- Half or more of Tanzanians agree that the country’s interests are adequately recognised in the decisions of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) (Figure 1).
- But a clear majority (57%) say African countries should be given greater influence in the decision making of international bodies like the United Nations (Figure 2).
- Six in 10 citizens (59%) say the government should promote trade with other countries, while 39% would rather limit trade to protect local producers (Figure 3).
- About two-thirds (67%) of Tanzanians prefer easier trade with all countries across the globe, while small minorities say trade should be restricted to all African (19%) or regional countries only (11%) (Figure 4).
- Six in 10 respondents see the EAC’s influence on Tanzania as “somewhat positive” or “very positive” (61%), the same proportion who view China’s influence positively (61%). Majorities also see the African Union (57%) and SADC (54%) in a positive light (Figure 5).
- Russia (25%) and the United Kingdom (37%) receive less favourable assessments.
At least half of Tanzanians believe their country’s needs and interests are adequately recognised in the decisions of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), according to the latest Afrobarometer survey.
But a majority of citizens support greater influence for African countries in the decision making of global institutions.
Three-fifths of citizens want the government to promote open trade with other countries, with an even larger proportion favouring trade with all countries globally.
Majorities of respondents say the EAC, China, the African Union, and SADC each have a positive economic and political influence on Tanzania. By contrast, fewer than four in 10 think Russia and United Kingdom play a positive role.