PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has called for greater unity across Africa, stressing that solidarity is essential for the continent to become strong and respected on the global stage.

She made the remarks in her historic address to the Angolan Parliament—becoming the first woman Head of State to do so.

“The darkness we see across our continent is a sign that we need unity to build strong and resilient nations,” she declared, underlining that through unity, “we won’t just fight poverty—we’ll also elevate the dignity of Africa.”

The president delivered the speech on the second day of her state visit to Angola, at the invitation of the Speaker of Parliament, Carolina Cerqueira, who is also a trailblazing female leader.

President Samia told her audience she and Angolan President João Gonçalves Lourenço had agreed to work closely together to tackle shared challenges, especially in areas of economic development, for the benefit of both countries and the continent as a whole.

President Samia praised President Lourenço for his efforts in strengthening Angola’s economy and fighting corruption, urging Angolans to maintain support for their president in his transformative efforts.

Angola currently boasts an economy valued at over $100bn, largely driven by oil and mineral exports, among the strongest economies in the region, with the visit intended to deepen bilateral ties, forged by founding leaders Mwalimu Nyerere and MPLA leader Dr  Agostinho Neto during the fight for independence, she stated,

President Samia’s visit marks the first by a Tanzanian head of state to Angola in 19 years, after ex-president Jakaya Kikwete’s visit in 2005, a visit she has used to highlight Tanzania’s vast investment opportunities, particularly in natural gas and minerals.

She invited Angolans to explore business in Tanzania, along with encouraging Tanzanians to seek opportunities in Angola.

She applauded Speaker Cerqueira for her leadership and commitment to democratic governance, saying she serves as a role model for women in politics across the continent.

The visit, which includes a parliamentary delegation, will strengthen inter-parliamentary relations and encourage exchanges between the two countries, with President Samia stressing affinity for the historical solidarity existing.

She said that some Tanzanian places are named after Angolan freedom fighters in recognition of that shared struggle, acknowledging that African nations still face security challenges.

That is why security cooperation was prioritized in the agreements signed during her visit, she added.