More information about Tanzania is available on the Tanzania Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.

U.S.-TANZANIA RELATIONS 

The United States established diplomatic relations with Tanzania (then-Tanganyika) in 1961. The United States and Tanzania have a longstanding partnership characterized by mutual respect and aspirations for a more peaceful and prosperous future. Following the death of President John Magufuli on March 17, 2021, then-Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan was sworn in as Tanzania’s first female president. The United States had publicly expressed concern over the shrinking of democratic and civil society space, limits on media freedom, and a rise in politically motivated confrontations and violence during Magufuli’s presidency but is working constructively with the current government to address these issues. Tanzania’s governance and democracy, business climate, and relations with the United States have significantly improved in the two years since President Samia took power.

The United States remains committed to strengthening democracy in Tanzania and working with Tanzanians on women’s and children’s health, HIV/AIDS, nutrition and food security, inclusive economic growth, wildlife conservation, sustainable development, and security. Regional security remains a growing concern particularly on Tanzania’s southern border, given the insurgency in northern Mozambique that has included cross-border attacks.

Several exchange programs bring Tanzanians to the United States, including the Fulbright Program, Hubert Humphrey Fellowship, and Young African Leaders Initiative. Short term exchanges, small grants, and other public outreach programs support the development of artists, journalists, writers, civil servants, young leaders, musicians, and students. The Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation program has funded several restoration projects since 2002, including the historically significant Swahili town of Kua, historic ruins at Kilwa Kisiwani, and two mosques and an Anglican Church in Zanzibar.

U.S. Assistance to Tanzania 

The United States is Tanzania’s largest bilateral donor, and for 60 plus years has provided development and other assistance to Tanzania for capacity-building to address health and education issues, encourage democratic governance, promote broad-based economic growth, and advance regional and domestic security to sustain progress. Under the Power Africa Initiative, USAID supports the Government of Tanzania’s efforts to adopt and implement the policy and regulatory reforms necessary to attract private investment in the energy and power sectors. Peace Corps volunteers have also served in Tanzania as teachers, leaders of health education projects, and leaders of environmental projects.

Military-to-Military Relations

Tanzania is a key U.S. partner for promoting peace and regional stability in East Africa. The U.S. remains committed to supporting Tanzania through the military professionalization and development of the Tanzania People’s Defense Force (TPDF) while supporting the protection of human rights. Military assistance includes providing training primarily through the International Military Education and Training (IMET) program, enhancing maritime domain awareness and maritime security capacity building through the African Maritime Security Initiative (AMSI); peacekeeping capacity building to support readiness for UN peacekeepers deployed throughout the continent; and support assistance for security forces countering the trafficking of illicit goods and narcotics.

Bilateral Economic Relations 

Tanzania has a diverse, relatively stable economy with many opportunities for investment. In recent years, the Government of Tanzania’s (GoT) approach to economic policy and the business community has improved long-term prospects for investment and economic growth. Policies and practices during the Magufuli administration created a deteriorating environment for business and investment, which deterred foreign investors and harmed all companies operating in Tanzania. However, President Samia has made improving Tanzania’s economic environment one of her top priorities and has publicly highlighted restoring domestic and international confidence in Tanzania’s business climate. Agricultural commodities, minerals, and textiles dominate Tanzania’s exports to the United States while imports from the United States include aircraft, machinery, cereals, plastics, and milling products. Tanzania receives preferential trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act. The United States is committed to Tanzania’s long-term development as a stable, reliable, and democratic partner that is committed to growing its economy through private sector led growth to support the health, education and human rights of its people, as well as promoting peace and security domestically and regionally.

Tanzania’s Membership in International Organizations 

Tanzania belongs to a number of international organizations, including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization. Tanzania is also a member of the African Union, East African Community, and the Southern African Development Community.

Bilateral Representation

Principal embassy officials are listed in the Department’s Key Officers List.

Tanzania maintains an embassy in the United States at 1232 22nd St NW, Washington, DC 20037 (tel. 202-884-1080).

More information about Tanzania is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:

CIA World Factbook Tanzania Page 
U.S. Embassy
USAID Tanzania Page 
History of U.S. Relations With Tanzania
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative Country Page 
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics 
Export.gov International Offices Page 
Millennium Challenge Corporation: Tanzania 
Travel Information

U.S. Department of State

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