Tanzania and the United States are preparing to finalise major investment agreements, even as concerns over human rights and public safety persist in the East African nation.

On Monday, December 8, 2025, President Samia Suluhu Hassan met Acting US Ambassador to Tanzania, Andrew Lentz, at Chamwino State House to discuss bilateral cooperation and the progress of strategic projects.

The discussions focused on three flagship investments: the LNG project, the Tembo Nickel project, and the Mahenge Graphite project. Both sides noted that negotiations for the LNG and Tembo Nickel projects are in their final stages, pending formal signing, while work on the Mahenge Graphite project continues.

“The United States is committed to a partnership based not on aid dependency but on shared prosperity,” Ambassador Lentz said. President Samia welcomed the commitment, stressing Tanzania’s readiness to work with partners who respect its sovereignty and support its vision for national growth.

President Samia highlighted that over 400 American companies operate in Tanzania, reflecting the country’s stability and openness to investment. She emphasised that these strategic projects will create jobs, attract investment, and promote sustainable development.

Beyond investments, the meeting covered wider cooperation in areas such as political stability, regional security, economic reforms, private-sector growth, health partnerships, and people-to-people exchanges. Ambassador Lentz praised Tanzania’s Vision 2050 and the President’s 4R governance philosophy, expressing U.S. willingness to support its implementation.

The projects under discussion carry significant economic value. The LNG project, estimated at USD 42 billion, aims to develop Tanzania’s offshore gas reserves, boost revenue, and create thousands of jobs.

The Tembo Nickel project, valued at Ksh121.8 billion, will support industrialisation and supply global clean-energy markets. The Mahenge Graphite project, worth USD 300 million, will contribute to the growing battery and renewable-energy industries.

US raises rights concerns

These developments follow a US statement on December 4, 2025, which raised concerns about Tanzania’s human rights record and public security. The statement noted ongoing restrictions on religious freedom, free speech, and US investment, as well as violence following Tanzania’s October 29 elections. It warned that these actions risked the safety of U.S. citizens and the stability of the region.

Meanwhile, domestic tensions remain high ahead of Independence Day on December 9. The United Nations Human Rights Office urged Tanzanian authorities to allow peaceful protests and avoid the use of force.

Reports indicate that security forces have detained over 2,000 people since the elections, and the government issued a stay-at-home advisory, citing public safety concerns. Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba encouraged citizens to celebrate the holiday from home unless their work duties required them to report.

The contrasting developments reflect Tanzania’s dual focus: pursuing foreign investment while maintaining strict control over internal security. How the government balances these priorities will determine both the success of upcoming U.S.-Tanzania projects and the country’s international reputation.