US UPBEAT ON TANZANIA INVESTMENT, TRADE TIES

By The Arusha News Reporter
The Acting US Ambassador to Tanzania, Mr Andrew Lentz, has reaffirmed America’s determination to expand its economic partnership with Tanzania, placing particular emphasis on trade and investment opportunities that drive prosperity in both countries. Speaking to journalists in Arusha this week after an outreach tour of the northern regions, Mr Lentz highlighted the United States’ priority areas of cooperation—economic growth, tourism, health, education, conservation, security and community development—underscoring that these sectors are central to advancing shared well-being. He noted that Tanzania remains a top destination for American visitors, with hundreds of thousands arriving each year. “The United States is Tanzania’s leading source of tourists, bringing significant revenue that fuels investment and job creation,” Mr Lentz remarked. The Acting Ambassador stressed that beyond tourism, American businesses are becoming a vital force in Tanzania’s growth story. “US companies are making long-term commitments in hospitality, biotechnology, agriculture, heavy equipment and machinery. Their investments are not only strengthening Tanzania’s economy, but also creating sustainable partnerships with local enterprises,” he said. Mr Lentz explained that his regional tour provided an opportunity to meet both American investors and Tanzanian partners to explore new ventures and reinforce existing trade relationships. “Our goal is clear—to deepen economic ties and open more avenues for investment that benefit both nations,” he affirmed. On the upcoming expiration of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) on September 30, 2025, the US envoy implored African countries to look beyond the programme. “We didn’t take advantage of AGOA,” he noted, stressing that Africa can perform far better outside the framework of such limited trade preferences. Although AGOA offered duty-free access to the US market for thousands of products, its benefits were highly concentrated: More than 80% of non-oil exports under the scheme came from just five countries—South Africa, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar and Ethiopia. Meanwhile, fewer than 20 out of 32 eligible countries developed formal utilisation strategies, leaving much of the continent’s potential untapped. He argued that Africa’s future lies in building stronger, more diversified trade and investment relationships that go beyond AGOA, anchored in regional integration, value addition and locally driven innovation. “There are greater opportunities if Africa leverages its own strengths and partnerships more strategically,” he said. In addition to business collaboration, Mr Lentz pointed to ongoing U.S. support in conservation and healthcare research, including projects at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) and the Kibong’oto Infectious Disease Centre where American funding and expertise are helping Tanzanian scientists advance global health solutions. Mr Lentz concluded by reiterating the US government’s commitment to free expression and media freedom, noting that an open press is a cornerstone of democracy and inclusive development. Earlier, the US envoy met with the EAC Secretary General (SG), Ms Veronica Nduva, at the seat of the regional organisation in Arusha and discussed mutual areas of co-operation.