Saudi
In 2013, Saudi Arabia exported USD 220 million worth of goods to Tanzania, while Tanzania exported only USD 20.7 million to Saudi Arabia, underscoring a wide bilateral trade gap.[1]
Saudi Arabia and Tanzania maintain active bilateral relations anchored by resident diplomatic missions in both capitals.[1]
Tanzania operates an embassy in Riyadh and a consulate in Jeddah, while Saudi Arabia hosts an embassy in Dar es Salaam.[1]
The Kingdom is a leading trade partner for Tanzania within the Gulf Cooperation Council, and in early 2016 selected Tanzania as a priority country for trade, investment and cooperation in Africa.
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Saudi Arabia's Diplomatic Presence in Tanzania
Saudi Arabia maintains an embassy in Dar es Salaam, anchoring its bilateral engagement with Tanzania.[1]
Tanzania in turn maintains an embassy in Riyadh and a consulate in Jeddah, facilitating trade, investment and consular services for Tanzanians in the Kingdom.[1]
This diplomatic architecture has supported high level visits and cooperation agreements across trade, wildlife and skills development.
The resident missions in both capitals continue to enable dialogue on trade facilitation and investment promotion between the two countries.
Bilateral Trade Between Saudi Arabia and Tanzania
In 2013, Saudi Arabia exported USD 220 million worth of goods to Tanzania, mainly refined petroleum and polymer products.[1]
In the same year, Tanzania exported USD 20.7 million worth of goods to Saudi Arabia, mostly low value agricultural products such as vegetables, fish and raw tobacco.[1]
The trade balance is heavily skewed in favour of Saudi Arabia, reflecting Tanzania's dependence on Saudi refined energy products and the limited value addition in its own export basket.[1]
Saudi Arabia's Position Among Tanzania's GCC Partners
According to data from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Saudi Arabia is the third most important destination of Tanzanian exports within the GCC, absorbing USD 20.7 million or 15.37% of Tanzania's total exports to the bloc.[1]
On the import side, Saudi Arabia is Tanzania's second most important source of imports from the GCC, at USD 220 million or 12.91% of the total.[1]
The United Arab Emirates leads the Arab bloc with USD 1,140 million or 66.94% of Tanzania's GCC imports.[1]
Wildlife Conservation Cooperation
In 2014, following high level visits by Saudi officials to Tanzania, both countries agreed to cooperate in building skills in biodiversity conservation and wildlife protection.[1]
Various students from Saudi Arabia visited several of Tanzania's national parks in 2014 to gain field experience in wildlife conservation.[1]
Saudi Arabia has extended this relationship as part of its wider effort to diversify its national income away from oil, with tourism and conservation identified as strategic sectors.[1]
Policy Framework and Strategic Priority Status
At the beginning of 2016, Saudi Arabia selected Tanzania as a priority country for developing trade, investment and cooperation on the African continent.
This designation elevated Tanzania's standing in the Kingdom's Africa strategy and opened space for deeper commercial and institutional engagement.
The bilateral framework is supported by resident diplomatic missions in both capitals, enabling continued dialogue on trade facilitation and investment promotion.[1]
Investment Opportunities Linked to Saudi Arabia
Tanzania's designation as a Saudi priority country for African trade and investment cooperation opens scope for capital flows into agriculture, agro-processing, fisheries and tourism, sectors that already anchor bilateral trade.
Given that Tanzania's current exports to Saudi Arabia consist mainly of low value agricultural goods, vegetables, fish and raw tobacco, there is significant room for investment in value addition, packaging and cold chain logistics to raise export earnings.[1]
The wide import bill for refined petroleum and polymers from Saudi Arabia signals opportunities in downstream petrochemicals, plastics manufacturing and fuel storage and distribution infrastructure within Tanzania.[1]
Wildlife conservation cooperation offers openings in eco-tourism ventures, conservation training and joint biodiversity programmes that align with Saudi Arabia's diversification agenda.[1]
With Saudi Arabia accounting for 12.91% of Tanzania's GCC imports and 15.37% of its GCC exports, deepening two way flows through targeted investment can help rebalance a trade relationship currently tilted toward Riyadh.[1]
Last Update: July 2026
