Tanzania Emerges as a Global Player with President Samia’s Historic G20 Summit Impact and Vision

By Adonis Byemelwa

President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania recently participated in the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, marking a historic moment for her country and the African continent. Invited by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, her attendance symbolized Tanzania’s growing influence in global affairs and highlighted the strides the country is making under her transformative leadership.

This year’s G20 summit, themed “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet,” focused on pressing global challenges such as climate change, poverty eradication, economic inequality, and reforms to global governance.

With the African Union (AU) attending as a full member for the first time, African leaders, led by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, used the platform to advocate for the continent's interests, including fairer representation in international systems and increased support for development initiatives.

President Samia’s presence at the summit, the first by a female African Head of State, drew widespread attention. She joined global heavyweights such as U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, engaging in critical discussions to address the world’s most pressing issues.

Veteran journalist Ezekiel Kamwaga, who covered the summit, noted that President Samia’s participation was a powerful statement of Tanzania’s emergence as a significant player on the global stage. Her engagement with leaders of the world’s largest economies emphasized Tanzania’s readiness to contribute meaningfully to shaping global policies.

President Samia’s agenda was a major focus on climate change and food security, both of which are critical to Tanzania’s future. The country, heavily reliant on agriculture, faces significant threats from climate instability, which has disrupted food production and livelihoods.

During the summit, President Samia advocated for global partnerships to support climate-smart agriculture, which could bolster Tanzania’s food systems while building resilience against climate shocks.

Economist Bravious Kahyoza of the University of Dar es Salaam explained the broader implications of these discussions, stating, “This was an opportunity for Tanzania to not only showcase its developmental priorities but also influence global approaches to food security and sustainable farming practices. Her advocacy sets a foundation for investments that will transform agriculture in Tanzania and the wider region.”

In addition to food security, renewable energy was another cornerstone of President Samia’s agenda. Tanzania, seeking to transition to sustainable energy sources, presented its ambitious plans to expand solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.

President Samia highlighted the need for concessional financing and innovative technologies to support these efforts, particularly in rural areas where energy access remains a challenge. Economist Jeffrey Sachs, speaking at the summit, noted that Tanzania’s energy initiatives are critical not only for addressing climate concerns but also for driving industrial growth in the region.

“Tanzania’s renewable energy ambitions align with global goals to transition to cleaner energy sources, and President Hassan’s leadership is instrumental in attracting the necessary partnerships to achieve this,” he remarked.

President Samia’s discussions also focused on social inclusion and women and youth empowerment, areas she has prioritized since taking office. With over 70% of Tanzania’s population under the age of 30, the challenges of youth unemployment and limited educational opportunities are significant.

At the summit, President Samia highlighted programs aimed at creating jobs, enhancing education, and improving access to resources for women and marginalized groups. According to Kamwaga, her emphasis on inclusive development resonated with the broader goals of the G20, positioning Tanzania as a model for equitable growth.

Beyond domestic priorities, President Samia’s participation highlighted the potential for Tanzania to play a leadership role within Africa and beyond. Her interactions with leaders like Xi Jinping and Joe Biden highlighted her ability to navigate complex global dynamics while advocating for Tanzania’s interests. This, according to Kamwaga, demonstrated a level of diplomatic sophistication that positions Tanzania as a rising power in East Africa.

For Africa, the summit marked a turning point with the African Union’s formal admission to the G20. This milestone offers African nations a stronger platform to address issues such as poverty, climate change, and global economic disparities. However, there are challenges to translating this new status into tangible gains.

Some experts argue that the G20’s structure still heavily favors developed nations, limiting the influence of African voices. Renowned development economist Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who also participated in the summit, emphasized the need for African leaders to remain united and strategic in leveraging this platform. “The African Union’s inclusion is significant, but it requires bold and coordinated efforts to ensure Africa’s priorities are not sidelined,” she said.

President Samia’s participation also drew attention to broader reforms in global governance. Tanzania, like many other developing nations, has long advocated for a more inclusive international system that gives equal weight to the voices of the Global South.

During the summit, she joined discussions on restructuring institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank to better serve the needs of developing countries. Kamwaga noted that these reforms are essential for addressing the inequalities that have historically disadvantaged countries like Tanzania.

This year’s summit, however, was not without its challenges. Critics argue that while the inclusion of the AU is symbolic progress, the real test lies in whether it will translate into meaningful actions. Some experts warned that African nations risk being overshadowed by the larger economies dominating the G20 agenda.

Despite these concerns, President Samia’s active participation ensured that Tanzania’s voice was heard on key issues, from climate resilience to sustainable development.

The Rio summit also provided Tanzania with a platform to attract foreign investment. President Samia’s discussions on infrastructure development and agriculture highlighted the country’s potential as a regional hub for economic growth.

Historian Mussa Lugete observed that Tanzania’s strategic location in East Africa, combined with its political stability, makes it an attractive destination for investors. “President Samia used the G20 to position Tanzania as a gateway to East Africa, opening the door to transformative partnerships that could drive long-term growth,” he said.

As the summit concluded, it was clear that Tanzania’s presence had made an impact. For President Samia, the event was not just an opportunity to advance Tanzania’s national interests but also a chance to contribute to shaping the global agenda.

Her emphasis on equitable development, climate action, and social inclusion aligned with the summit’s broader goals, reinforcing Tanzania’s role as a constructive player in international relations.

The G20 summit has accentuated the progress Tanzania has made under President Samia’s leadership while highlighting the challenges that remain. By advocating for investments in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and inclusive development, President Samia demonstrated Tanzania’s commitment to building a resilient and prosperous future. Economist Kahyoza summed it up succinctly: “This was a defining moment for Tanzania. It’s not just about being at the table; it’s about shaping the conversation and securing tangible outcomes for the people of Tanzania and the wider region.”

Decades ago, Tanzania’s founding father, Julius Kambarage Nyerere, warned that "an elephant cannot debate with an antelope," a metaphor for the global inequality between developed and developing nations.

His statement reflected the stark imbalance in international relations, where smaller nations like Tanzania struggled to have their voices heard. However, in today’s interconnected world, where issues like climate change, food insecurity, and economic instability transcend borders, such dynamics are evolving.

Tanzania’s participation in the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro under President Samia Suluhu Hassan exemplified this shift. Engaging with leaders like Joe Biden and Xi Jinping, President Samia demonstrated Tanzania’s growing role in shaping global solutions. The summit highlighted the necessity of collective action, with Tanzania advocating for climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, and equitable global governance reforms.

Professor Peter Kopoka of the University of Dodoma remarked that the interconnectedness of the global village has challenged Nyerere’s assertion. “Today, global challenges demand win-win partnerships, not zero-sum gains. Marginalizing smaller nations perpetuates instability,” he noted. Tanzania’s active participation at the summit reflects a break from the past, proving that even as inequalities persist, the metaphorical antelope is asserting its role in forging a more inclusive and cooperative global order.