, the cooperation extends to improving the digital and the blue economy under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, fostering growth and innovation in these critical sectors. To promote sustainable development and deeper economic integration among the members of the Global South, Chinese companies have played a critical role in executing strategic development projects in Tanzania including the construction of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, which is the longest heated pipeline in the world, covering 1,443 kilometers running from Uganda to Tanzania, the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Station with an installed capacity of 2,115 megawatts (the largest in East Africa), the Mtwara-Dar es Salaam Natural Gas Pipeline and improvement of the National ICT Broadband Backbone Network.
Other forums include the G77+China, which enables Global South countries to advocate their economic interests and strengthen their negotiations within the United Nations, hence promoting South-South cooperation. Both countries are members of the Non-Aligned Movement which stands for the interests of developing countries in the UN Security Council.
For almost a decade, China has been the largest source of foreign direct investment in Tanzania with more than 260 development projects that have created more than 114,000 jobs for the local people. These projects range from manufacturing, construction, agriculture, transportation to services. Notable projects include the expansion of Tanzanian ports, the Kigongo-Busisi Bridge, the longest bridge in East and Central Africa, and the construction of the fifth phase of the Standard Gauge Railway from Isaka to Mwanza by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation. These projects, which not only benefit Tanzanians but also ensure the alignment and implementation of the Global South Development Agenda, are maintained to enhance connectivity and promote economic integration among developing and member countries.
China has been the largest trading partner of Tanzania for more than a decade. In 2023, the bilateral trade volume stood at $8.78 billion, an increase of 5.6 percent year-on-year. To improve the bilateral trade situation, Tanzania has opened its economic and industrial zones for Chinese companies to invest, produce and sell in neighboring markets ensuring a win-win situation between the two countries. On the other hand, Tanzania exports a variety of agricultural and mineral products to China. The agricultural exports consist of sisal products, sesame seeds, tobacco and cotton. Mineral products include copper ores, precious stones and gold. Additionally, Tanzania supplies lobsters, fresh or chilled, as part of its seafood exports to China. This engagement is in line with the Global South Development Agenda goal of ensuring member countries increase their bilateral trade to foster economic integration and self-sustaining economic growth, thereby reducing their dependency on the traditional economic powers.
Educational and cultural exchanges between China and Tanzania have been an important part of the bilateral engagement. Currently, about 1,000 Tanzanian students are pursuing their studies in China at undergraduate, master's and PhD levels through different scholarships offered by the Chinese government. The Chinese government has also sponsored Tanzania government officials for short-time courses and workshops which include site and factory visits providing them with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in various sectors. China has two Confucius Centers in Tanzania located in the University of Dar es Salaam and the Dodoma University which signifies the importance of cultural exchanges, including language learning, which are significant for building shared Global South values, knowledge and experience.
The health sector is one of the key focuses of the bilateral relationship between China and Tanzania. For decades, this relationship has been strengthened by deploying Chinese medical teams in Tanzania including the recent visit by the "Peace Ark", which docked at Dar es Salaam Port on July 16, 2024, providing medical services to more than 5,000 local residents. China has been building hospitals in Tanzania including Mnazi Mmoja Hospital, the largest public hospital in Zanzibar, Abdulla Mzee Hospital and 76 residential quarters for medical personnel in Pemba, Zanzibar. This engagement extends to the fight against HIV/AIDS, malaria and other communicable diseases. The efforts of the Chinese government reflect the Global South's commitment to addressing common health issues affecting member countries through collective engagement.
These are some highlights of the bilateral relationship between China and Tanzania which exemplify the principles of the Global South Development Agenda. China works with other countries with respect and on an equal footing.
The 2024 FOCAC summit is being held in Beijing from Sept 4 to 6, signaling further cooperation between China and Africa in several key areas. These areas include modernizing the existing cooperation to build a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future, the expansion of trade and tapping investment opportunities including enhancing further BRI engagement, particularly in infrastructure development. Global challenges such as climatic change and public health will also be issues for discussion. The outcomes of the summit will particularly strengthen the bilateral relationship between China and Tanzania by enhancing their cooperation and further aligning it with the Global South Development Agenda.
The author is a Ph.D. student at the Institute of South-South Cooperation and Development at Peking University. The author contributed this article to China Watch, a think tank powered by China Daily.
