President Paul Kagame praised his Tanzanian counterpart, Samia Suluhu Hassan, for warmly welcoming him and emphasized that their discussions focused on strengthening the long-standing relations between the two countries, while also calling on regional nations to remain united.
He made the remarks on Sunday, May 3, 2026, during a one-day visit to Tanzania.
President Kagame was received by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, and the two leaders held both private talks and broader ministerial discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation.
Speaking to the media, Kagame described Tanzania as a key economic partner for Rwanda and other countries in the region.
Using the example of the Port of Dar es Salaam, through which Rwanda imports and exports a large share of its goods, Kagame highlighted Tanzania’s important role in helping landlocked countries such as Rwanda access international markets.
He said, “Tanzania is an important partner for Rwanda. Over many years, we have strengthened cooperation in various sectors, especially trade and transport, which have helped Rwanda access international markets. The President and I discussed how we can build on this foundation to further increase investment and trade between our two countries.”
He added, “We are proud of the progress already achieved and look forward to the implementation of our joint projects.”
President Kagame also noted that at a time when the world is facing political instability in different regions, countries within the region should continue working together and remain united.
He stated, “At a time when there are political challenges around the world, our region should be prepared and united around a shared vision of development and cooperation.”
Kagame stressed that Rwanda remains committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation in pursuit of sustainable development for citizens.
“For us, we are focused on working closely with leadership teams to accelerate our development programs. Tanzania’s development agenda and Rwanda’s development agenda should move forward together at a good pace,” he said.
President Kagame also noted that as Rwanda continues commemorating the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, the country appreciates Tanzanians who demonstrated courage and compassion during that tragic period.
Isaka-Kigali Railway Project Discussed
President Samia Suluhu Hassan thanked Kagame for visiting Tanzania and affirmed that relations between the two countries remain strong.
She pointed out that Rwanda and Tanzania enjoy growing trade relations, with Rwanda importing goods from Tanzania while Tanzanian investors continue expanding their presence in Rwanda.
Trade between the two countries has continued to grow annually. From 1990 to March 2026, 42 Rwandan investment companies were registered in Tanzania, representing investments worth $325.5 million.
These companies have created more than 2,225 jobs in sectors including manufacturing, transport, finance, natural resources, and tourism.
Tanzanian investors operating in Rwanda include companies such as Bakhresa Group, Magodoro Dodoma, Discount Center, Jambo Plastic, Sagar Enterprises, Buffalo Travelling Tours, Maxcom Africa, Gasabo Grain Milling Company, LCM Delta Company, and Metrex Integrated Consultancy.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan further revealed that both sides also discussed the long-awaited railway project linking Isaka in Tanzania to Kigali in Rwanda, aimed at easing trade between the two countries.
She said, “This railway line from Isaka to Kigali will help speed up and improve cargo transportation.”
The railway project, which has been under discussion for more than 20 years, is expected to connect countries in the Central Corridor of East Africa. It is planned to pass through Rusumo and reach Kigali, including the Dubai Ports area in Kicukiro, with an additional 18-kilometer extension to Bugesera International Airport.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan also noted that discussions covered the Rusumo hydropower project jointly shared by Burundi, Rwanda, and Tanzania.
Other topics discussed included regional security, investment opportunities, and additional areas of cooperation.
