Suluhu turns a new leaf in regional diplomacy

Tanzania President Samia Suluhu with Speakers Justin Muturi (National Assembly) and Kenneth Lusaka (Senate) shortly after addressing a joint parliamentary session in Nairobi on May 5, 2021. [David Njaaga, Standard]

Tanzania is now taking a more business-friendly approach to diplomacy. An apparent change of tone ushered in by President Samia Suluhu since assuming office could indicate a new economic direction and even salvage the ailing East Africa Community (EAC).

Never before has a Tanzanian president caught the attention and dazzled Kenyans as did the newly installed Samia during her maiden two-day tour, effortlessly pulling off a diplomatic coup. When she delivered her first speech to Tanzania parliament, she said; “our mission is to regain investor confidence and spur trade.”