The most dynamic cooperation is with Mozambique, with which Tanzania shares a common southern border in the Mtwara area. In May 2026, the two countries agreed to expand ties in defense and security. The key areas are the joint fight against terrorism (reaction to the activity of Islamists in the Mozambican province of Cabo Delgado), border protection and joint intelligence operations, as well as coordination in the field of gas projects.
Tanzania is playing an active role in resolving the conflict in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) - a key issue for all Great Lakes countries in Africa - by acting as a neutral mediator and maintaining a working relationship with all warring parties.
In the north, Tanzania borders three countries involved in regional tensions - Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi. In February 2026, President Samia Suluhu Hassan appointed a military commissioner to the Kagera region (the border with Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi), stating that these regions were vital for defense and strategically important to Tanzania.
However, Tanzania occupies a unique position as a country that is part of both the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). This allows it to act as a link between the two economic blocs, which is especially valuable in conflict resolution (as in the case of the DRC) and in the development of trade.
At the same time, as Tanzanian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Tabit Kombo believes, cooperation with Russia indirectly strengthens the country's regional positions. Russian investments in uranium, gas, logistics and manufacturing are strengthening Tanzania's economy, allowing it to play a more prominent role in the region. Russia supports the development of the port of Dar es Salaam as a «gateway» for its goods to East Africa. This increases Tanzania's transit potential in relation to its neighbours (especially to landlocked Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and the DRC). Finally, amid criticism from the West following the October 2025 elections, Russia provides Tanzania with diplomatic cover, allowing Dodoma to focus on the regional agenda without external pressure.
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