UK Minister for Africa James Duddridge visits Tanzania

In his first visit to Tanzania following the inauguration of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the Minister for Africa James Duddridge MP held high-level talks with the President and Foreign Minister Liberata Mulamula. The Minister also travelled to Zanzibar to discuss the Government of National Unity with the President and 1st Vice-President and the progress being made on political reconciliation.

In a joint meeting with the Minister for Industry and Trade, Kitila Mkumbo, and Minister for Investment, Geoffrey Mwambe, Mr Duddridge explored the potential for increased UK investment in Tanzania whilst seeking reassurances that improvements to Tanzania’s business environment would be implemented.

Mr Duddridge saw directly how UK aid in Tanzania has benefited the education and health sectors and changed the lives of millions, through site visits to locations directly supported by UK Official Development Assistance. The Minister also saw first-hand how UK expertise and assistance are helping Tanzanian authorities combat people and drugs trafficking.

Speaking at the end of the visit, UK Minister for Africa, James Duddridge said:

I am pleased that my first visit to Tanzania since the inauguration of President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been productive and mutually beneficial. I welcomed the President’s commitments on international cooperation, working with the business sector and seeking advice from Tanzanian experts on COVID-19 and I encouraged decisive action to tackle the effects of the pandemic in Tanzania. I look forward to engaging further as these areas progress.

British High Commissioner to Tanzania, David Concar said:

The visit of a UK Minister to Zanzibar after many years to assess progress in the unity government is an important reminder of the rich historic relationship between the UK and the islands, and demonstrates the UK’s desire to see sustained progress towards an inclusive, representative Zanzibar governed for all.