Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Burundi
Relations between the Republic of Burundi and the United Republic of Tanzania are characterized by continuity and strengthening, illustrated by exemplary bilateral cooperation and convergence of interests within the framework of the Common Market for Eastern Africa (EAC).
On Thursday October 23, 2025, His Excellency Ambassador Édouard Bizimana, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Development Cooperation, received in audience His Excellency Mr Byakanwa Gelasius Gaspar, Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania to Burundi. On this occasion, the two dignitaries discussed ways to further consolidate the relations of friendship and cooperation between their respective countries. The meeting focused in particular on the need to convene the next session of the Permanent Joint Cooperation Commission, whose last meeting was held in 2021. This upcoming session should provide an opportunity to update bilateral issues and clarify various aspects related to economic, social and regional cooperation.
Relations between Burundi and Tanzania are based on strong historical ties, forged since the independence of both nations. They were revitalized during the state visit to Burundi by Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, on July 16 and 17, 2021, at the invitation of His Excellency Evariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi. This visit, the first of its kind since the Tanzanian President took office, marked a turning point in bilateral relations. The two Heads of State praised the excellent ties of friendship, good neighborliness and cooperation, while reaffirming their shared desire to strengthen solidarity between their peoples.
Following these discussions, eight bilateral memoranda of understanding were signed, covering various areas such as diplomacy, energy, agriculture, fisheries, health, mining, Kiswahili and French language teaching, and the transfer of prisoners. These discussions also helped to strengthen logistical and commercial cooperation, notably through the allocation to Burundi of an inland container depot at the dry port of Kwala, in the Pwani region. This initiative aims at facilitating the flow of goods and strengthen economic exchanges in the spirit of the EAC Common Market.
The Common Market Protocol, which came into force in 2010, provides a fundamental basis for regional integration between member countries, including Burundi and Tanzania. It guarantees the free movement of goods, services, people and capital, while promoting the right of establishment and residence in the region. This integrated approach creates an environment conducive to economic competitiveness, professional mobility and the development of shared infrastructure. It provides both countries with a framework for economic and trade dialogue, which has led to recent joint initiatives, particularly in the areas of transport, energy and cross-border trade. The Burundian and Tanzanian authorities are working to harmonize their economic and regulatory frameworks in order to ensure a balance between national sovereignty and regional commitments.
Beyond bilateral exchanges, both countries are actively involved in major regional projects aimed at strengthening connectivity and competitiveness in the region. On August 16, 2025, His Excellency Kassim Majaliwa, Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, representing President Samia Suluhu Hassan, and His Excellency Evariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi, jointly laid the foundation stone for the modern railway (SGR) in Musongati, Burundi. This railway project, linking Uvinza–Musongati–Gitega–Uvira–Kindu, is a strategic link for the economic integration of East Africa. It illustrates the shared vision of the two countries: to build an interconnected, stable and prosperous region, where economic cooperation goes hand in hand with sustainable development and regional security.
The audience of October 23, 2025 is a continuation of this strong partnership. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a permanent dialogue, based on mutual respect and consultation, in order to calmly address all issues of common interest. The discussions also highlighted the importance of regional stability and security cooperation, which are essential for the effective implementation of the Common Market and the shared growth of EAC member states.
Without ever losing sight of internal economic realities and national regulatory imperatives, Burundi and Tanzania favor diplomatic dialogue and bilateral consultation to consolidate the achievements of their cooperation and overcome any differences in interpretation in the application of regional policies. Relations between Burundi and Tanzania remain a model of cooperation based on trust, mutual respect and economic complementarity. From the 2021 state visit to the diplomatic consultation in October 2025, via major infrastructure projects, the two nations are demonstrating that regional integration in East Africa is not only a political ideal, but also a reality in the making, driven by the will of their leaders and the dynamism of their peoples.