THE Tanzania-China bilateral cooperation has evolved beyond traditional government contacts, expanding into strong people-to-people connections. Today, Tanzanians and Chinese citizens often refer to each other as ‘Rafiki’, meaning ‘a friend’ in Kiswahili.

This friendship, built over decades, reflects the unique and enduring relationship between the two nations. It was initiated by Tanzania's founding fathers, the late Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere and Zanzibar’s Abeid Amani Karume, alongside China's Chairman Mao Zedong.

Recently, the Chinese Embassy in Tanzania celebrated the 75th anniversary of the proclamation of the People's Republic of China (PRC) that was made by Mao Zedong, the Chairman of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), on October 1, 1949. The event that dramatically reshaped China's modern history, has since then been on a path of rejuvenation and growth.

In tandem with these celebrations, Tanzania's government reiterated its commitment to strengthening ties with China, aiming for mutual economic growth. 

Prof Palamagamba Kabudi, Minister for Constitution and Legal Affairs, praised China's unwavering friendship over the past six decades, emphasizing that China has stood with Tanzania through both good and bad times.

“The visionary leadership of the late Nyerere and Mao laid a solid foundation for our countries’ friendship, fostering a strategic partnership that continues to connect our shared histories and future aspirations,” Prof Kabudi remarked, highlighting the recent visit of the Chinese Naval Hospital Ship 'Peace Ark,' which provided humanitarian aid and marked 60 years of bilateral military cooperation between the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (CPLA).

In addition to humanitarian initiatives, trade between China and Tanzania has flourished. Trade volume has increased from less than $100 million in 2000 to $8.8 billion in 2023—a staggering 88-fold growth. 

Prof. Kabudi encouraged Tanzanians to explore Chinese markets for agricultural products like honey, sunflower, and dried chili, which are currently in demand.

Chen Mingjian, Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania, highlighted China's role in global poverty reduction, noting that China has accounted for 75 percent of the worldwide decrease in extreme poverty. She highlighted China's leadership in green energy, being a top investor in wind, solar, and nuclear power.

It will provide a crucial link between the region and neighbouring countries—Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda.

The ambassador discussed the increase in Chinese tourist arrivals to Tanzania, which surpassed 44,000 in 2023, and the premiere of the China-Tanzania feature film ‘Welcome to Milele’, a special film that showcases their historical partnership, particularly in the liberation movement. 

The film commemorates 60 years of China dispatching its first medical team to Tanzania and highlights the enduring friendship between the two nations.

Additionally, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, along with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the renovation of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) which runs trains between Kapiri Mposhi, Mbeya and Dar es Salaam.

The project will accelerate regional trade and integration. President Xi further pledged over $50 billion in aid and loans to Africa, supporting infrastructure and agricultural modernization as part of China’s continued commitment to the continent development.

President Xi emphasized the value of global cooperation in his address at the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) stating, "If you want to go fast, walk alone; if you want to go far, walk together." He stressed the importance of a win-win partnership for sustainable, shared achievements.

Beijing’s commitment to Africa has fuelled significant infrastructure development, though some critics caution about the debt burdens these projects create. As China faces economic challenges at home and growing competition with the United States, its policies toward Africa may shift, but the strong ties between China and Tanzania remain firmly rooted in a shared vision of progress.