Saudi
Saudi Arabia is Tanzania's second largest source of imports and third largest export destination within the Gulf Cooperation Council, accounting for 12.91% of Tanzania's GCC imports and 15.37% of its GCC exports on last measurement.[1]
The bilateral relationship is anchored by resident diplomatic missions in both capitals, with a Tanzanian embassy in Riyadh, a consulate in Jeddah, and a Saudi embassy in Dar es Salaam.[1]
In early 2016, Saudi Arabia designated Tanzania as a priority country for trade, investment and cooperation in Africa, a status that continues to frame commercial and institutional engagement, alongside cooperation in wildlife conservation and skills development.[1]
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Bilateral Trade Between Saudi Arabia and Tanzania
Trade between the two countries is heavily asymmetric.[1]
On the most recent measurement (2013), Saudi Arabia exported USD 220 million worth of goods to Tanzania, principally refined petroleum and polymer products.[1]
In the same reference year, Tanzania exported only USD 20.7 million to Saudi Arabia, mostly low value agricultural goods including vegetables, fish and raw tobacco.[1]
The trade balance is therefore heavily skewed in favour of the Kingdom, 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
Within the Gulf Cooperation Council, Saudi Arabia is the second most important source of Tanzanian imports and the third most important destination for Tanzanian exports.[1]
Saudi Arabia absorbs 15.37% of Tanzania's total exports to the GCC, worth USD 20.7 million on last measurement.[1]
On the import side, Saudi Arabia supplies 12.91% of Tanzania's GCC imports, valued at USD 220 million.[1]
The United Arab Emirates remains the dominant partner in the bloc, accounting for 66.94% of Tanzania's GCC imports at USD 1,140 million, well ahead of Saudi Arabia.[1]
Diplomatic Presence and Consular Services
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]
The Jeddah consulate is particularly relevant for Tanzanian pilgrims travelling to perform Umrah and Hajj, the largest recurring flow of Tanzanian citizens to Saudi Arabia.
This diplomatic architecture has supported high level visits and cooperation agreements across trade, wildlife and skills development.[1]
Wildlife Conservation Cooperation
Following high level visits by Saudi officials to Tanzania, the two countries agreed to cooperate on skills in biodiversity conservation and wildlife protection.[1]
Saudi students subsequently visited several of Tanzania's national parks to gain field experience in wildlife conservation.[1]
Riyadh has framed this cooperation as part of its wider strategy to diversify national income away from oil, with tourism and conservation identified as strategic sectors.[1]
Strategic Priority Status
At the beginning of 2016, Saudi Arabia formally selected Tanzania as a priority country for developing trade, investment and cooperation on the African continent.[1]
This designation elevated Tanzania's standing within the Kingdom's Africa strategy and opened space for deeper commercial and institutional engagement.[1]
The framework continues to be supported by the resident missions in both capitals, which enable ongoing dialogue on trade facilitation and investment promotion.[1]
Investment Opportunities Linked to Saudi Arabia
Tanzania's status as a Saudi priority country for African trade and investment cooperation opens scope for capital flows into agriculture, agro-processing, fisheries and tourism, the sectors that already anchor bilateral trade.[1]
Because Tanzania's exports to Saudi Arabia consist mainly of low value agricultural goods, there is significant room for investment in value addition, packaging and cold chain logistics to raise export earnings.[1]
The large 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]
Deepening two way flows through targeted investment can help rebalance a relationship in which Saudi Arabia represents 12.91% of Tanzania's GCC imports against 15.37% of its GCC exports.[1]
Last Update: July 2026
