5th India–Tanzania Joint Trade Committee Held; Bilateral Trade Crosses $9 Billion

Officials emphasized that this growth is not merely incremental but indicative of expanding sectoral diversification and deeper economic integration.

In a significant boost to South-South economic cooperation, India and Tanzania have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral trade, investment, and strategic collaboration across a wide spectrum of sectors during the 5th Session of the India–Tanzania Joint Trade Committee (JTC), held on April 29–30, 2026, in Dar es Salaam.

Co-chaired by India's Commerce Secretary Shri Rajesh Agrawal and Tanzania's Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Amb. Dr. Samwel William Shelukindo, the high-level meeting marked a pivotal moment in advancing a modern, diversified, and future-ready economic partnership between the two nations.

Trade Crosses $9 Billion, Signals Strong Upward Trajectory

The latest figures underline the growing strength of bilateral commerce. India–Tanzania trade reached USD 9.02 billion in 2025–26, up from USD 8.64 billion in the previous fiscal year, reflecting sustained growth since the last JTC session in 2017.

Officials emphasized that this growth is not merely incremental but indicative of expanding sectoral diversification and deeper economic integration. With both economies showing resilience amid global uncertainties, the partnership is increasingly seen as a model for emerging market cooperation.

Local Currency Trade and Digital Infrastructure: A New Economic Paradigm

One of the standout developments from the discussions was the push toward trade settlement in local currencies, aimed at reducing dependence on third-party currencies and enhancing financial efficiency.

Equally transformative is India's offer to share its globally recognized Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) ecosystem, including:

• India Stack

• Real-time payment systems (UPI-like frameworks)

• DigiLocker and digital identity solutions

These tools are expected to accelerate financial inclusion, streamline governance, and unlock new opportunities in Tanzania's digital economy.

$1.1 Billion Development Partnership Transforming Lives

India's development cooperation continues to be a cornerstone of the relationship. With Lines of Credit exceeding USD 1.1 billion, India is supporting major water infrastructure projects across Tanzania.

These initiatives are expected to:

• Benefit over 6 million people

• Cover 24 towns

• Improve access to clean water and urban infrastructure

This large-scale intervention underscores India's role as a long-term development partner focused on tangible, grassroots impact.

Sectoral Expansion: From Mining to Healthcare and Beyond

The JTC meeting showcased an ambitious expansion of cooperation across critical sectors:

Mining and Gemstones Both sides explored opportunities in geological exploration, mineral extraction, and value addition in the gemstone sector—an area where Tanzania holds global significance.

Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals India proposed deeper collaboration in:

• Oncology and specialized medicine

• Telemedicine and digital health

• Joint research on diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS

Agriculture and Food SecurityDiscussions highlighted:

• Technology transfer and agro-processing

• Trade in pulses, including pigeon peas

• Micro-irrigation and contract farming

• Dairy and livestock value chains

Energy and SustainabilityA comprehensive partnership is being envisioned across:

• Renewable energy

• Natural gas and biofuels

• Power transmission and hybrid energy systems

Education, Skills, and Innovation Take Center Stage

A major highlight was the growing role of IIT Madras Zanzibar, positioned as a regional hub for advanced education in science and technology. The two countries are also expanding collaboration in:

• Vocational training

• Industrial research

• Innovation ecosystems

• MSME development

These initiatives aim to build a future-ready workforce aligned with industrial growth and digital transformation.

Infrastructure and Industrial Cooperation Deepens

India has extended support in:

• Railway modernization, including locomotives and rolling stock

• Shipbuilding and port infrastructure development

• Urban development and housing

Such collaboration is expected to strengthen Tanzania's logistics backbone and enhance regional connectivity across East Africa.

Blue Economy and Fisheries: A New Frontier

Recognizing the importance of marine resources, both nations agreed to enhance cooperation in:

• Aquaculture

• Fish processing

• Sustainable marine management

This aligns with broader goals of food security, employment generation, and sustainable economic growth.

Business-to-Business Engagement Gains Momentum

On the sidelines of the JTC, an India–Tanzania Joint Business Meet, led by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), brought together leading enterprises from both countries.

Key themes included:

• Expanding Indian investment in East Africa

• Strengthening supply chains

• Building a more integrated regional market

The event highlighted growing private-sector confidence and the increasing role of businesses in driving bilateral ties.

Addressing Trade Barriers and Enhancing Market Access

The two sides also engaged in detailed discussions on:

• Tariffs and regulatory procedures

• Phytosanitary measures

• Standardization and mutual recognition agreements

Both countries agreed to maintain continuous dialogue to resolve these issues and improve ease of doing business.

A Forward-Looking Partnership

The 5th JTC concluded with a strong commitment to:

• Accelerate implementation of ongoing projects

• Expand cooperation into emerging sectors

• Strengthen institutional mechanisms for sustained engagement

The next session of the Joint Trade Committee will be held in New Delhi, signaling continuity and momentum in this evolving partnership.