Bilateral relations Switzerland–Tanzania
Relations between Switzerland and Tanzania are friendly and reflect the long and fruitful partnership between the two countries. This is mainly based on the 30 Swiss companies represented in Tanzania, the 250-member community of Swiss nationals living there, and a substantial cooperation programme launched by the Swiss government.
Key aspects of diplomatic relations
Switzerland enjoys good relations with Tanzania. Its work initially focused on development cooperation, but has since expanded into many other areas including political, economic and cultural exchanges.
Switzerland's work in Tanzania is based on its Africa Strategy 2025–28.
Tanzania hosts the headquarters of the East African Community (EAC), where Switzerland is accredited as an observer.
Tanzania borders the Great Lakes region, where Switzerland is actively engaged in peace promotion and the fight against poverty. Swiss support covers health, good governance, the protection of civilians, and economic development.
Economic cooperation
Economic ties between Tanzania and Switzerland are strong, with trade and investment at their core. In 2024, Swiss exports to Tanzania totalled CHF 26 million, while imports from Tanzania (including gold) amounted to CHF 241 million.
The Switzerland–Tanzania Chamber of Commerce (STCC), launched in February 2023, aims to create a platform to support Swiss companies exporting to and investing in the country. The STCC also strengthens relations between the Swiss and Tanzanian business communities.
Country Cockpit, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO
Export promotion, Switzerland Global Enterprise
The Switzerland–Tanzania Chamber of Commerce (STCC)
Cooperation in education, research and innovation
Researchers who are citizens of Tanzania can apply to the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships.
The Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) acts as a ‘leading house’ for sub-Saharan Africa, providing various instruments to support bilateral cooperation in the fields of research and innovation.
In addition to the SDC's long-standing engagement, SERI supports the Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) via the Swiss TPH.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists, SERI
Development cooperation and humanitarian aid
Switzerland's cooperation programme for the 2026–29 period supports Tanzania's ambition to become an upper-middle-income country by strengthening its institutions and helping young people and vulnerable groups to improve their livelihoods.
The programme works on two levels: (i) strengthening effective, inclusive and sustainable systems and institutions, and (ii) supporting their beneficiaries, while also reinforcing the links between these two levels. Switzerland will continue its commitment to health, governance, civil society and the private sector, while integrating gender equality, climate action and good governance.
Development cooperation and humanitarian aid
Swiss nationals in Tanzania
According to the statistics on the Swiss abroad, at the end of 2025 there were 259 Swiss nationals living in Tanzania and 372 Tanzanian nationals living in Switzerland.
History of bilateral relations
In 1927 Switzerland opened a consulate in the coastal city of Tanga. It was later relocated to Dar es Salaam and upgraded to a general consulate, then an embassy.
Switzerland recognised Tanganyika's independence in 1961 and Zanzibar's in 1963. Fully-fledged diplomatic relations were established in 1964, when the United Republic of Tanzania was created.
Switzerland and Tanzania have signed a series of agreements to bolster bilateral relations in technical and scientific cooperation (1966), civil aviation (2004), mutual investment protection (2006) and international mutual assistance in criminal matters (2016).
Tanzania, Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (de, fr, it)
Diplomatic Documents of Switzerland, Dodis
Links
- Switzerland and Tanzania
- Treaty database
- Country Cockpit, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO
- Export promotion, Switzerland Global Enterprise
- The Switzerland–Tanzania Chamber of Commerce (STCC)
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists, SERI
- Development cooperation and humanitarian aid
- Tanzania, Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (de, fr, it)
- Diplomatic Documents of Switzerland, Dodis
Documents
Contact Helpline FDFA
365 days a year – around the clock
The Helpline FDFA deals as central contact point with matters relating to consular services.
