Samia unveils direct Tanzania-Russia air link

Dar Es Salaam/St. Petersburg: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has announced the launch of direct Air Tanzania flights connecting Dar es Salaam, Moscow, and Zanzibar, opening a new chapter in economic and tourism relations between Tanzania and Russia.

The service is scheduled to begin on July 2, 2026.

Dr Samia made the announcement while inaugurating the Tanzania-Russia Business Forum in St Petersburg, held on the sidelines of the 29th St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2026).

“I am pleased to announce that Air Tanzania will commence direct flights between Dar es Salaam, Moscow, and Zanzibar on July 2, 2026. This is an important step in strengthening trade and tourism between our countries,” she said.

The air connection is expected to facilitate6 the movement of travellers, investors, and goods while supporting efforts to expand commercial exchanges between the two nations.

Addressing business executives, policymakers and investors, the Head of State observed that although Tanzania and Russia have enjoyed cordial diplomatic ties for more than six decades, economic engagement has yet to match the strength of the relationship.

“The current level of trade between Tanzania and Russia is not in line with the status of our bilateral relationship. This is not where we should be,” she noted.

Dr Samia challenged stakeholders from both sides to focus on delivering tangible outcomes rather than limiting cooperation to discussions and declarations.

“Talk alone will not bear fruit. We must turn our discussions into actions,” she emphasised.

She described the forum as a valuable platform for entrepreneurs and companies from the two countries to explore opportunities, forge partnerships, and identify practical areas of collaboration capable of generating benefits for their citizens.

The President further highlighted Tanzania’s favourable investment climate, citing sustained economic expansion and macroeconomic stability and a strategic location that provides access to a market of more than 500 million consumers across Eastern and Southern Africa.

She said major investments in ports, rail networks, transport corridors, and industrial facilities continue to strengthen the country’s position as a regional business and logistics hub.

According to Dr Samia, mining, agriculture, oil and gas, power generation, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, transport, and cargo handling are among sectors offering immediate prospects for joint ventures.

She invited Russian firms to participate in geological exploration, mineral beneficiation, and the establishment of smelting and refining facilities while encouraging collaboration in fertiliser manufacturing, modern farming technologies, and agro-processing.

Opportunities also exist in natural gas development, medicine production, infrastructure projects, and advanced energy solutions, she added.

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Earlier, the Russian Minister for Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov described Tanzania as one of the most attractive destinations for Russian enterprises seeking opportunities in Africa.

He attributed the country’s appeal to its robust growth trajectory, abundant natural wealth, youthful population, and advantageous geographical position.

Mr Reshetnikov disclosed that bilateral commerce reached a record level in 2025 and indicated Russia’s willingness to increase purchases of Tanzanian coffee, tobacco, avocados, peanuts and fruits.

At the same time, he said Moscow is ready to expand supplies of fertilisers, wheat, sunflower oil and other agricultural inputs, while pursuing collaborative ventures in agriculture, extractive industries, energy, healthcare, transport infrastructure and digital innovation.

The gathering attracted senior government officials, captains of industry and private sector representatives from both countries, reflecting growing interest in broadening commercial cooperation.

Meanwhile, President Samia has concluded her official visit to Russia and returned home after a series of engagements aimed at deepening bilateral relations.

Upon arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, she was received by Vice President Ambassador Dr Emmanuel John Nchimbi, CCM Secretary General Ambassador Dr Asha-Rose Migiro and other senior leaders.

The trip was undertaken at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin and culminated in her participation at SPIEF 2026, one of the world’s leading platforms for international economic dialogue.

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