By Business Insider Reporter
The Trump administration has recalled dozens of ambassadors and senior diplomats worldwide, including many in Africa, as part of its “America First” agenda.
Countries affected include Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Uganda, and Somalia.
Tanzania, however, remains fully represented, ensuring continuity in diplomatic, economic, and development cooperation despite the broader reshuffle.
The withdrawal of ambassadors signals a decrease in direct US diplomatic engagement across many African countries. Ambassadors play a critical role in fostering bilateral relations, mediating regional conflicts, and advancing trade, investment and development initiatives.
In their absence, dialogue on security, governance, and economic cooperation may slow, creating opportunities for other global powers, such as China, to increase influence.
Commercial and economic ties
For Tanzania, however, the status quo remains unchanged. The US continues to maintain diplomatic representation, ensuring ongoing channels for collaboration on regional security, trade, and development projects remain open.
Trade between the US and Tanzania reached US$1.4 billion in 2024, up 22 percent from 2023. US exports to Tanzania totaled US$565.8 million, a 27 percent increase, while imports from Tanzania were about US$204.8 million, resulting in a US trade surplus of $361 million.
This growth reflects strengthening commercial ties, supported by Tanzania’s expanding export sectors and rising US demand.
Between 2012 and 2022, US financial flows to Tanzania – including aid, investment, and related support – averaged around US$2.8 billion per year.
Key sectors supported include: Health, notably HIV/AIDS programmes (US$3.8 billion for the decade); Agriculture (US$546 million); Infrastructure (US$579 million); Malaria programmes (US$533 million)
US companies’ FDI stock in Tanzania is estimated to top US$1.3 billion, and US-backed investment guarantees have secured US$93 million in private sector projects since 2012.
Shift in US Approach
In 2025, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) closed its Tanzania office after 64 years, transitioning humanitarian and life-saving programmes to the US State Department.
This reflects a broader strategy to shift from traditional aid toward economic and investment-focused engagement, while continuing support in key sectors like health through initiatives such as PEPFAR.
While the Trump administration’s ambassadorial recalls signal a reduced US diplomatic footprint in parts of Africa, Tanzania remains fully engaged with Washington.
Coupled with growing trade, rising investment, and long-term development partnerships, Tanzania is well-positioned to maintain strong bilateral relations and economic ties even amid broader shifts in US policy.
The move will leave Washington without top-level representatives in more than half the countries in sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting the White House’s shift away from the continent.
Less than a year into his second term, Trump has upended US-Africa relations: His administration’s sudden cuts of aid to the continent have left dozens of countries struggling to get by, while his tariff regime has compounded the economic pressure on many, and he has yet to appoint senior officials with responsibility for Africa-related issues. Nonetheless, the Trump administration has vied to outcompete China on strategic projects in Africa, especially those focused on rare earths – key for the defense and tech industries.
