Mayor Tschentscher reflected on the long-standing maritime connections between the two port cities, which date back more than a century through trade and shipping. While acknowledging the complex legacy of the colonial era, he stressed that the partnership established in 2010 has evolved into a vibrant collaboration supported by over 100 organizations in both cities, spanning education, culture, environmental initiatives, and youth programs.

Over the past 15 years, the Hamburg–Dar es Salaam partnership has launched more than 50 collaborative projects, including the Mabwepande composting plant, firefighter training programs, and the “Water-Conscious Urban Development” initiative, which strengthens both cities’ resilience to climate change. These projects demonstrate the commitment to sustainability, knowledge exchange, and community engagement that define the partnership.

During the reception, the two cities signed a new joint declaration outlining priorities for the next three years, focusing on climate adaptation, city planning, water and waste management, green spaces, public health, and youth exchange programs. Symbolically, Mayor Tschentscher presented a “Buddelschiff” (ship in a bottle) containing a dhow, reflecting the shared maritime heritage and 15 years of close friendship between Hamburg and Dar es Salaam.

The anniversary week, themed “Lion meets Seagull”, features concerts, dance performances, film screenings, and public forums across Hamburg, all free of charge. These events celebrate the strong people-to-people connections that have made the Hamburg–Dar es Salaam partnership a model of international cooperation at the municipal level.

• https://hamburg-daressalaam.de/en/anniversary-celebration-15-years/
• https://www.hamburg.de/politik-und-verwaltung/senat/reden-und-dokumente/senates-reception-15-years-of-city-partnership-between-hamburg-and-dar-es-salaam-1075904
• https://x.com/GermanyTanzania/status/1936360238506180867