Energy Policy & Regulation

TANZANIA and Saudi Arabia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening long-standing bilateral relations by expanding cooperation in trade, investment, tourism and other strategic sectors. The pledge was made during talks between Tanzania’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Engineer Zena Ahmed Said, and the Governor of Riyadh, His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, during the ambassador’s introductory visit to the Kingdom.

The discussions focused on advancing economic diplomacy, promoting investment and creating new opportunities for business partnerships that will benefit both countries. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, the meeting marked Ambassador Zena’s official introduction following her appointment by President Samia Suluhu Hassan in March this year and laid the foundation for closer diplomatic and economic collaboration.

The two countries are also seeking to accelerate cooperation through the Tanzania–Saudi Arabia Joint Business Council, which is expected to boost investments in agriculture, infrastructure, food security and other priority sectors. Saudi Arabia is one of Tanzania’s leading trading partners in the Middle East, with bilateral trade exceeding 1.4 billion US dollars. Tanzania imports refined petroleum products, fertilisers and plastics from the Kingdom, while exports of meat, fish and agricultural products continue to grow.

The renewed engagement comes alongside efforts to deepen cooperation in the energy sector, including strengthening oil supply security and developing Tanzania’s vast natural gas reserves. Ambassador Zena reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to expanding collaboration in areas of mutual interest and invited Prince Faisal to visit Tanzania to experience its renowned tourist attractions, underscoring the potential for stronger partnerships in tourism, culture and investment.