Mozambique–Tanzania relations explained

Tanzania–Mozambique relations are bilateral relations between Tanzania and Mozambique.

History

Mozambique and Tanzania have had cordial relations since Mozambique got its independence from Portugal. After independence, civil war broke out between the ruling party, Front for Liberation of Mozambique(FRELIMO) and Mozambique Resistance Movement (RENAMO), who were backed by Rhodesia and South Africa. FRELIMO was formed in Tanzania with the help of the Tanzanian president Julius Nyerere to help the group fight the Portuguese government and was given land during the civil war to form military camps. After the end of the war, Tanzania continued to maintain good relationships with the country.^[1]

Trade and economy

With the recent development in gas exploration in the region, Mozambique has boosted its exports to Tanzania in the recent years and Mozambique's major exports to the country mainly include surveying equipment and machinery. Most of the trade between the country is currently conducted between Mtwara Port. The trade between both countries is well balanced and is set to grow in the future. In 2013 Mozambique exported $75.4 million worth of goods to Tanzania and imported $63 million worth of goods. Major Tanzanian exports to Mozambique include textiles, tobacco products and low cost manufactured products.^[2]

Infrastructure

Unity Bridge

Mozambique and Tanzania share over an 800 km border however, no roads crossed the Ruvuma River into Mozambique. The Government of Tanzania did begin operating a ferry at Namoto, however in 2005 both countries agreed to build a bridge to facilitate cross border trade. The bridge was inaugurated in 2010. However, due to poor road infrastructure on the Mozambique side, cross border trade has been slow.^[3]

Mtwara Development Corridor

With the increase of economic operations in the south of Tanzania, the Mtwara Development Corridor project would help develop the border region of Tanzania and Mozambique and consequently increase commerce between the two nations.^[4]

Natural gas

Both Tanzania and Mozambique have found large reserves of Gas around the border regions and has created a race for the exploration of the mineral. Both countries are trying to secure contracts to become the largest LNG supplier in Africa. Though there is a race, both countries are still sharing skills to produce better legislation.^[5]

Diplomatic relations

Mozambique maintains a high commission in Dar es Salaam. Tanzania also maintains an embassy in Maputo

State visits

• 18 May 2015 - President Filipe Nyusi of Mozambique makes a three-day state visit to Tanzania to address Mozambican population in the country and improve bilateral relations.^[6]
• 21 September 2022 - President Samia Suluhu Hassan makes a three-day state visit to Mozambique.^[7]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Frelimo; political party, Mozambique. Encyclopædia Britannica. 2016-04-03.
2. Web site: Products that Mozambique imports from Tanzania (2013). The Observatory of Economic Complexity. 2016-04-03.
3. Web site: Tanzania and Mozambique Want Second Rovuma Bridge. allAfrica.com. 2016-04-03.
4. Web site: Mozambique - Mtwara Development Corridor Feasibility Study and Design of the Rehabilitation of Mueda – Negomano Road Project - GPN. www.afdb.org. 2016-04-03.
5. Web site: Oil & Gas Africa: Tanzania And Mozambique Eye Gas Exports Despite Oil Price Slump. AFKInsider. en-US. 2016-04-03.
6. Web site: Tanzania: New Chapter in Mozambique-Tanzania Relations. allAfrica.com. 2016-04-03.
7. Web site: mozambique . President Filipe Nyusi hosts President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania on a State Visit, 21 September . 2022-09-21 . Mozambique . en-US.