Tanzania and Qatar signed a Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) on 29 September 2026 during the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank’s (AIIB) 11th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors in Doha, Qatar. The pact, finalized by Tanzanian Finance Minister Amb. Khamis Mussa Omar and Qatari Finance Minister Ali Bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, aims to eliminate double taxation on cross-border income, fostering investment and economic collaboration. Omar emphasized the treaty’s role in creating a “transparent and predictable environment for investors,” while Al Kuwari underscored Tanzania’s strategic importance as a partner for Qatari capital. The agreement aligns with Qatar’s existing investments in Tanzanian infrastructure, including projects by the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) and Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD).
Omar highlighted that the DTA targets key sectors such as infrastructure, energy, tourism, transport, agriculture, and financial services, which Tanzania expects to attract new foreign investment. The treaty also strengthens cooperation between the two nations’ tax authorities, supporting global efforts against tax evasion while safeguarding each country’s fiscal interests. Tanzania’s meat exports have surged from 1,000 metric tonnes in 2021 to nearly 15,000 tonnes, with a government target of 50,000 tonnes annually. The agreement follows Tanzania’s prior DTAs with nine countries, including Canada, India, and South Africa, and precedes pending treaties with the UAE, Oman, Türkiye, and Singapore.
Qatari officials reiterated their commitment to knowledge-sharing rather than unilateral technology transfer, citing partnerships with Tanzanian entities like Thirty-Five Investment Holding in livestock and fisheries. Al Kuwari noted that Qatar’s investment framework, including the QIA and QFFD, complements Tanzania’s economic priorities. The DTA’s implementation is expected to streamline business operations and enhance investor confidence, particularly in sectors critical to Tanzania’s growth agenda. Officials from both nations described the pact as a milestone in deepening economic ties, reflecting mutual interests in sustainable development and regional integration.
The agreement underscores Tanzania’s broader strategy to diversify investment sources and strengthen fiscal partnerships. With the DTA now in force, the focus shifts to its practical implementation and monitoring, ensuring alignment with national economic goals. The treaty’s impact will likely be measured in increased cross-border capital flows, expanded trade, and enhanced regulatory cooperation between the two nations. As Tanzania continues to pursue bilateral and multilateral economic agreements, the DTA with Qatar represents a significant step toward achieving its 2026 investment and trade objectives.