Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire – Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa held productive discussions with Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé of Côte d'Ivoire on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, aimed at enhancing diplomatic ties and fostering collaboration across key sectors including agriculture, trade, technology, and sports.
The meeting, which took place at the Ivorian Prime Minister’s office on Boulevard Angoulvant Plateau in Abidjan, focused on strengthening the economic and agricultural relationship between the two nations.
Speaking after the talks, Prime Minister Majaliwa highlighted the opportunities for mutual growth, particularly in modernizing agricultural practices and improving technological exchanges.
“Côte d'Ivoire is a global leader in cocoa, cashew nut, and oil palm production, and these sectors are vital to the country’s economy. Tanzania, too, produces cashews, primarily in the Coast Region, and cocoa in areas like Mbeya. By learning from Côte d'Ivoire’s successes, we believe there is significant potential to increase our own production and improve our agricultural practices,” Majaliwa said.
He further emphasized the importance of collaboration in research and market access, with both leaders agreeing to facilitate direct cooperation between their respective Ministries of Agriculture. The goal is to improve farming techniques and value chain development in both nations, drawing on Côte d'Ivoire’s leadership in cocoa production as a key model.
As part of the discussions, both parties agreed to establish the Tanzania–Côte d'Ivoire Business Forum, which will serve as a platform for business leaders and investors to explore new opportunities for joint ventures and trade partnerships.
“We want to empower our private sectors to take the lead in fostering these bilateral partnerships. Through organizations like the Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF), we can facilitate strategic collaborations and capacity-building efforts, especially in the agriculture sector,” Majaliwa said.
Additionally, Majaliwa highlighted Tanzania’s recent reforms aimed at improving the business climate, including streamlined licensing procedures, the expansion of Export Processing Zones (EPZs), and upcoming direct flight services between Tanzania, Côte d'Ivoire, and Nigeria. These steps are designed to promote greater trade, tourism, and investment flow between the two countries.
Prime Minister Mambé expressed his gratitude for Prime Minister Majaliwa’s participation in the talks on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan and lauded her leadership in advancing continental collaboration.
Mambé also welcomed Tanzania’s recent hosting of the Africa Energy Forum, which was a significant milestone for the region.
“We are excited about the prospects of closer collaboration with Tanzania, especially in modernizing our agricultural systems and sharing technological innovations,” said Mambé, who also serves as the Minister of Sports and Social Welfare.
“The upcoming Business Forum will be a key step in strengthening our economic ties and fostering long-term growth.”
Both leaders agreed that the newly established forum would be a crucial platform for fostering private sector-led initiatives, with a focus on mutual learning, investment, and sustainable development.