Samia unveils strategic path forward with Guinea-Bissau

Photo: State House

President Samia Suluhu Hassan (R) in a conversation with President Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau (L) shortly after his arrival at the State House in Dar es Salaam today.

By Mary Kadoke , The Guardian

Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau have joined forces to strengthen their collaboration in trade and investment, marking a significant step towards fostering mutual growth and prosperity.

President Samia revealed this groundbreaking development today, June 22, 2024, following an impactful meeting with President Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau at the State House in Dar es Salaam

Samia underscored cashew nut production as a pivotal area for collaboration between Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau, symbolizing the potential for shared success and prosperity through joint efforts.

"The cashew nut trade sector emerged as a focal point of our discussions, with a strong emphasis on conducting research and enhancing value addition," she emphasized.

Before that, she also mentioned that President Embaló is anticipated to visit the standard gauge railway (SGR) as well as the export processing zones (EPZ).

For President Samia, the blue economy is another crucial area in which Tanzania and Guinea are poised to collaborate, given their respective coastal locations in the region.

"Given our strategic coastal locations, we are well-positioned to engage in business with neighbouring countries within our region, as well as those beyond," she stressed.

President Embaló, in turn, commended Tanzania for its significant role in Guinea's journey to independence, a legacy attributed to the late Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, who was a recipient of the award.

He further remarked, "We feel a sense of belonging here in Tanzania, a true Pan-African Nation. It is crucial that we fortify our bonds."

He emphasized that Guinea serves as a gateway to other nations, urging investors to capitalize on this unique opportunity.

Furthermore, he pledged to become an ambassador for the Swahili language upon his return to Guinea-Bissau, underscoring that he had already familiarized himself with a few words, such as 'Asante.'

This is the first time President Umaro has had a state visit in the country since Independence.

The visit is expected to strengthen the long-standing relations of the two countries grounded by the late Nyerere of Tanzania and the late Amilcar Cabral of Guinea Bissau, the fore fathers of the two nations who fought for Independence.