The European Union foreign affairs ministerial delegation has jetted into Dar es Salaam.
The visit underscores the European Union’s commitment to a mature and strategic partnership with Tanzania, based on mutual interests.
Observers say the visit entails crunch talks with the Tanzanian government on democracy, human rights, and the country’s upcoming general election in October.
The three-day visit to Tanzania by Cyprus Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Constantinos Kombos runs between the 8th and 10th of July 2025.
It also comes about two months after Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) passed a resolution in May condemning treason charges against Tanzania’s main opposition figure Tundu Lissu.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Minister Dr. Constantinos Kombos said:
“Tanzania is a trusted and stable partner in a strategically important region. As we celebrate 50 years of EU-Tanzania relations this year, the EU is committed to scaling up our cooperation – from investing in critical raw materials and digital transformation to supporting democratic values and inclusive growth. Together, we can unlock new opportunities that benefit both Tanzanian citizens and European partners.”
The EU Ambassador to Tanzania and the East African Community (EAC), Christine Grau, highlighted the significance of the visit:
“This visit underscores the EU’s commitment to a mature and strategic partnership with Tanzania, based on mutual interests. Following the visit of Foreign Minister Kombo to EU Headquarters in April, this visit is a reflection on the continuous strong engagement of the European Union with Tanzania.”
Tanzania happens to be one of the biggest recipients of the foreign aid from the European Union in sub-Saharan Africa.
Under the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy (2021-2027), Europe has committed 990 million euros (over TZS 3 trillion) to support Tanzania’s energy sector, among other things.
The Kombos delegation is made on behalf of Kaja Kallas, who is the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission.
Kombos and his host, Tanzanian foreign affairs minister Thabit Kombo will discuss, among other things, “EU and Tanzania relations, democratic governance, and economic cooperation under the Global Gateway strategy,” the European Union revealed in an official statement released earlier.
The two sides may also discuss latest political developments in Tanzania, the upcoming 2025 General Elections and regional security, notably in the Great Lakes region.
During his visit to Tanzania, the EU top official will also hold talks with members of civil society, business leaders, and other key stakeholders.
Tanzania’s foreign minister visited the European Union headquarters in Brussels back in April where he held meetings with European Union’s High Representative Kaja Kallas (Pictured), the Director General for International Partnerships Koen Doens, and European Investment Bank (EIB) Vice President Thomas Östros to advance political dialogue, investment, and sustainable development.
However, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) passed a strong resolution in May condemning the arrest and subsequent treason charges against Lissu.
The MEPs expressed “great concern regarding the politically motivated accusations that could lead to Tundu Lissu being sentenced to death.”
In addition, the European Union (EU) Parliament urged Tanzanian authorities to restore the opposition Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA)’s full participation in the October 2025 elections, engage in dialogue with all political parties on electoral reform, respect the political parties’ rights and guarantee free and fair elections.
The resolution denounced the escalation of repression in Tanzania, including arbitrary arrests and harassment of opposition politicians and human rights defenders.
Members of European Parliament also want Tanzania to abolish the death penalty and commute all death sentences.
The EU must ensure its development cooperation with Tanzania, not least under the Global Gateway initiative, is compatible with the promotion of human rights, freedom of expression and fair trial standards.