In what has been described as a strategically important event, Rwandan President Paul Kagame on Sunday visited Tanzania, where he held a tête-à-tête with the president of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan.

In a joint press conference marking the conclusion of the one-day visit, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening trade corridors, easing cross-border movement of goods, and expanding cooperation in infrastructure and investment.

According to Rwanda's Ministry of Trade and Industry's 2024/25 report, Rwanda imported goods worth $709 million from Tanzania — more than 10% of its total import bill — making Tanzania the country's second-largest import source after China and its leading import partner within the East African Community.

Tanzania facilitates around 70% of Rwanda's maritime cargo through the Port of Dar es Salaam and the Central Corridor.

Both leaders stressed that the relationship extends beyond trade.

"Tanzania is indeed a key partner for Rwanda. Over the years, we have strengthened our partnership across many sectors, particularly trade and logistics, facilitating Rwanda's connections to global markets," Kagame said.

Suluhu echoed the sentiment, describing the two nations as "strategic partners with a relationship that continues to grow rapidly," and announcing agreements to remove non-tariff barriers, invest in transport and energy infrastructure, and deepen cooperation on security and regional agendas.

Rwanda's private sector has welcomed the visit's momentum. Chief Operating Officer of the Private Sector Federation, Faustin Karasira, said the corridor not only supports Rwanda's imports and exports but also strengthens trade links with Zambia and Mozambique.

"It is a great development for Rwandan businesses to have the President visit them," he said. "We expect that output and trade will continue to grow based on this visit."

The visit signals a broader push toward deeper bilateral integration at a time when East African nations are prioritizing trade facilitation and infrastructure connectivity.

With both governments committed to harmonizing trade frameworks and reducing logistical barriers, the Rwanda–Tanzania partnership is increasingly positioned as a key driver of regional economic cooperation — with Tanzania serving as Rwanda's strategic gateway to global markets, and Rwanda emerging as one of Tanzania's most dynamic trade partners in the region.