TANZANIA and Egypt are set to open a new chapter of
more enhanced bilateral cooperation as Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi jets
in today for a two-day state visit. The two countries are already working
together in various areas, including the health sector that is expected to be
enhanced such as the cooperation of Muhimbili hospital and Mnazi Mmoja hospital
with El Shatby hospital under Alexandria University in Egypt. While in the
country President Sisi will hold talks with his host, President John Magufuli
on bilateral cooperation, economic and regional issues. Statistics from
Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) show that Tanzania has signed a total of eight
projects worth 887.02 million US dollars, providing employment to 953 locals in
a period of 27 years from 1990 to 2017 in the agriculture and industries.
The President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Mr. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi
Another
issue that might likely rear its head in the discussion between the two heads
of State is the water security in the Nile Basin as the Grand Ethiopian
Renaissance Dam (GERD), Ethiopia’s flagship energy project nears completion. GERD,
a project being primarily self-financed through purchase of government bonds by
banks and private citizens is set to be the largest hydroelectric power station
in Africa and whose water source is the Nile Basin which passes through 11
African countries, including Tanzania. According to reports, Cairo is concerned
that the GERD will impact its own downstream hydropower stations, primarily the
High Aswan Dam (HAD), as well as its irrigation systems. Egypt is currently a
member of the UN Security Council, representing Africa, and has recently been
pushing for stronger trade with other countries on the continent. The Tanzania
visit is part of a tour of four African countries, including Rwanda, Gabon and
Chad.
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