Expectations high as Tanzanians welcome US Vice-President

By Osoro Nyawangah, MWANZA Tanzania

Tanzania citizens await the arrival of United States Vice President, Kamala Harris, with high expectations in the economy, security, trade, other development areas, promotion of democracy and good governance areas as she jets in today for three days’ official visit.

According to the Tanzania government, the visit is of significant importance to East African country as it will strengthen relations that have existed between the two countries for many years.

Harris visited the Ghanaian capital last Sunday, the first leg in her weeklong trip to the continent as her administration sought to regain trust among African leaders against grip from China, will be in Tanzania and conclude by visiting Zambia.

President Biden's predecessor, Donald Trump made significantly less effort to engage with African countries on the economic front. That gap has strengthened China's influence and financial investments on the continent in recent years.

Tanzania’s minister for Foreign and East African Cooperation, Stergomena Tax, told a news conference in Dar es Salaam that cooperation between the two countries was mainly in the areas of investment, tourism and trade.

At least 266 American investment projects worth $4.778 billion (Sh11.178 trillion) had been registered with the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) according to the minister.

“Through the visit, the two countries are expected to maintain bilateral ties in trade, tourism, education, health, agriculture, environment, information and communication technology (ICT), as well as security and defence.” Tax said adding that Tanzania was also benefiting from the US President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief, the US President’s Malaria Initiative and Feed the Future programme.

Tanzania is among eight countries that cooperate with the US in agriculture through Feed the Future programme, seeking to ensure food security and nutrition availability.The US has allocated Sh1.9 billion for the initiative.

“This is the outcome of efforts made by President Samia Suluhu Hassan to improve relations with other countries. This particular programme was announced during the US-Africa Summit last December.” Said the minister.