Tanzania and Serbia are seeking to broaden their longstanding diplomatic relationship into stronger economic cooperation, with trade, investment, agriculture, tourism and the Blue Economy identified as key areas for closer collaboration.
President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, said Tanzania would continue working to strengthen relations with Serbia as the two countries explore new opportunities for economic partnership.
Dr Mwinyi made the remarks on August 31, 2026, in Belgrade during a meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić at the Palace of Serbia.
He conveyed greetings from President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, to President Vučić and underscored the importance of maintaining and deepening the bilateral relationship.
The Tanzanian leader described the ties between the two countries as longstanding, built on mutual respect, friendship and solidarity.
He recalled the historical relationship between Tanzania’s founding President, Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, and former Yugoslav President Josip Broz Tito, saying their close relationship provided an important foundation for Tanzania-Serbia cooperation.
The historical ties date back to the period when Tanzania and Yugoslavia were prominent participants in the Non-Aligned Movement, creating political and diplomatic links that have continued despite the transformation of Yugoslavia and the emergence of Serbia as an independent state.
Tanzania welcomes Serbian embassy
Dr Mwinyi also welcomed Serbia’s decision to establish a permanent embassy in Tanzania, describing the move as an important step towards strengthening diplomatic and economic engagement.
He said the Tanzanian government had already allocated land at Government City in Mtumba, Dodoma, for the construction of Serbia’s embassy offices and the ambassador’s residence.
The permanent diplomatic presence is expected to provide a stronger platform for engagement between the two governments while making it easier for businesses, investors and citizens of both countries to pursue opportunities.
Direct flights seen as key to growth
A major issue discussed during the meeting was air connectivity.
Dr Mwinyi stressed the importance of establishing direct air services between Serbia and Tanzania, with routes serving both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Improved connectivity, he said, would help facilitate tourism and trade while making travel between the two countries more convenient.
Serbian President Vučić backed the proposal, reaffirming his government’s willingness to strengthen cooperation with Tanzania.
Vučić said Serbia was continuing to consider various proposals aimed at deepening bilateral relations and supported the establishment of direct flights between the two countries.
He said improved air links would contribute to the expansion of trade, tourism and broader economic relations.
For Tanzania, the potential connection could open another European market for its tourism destinations while creating easier access for Serbian travellers and businesses seeking opportunities in the country.
For Serbia, stronger links with Tanzania could provide an avenue for increased engagement with one of Africa’s major economies and a gateway to wider opportunities in East Africa.
Focus on investment and the Blue Economy
The two countries are also looking beyond tourism and transport, with agriculture, trade, investment and the Blue Economy identified as priority areas for cooperation.
The Blue Economy is particularly significant for Zanzibar, whose economy is closely connected to the Indian Ocean through tourism, fisheries, maritime activities and other ocean-based sectors.
Greater cooperation in these areas could provide opportunities for investment, technology exchange and commercial partnerships, while building on the political relationship established decades ago.
Dr Mwinyi’s visit comes as Tanzania continues to strengthen international economic partnerships while promoting investment opportunities across both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
NAM anniversary brings leaders together
Dr Mwinyi is in Belgrade representing President Samia at a Special High-Level Commemorative Meeting marking 65 years since the First Summit of Heads of State of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
The anniversary carries particular historical significance for Tanzania and Serbia, given the role played by Nyerere and Tito in the movement and in shaping relations between their respective countries.
The current push to strengthen Tanzania-Serbia ties therefore combines a longstanding political friendship with a renewed emphasis on practical economic cooperation.
With direct air connectivity now receiving support from both governments and Serbia moving to establish a permanent diplomatic mission in Tanzania, the two countries appear keen to translate their historic relationship into stronger trade, investment and people-to-people ties.