Tanzania and Angola are seeking to expand economic cooperation from a relatively small trade base after signing four agreements covering aviation, digital technology, meteorology and criminal justice, creating new frameworks for collaboration between the two African economies.

The agreements were signed on October 29 during Angolan President João Lourenço’s state visit to Tanzania. The deal comes as both countries explore closer connections in transport, investment and other sectors that could strengthen commercial relations.

The opportunity is significant because trade between the two countries remains limited.

Tanzania exported $4.7 million worth of goods to Angola in 2024, while imports from Angola amounted to just $100,000, according to the Bank of Tanzania. Expanding cooperation could help open additional channels for businesses in both markets.

Aviation and digital cooperation lead new agreements

The four agreements establish cooperation in areas that could support stronger economic and institutional relations. The air services agreement provides a framework for aviation cooperation between Tanzania and Angola.

Improved air connectivity could make it easier for businesses, investors and tourists to travel between the countries, although the agreement does not establish specific new flight routes.

The ICT agreement focuses on exchanging technical knowledge and expertise, alongside cooperation on digital development. The partnership could support the sharing of capabilities as both countries pursue improvements in their technology sectors.

The two governments also agreed to cooperate in measurement science and technical activities related to meteorological observations.

The fourth agreement establishes arrangements for transferring convicted prisoners between the countries, strengthening cooperation between their criminal justice systems.

According to Tanzania’s Ministry of Finance, the agreements are intended to deepen bilateral relations, support economic development and strengthen institutional cooperation.

Railway proposal adds a regional dimension

Beyond the four agreements, the discussions during Lourenço’s visit included a possible railway connection linking Angola’s Lobito Corridor with Tanzania’s railway network.

The proposed connection would link Angola’s Benguela Railway to the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) network through Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

If developed, the connection could establish a rail link between the two countries’ transport systems. However, the proposal remains at the planning stage, and neither government announced a construction agreement during the visit.

The railway discussion adds a regional transport dimension to the bilateral relationship, particularly as both countries seek stronger connections with neighbouring markets.

Tanzania and Angola have also stepped up diplomatic engagement with other African countries. On October 19, Angola signed eight cooperation agreements with Namibia covering shared development priorities.

The two countries have maintained longstanding diplomatic relations rooted in political solidarity and Pan-African cooperation since their respective independence struggles.

Their latest agreements represent another attempt to translate those historical ties into broader economic and institutional partnerships.