Tanzania is seeking more than $2 billion in Russian investment and business deals over the next three to five years as East Africa’s second-largest economy deepens ties with Moscow following a diplomatic fallout with the United States and European Union.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan travelled to Russia for the first state visit by a Tanzanian leader in 57 years as the government sought to broaden its international partnerships following strained relations with Western partners after the disputed October 2025 election.

During the visit, she attended the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, where Tanzanian officials held talks with major companies interested in healthcare, mining, energy, agriculture and technology.

The country’s ambassador and director of economic diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, John Ulanga, announced the $2 billion estimate on June 7 during a briefing on the visit.

“Based on the discussions held on trade and investment, we are confident that within the next three to five years, Tanzania will attract investments, and business worth more than $2 billion,” he said.