On Saturday, July 26, 2025, during the ministerial session of the 16th Joint Permanent Commission between Rwanda and Tanzania, the two countries signed bilateral cooperation agreements aimed at advancing the agriculture sector and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening overall collaboration.
One key agreement includes the establishment of a Kigali office for the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), a major step towards boosting trade between the two nations.
The agreements were signed by Rwanda's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe and his Tanzanian counterpart, Amb. Thabit Mhamoud Kombo. Both ministers emphasised that the cooperation is driven by shared goals of national development, improved livelihoods, and regional progress.
Amb. Kombo noted that while Rwanda and Tanzania already have several agreements in place, there is a strong interest in expanding cooperation into new areas.
Citing the fact that he and most of his delegation flew into Kigali aboard RwandAir, Kombo said discussions are underway to enable Tanzania's national carrier, Air Tanzania, to resume direct flights to the Rwandan capital.
'I learned that 90% of our delegation, myself included, came here with RwandAir. It's performing even better than our own airline. This encourages us, because easing travel is essential to any form of cooperation,' he said.
'Air travel cooperation is still under discussion, and we are working on reviving Air Tanzania's Kigali flights. The airline previously operated this route but stopped due to various reasons. Now that we have new aircraft, we're actively exploring its return.'
Railway project remains stalled
The long-anticipated Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) linking Kigali and Dar es Salaam remains a critical infrastructure project for landlocked East African countries. More than two decades since it was first proposed, it is still seen as a game-changer in reducing transport costs and facilitating trade.
The proposed railway would enter Rwanda through Rusumo, pass through Kigaliâ€"where Dubai Ports is developing a dry port in Kicukiroâ€"and extend 18 more kilometers to Bugesera International Airport.
An agreement for a 532-kilometer section of the railway was signed on March 9, 2018. While construction has advanced on the Tanzanian side, progress on the Rwandan section has stalled.
Amb. Kombo said that after learning of the delay, he began closely following up with Tanzanian stakeholders, including contacting two ministers to push for the development of a coordinated implementation plan.
He emphasised that the railway remains a strategic priority with the potential to significantly boost trade across the region.
Tanzania and Rwanda also share the Rusumo Falls hydropower project with Burundi, which is expected to enhance energy access and improve livelihoods in the tri-border area.
Tanzania is a key trade corridor for Rwanda
Minister Nduhungirehe described Tanzania as a vital trade corridor for Rwanda, noting that more than 70% of Rwanda's imports pass through Tanzanian ports.
He added that Tanzania is Rwanda's second-largest source of imports, accounting for 15% of all goods brought into the country over the past three years.
A functional railway, he said, would further ease the cross-border movement of goods and people and reinforce regional connectivity.
Kiswahili teachers to support language promotion in Rwanda
Amb. Kombo also highlighted plans to support Kiswahili education in Rwanda. He praised Rwanda for being among the few African countries with four official languages, including Kiswahili.
'Rwanda is one of the few nations with four official languages. In Tanzania, we have only two, one of which is Kiswahili, and we are its custodians, along with its headquarters. So, we have a responsibility to do more,' he said.
He announced plans to send Tanzanian teachers to Rwanda to support Kiswahili instruction and to supply learning materials, including textbooks.
The Tanzanian minister also highlighted the continued expansion of Tanzanian investments in Rwanda, particularly in the energy and industrial sectors. Tanzanian firms are involved in building petroleum storage facilities and setting up manufacturing plants.
The two countries also have existing cooperation agreements covering media, ICT, and internet infrastructure.
Discussions during the visit further explored new areas of cooperation, including tourism development, environmental protection, energy, healthcare, and investment promotion.
'The foundation of our partnership is strong, and today we've taken another step toward building a future of shared prosperity,' said Amb. Kombo.
IGIHE
