The Federal Republic of Germany has maintained good relations with the United Republic of Tanzania ever since diplomatic ties were established in 1961, and Germany is valued as a reliable partner. An examination of Germany’s colonial era (1885-1918) is an important issue in German-Tanzanian relations: During a visit to Tanzania at the end of 2023, Federal President Steinmeier asked for forgiveness for the atrocities committed during that period.

The Federal Government supports the work of the German political foundations, churches and non-governmental organisations in Tanzania. The focus of cultural and social exchange includes cooperation between universities and the awarding of scholarships by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the promotion of German as a foreign language at the Goethe-Institut and in schools, as well as numerous town twinning arrangements. Another priority, arising from the shared history of the two countries, is cultural preservation and cooperation in the museum sector.

For several decades now, Tanzania and Germany have engaged in development cooperation. The Tanzanian economy is one of the strongest in Sub-Saharan Africa. Despite this, efforts in the country in recent years to achieve significant and lasting reductions in poverty have not been successful. The focus of bilateral, government-level cooperation is on biodiversity, water security, health and good governance. Since the discontinuation of the United States’ engagement, Germany is the largest donor to nature and environmental protection projects in Tanzania. The country is exceptionally important for maintaining the world’s biodiversity: 40% of national territory is designated as a protected area. However, conflict with the local population over land use is increasing. Germany’s development cooperation also systematically focuses on cross-cutting social issues, in particular on gender justice and ensuring that women, girls and marginalised groups have access to legal remedy, healthcare and protection against gender-based violence.

Furthermore, the United Republic of Tanzania and the Federal Republic of Germany maintain close trade relations. The total volume of bilateral trade is more than 400 million euro (2024). Tanzania’s main imports from Germany are machinery, chemical products, vehicles and medical technology; its main exports include drinks, tobacco, raw materials and food.