Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson on Tuesday, July 22, signed a Sister City agreement with Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania, fulfilling a commitment outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding signed by Mayor Johnson and the Honorable Dr. Ashatu Kijaji, Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry of Tanzania.
The Memorandum of Understanding, signed in April 2022, outlined four objectives for the Dallas-Tanzania relationship, three of which are now complete: establishing a physical trade office in Dallas to promote East African trade, Mayor Johnson leading a Dallas delegation to visit Tanzania, and establishing a formal agreement to promote exchange between Tanzania and Dallas.
In May 2024, the headquarters of the Tanzanian American Chamber of Commerce officially opened in the Dallas International District, and Mayor Johnson is currently leading a Dallas delegation in Tanzania. Today, the third objective is complete with the signing of a Sister City agreement between Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson and the Honorable Omary Said Kumbilamoto, Lord Mayor of Dar es Salaam.
“I am honored to officially sign this Sister City agreement with Dar es Salaam alongside Lord Mayor Kumbilamoto,” said Mayor Johnson. “This moment represents the culmination of more than four years of relationship-building between Dallas and Tanzania, especially with the city of Dar es Salaam.”
“I am deeply grateful to Her Excellency Ambassador Elsie Kanza of Tanzania, Lord Mayor Kumbilamoto, and all those whose dedication and commitment to a strong Dallas-Dar es Salaam partnership made this agreement possible,” Mayor Johnson added. “Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our two cities. This Sister City partnership will open the door to new opportunities in trade, investment, education, tourism, and cultural exchange. I look forward to exploring these opportunities and continuing to build on the unique bond Dallas shares with Dar es Salaam, a bond that enriches both our cities.”
The agreement outlines a vision for economic and cultural exchange between Dar es Salaam and Dallas. This includes trade and economic development initiatives to facilitate investment opportunities; small business exchange programs to strengthen bilateral trade; student exchange programs that will incorporate virtual innovation labs and cultural immersion experiences; sustainable urban development efforts exchanging best practices in public transportation and waste management; and creative economic and tourism partnerships to promote music, art, and cultural heritage between Dallas and Dar es Salaam.
