Tanzanians, wearing white shirts and hats bearing President Barack Obama's face, said "karibu," or "welcome," to the U.S. leader as they lined the street – temporarily renamed "Obama Avenue" – leading to the State House on Monday, CNN reports.
Tanzania is the latest democratic country the president is visiting to promote the White House's increased partnership with Africa amid criticism the administration has focused its attention on other areas of the globe and only primarily military interests in Africa.
Tanzania is an important partner with the United States on security issues and development initiatives. The president will likely underscore the partnership during his visit to a country that has received increased attention from other foreign governments, especially China.
Tanzania lies in a strategic location on the shores of the Indian Ocean, an outlet for its many landlocked neighbors and an ideal jumping-off point for companies looking to expand in a region that is seen to have huge consumer growth potential.
Tanzania has enormous economic potential with largely untapped agricultural and mineral resources, and Obama is trying to put forward the case for African consumers and their governments to look West rather then East.
China became the continent's largest individual trading partner three years ago, surpassed only by the European Union.
Earlier this year, just 10 days after taking office, Chinese President Xi Jinping made Tanzania the first stop on a three-nation Africa tour, signing 16 trade, cultural and diplomatic accords in Tanzania alone.
According to the local arm of the China-Africa business council, there are approximately 8,000 Chinese owned businesses operating in Tanzania, ranging from large-scale construction projects to small shops and market kiosks.
And more Chinese citizens are flocking to seek their fortunes across Africa.
"Everyone knows that China is the factory of the world. All the big countries, including the US, have their factories there," said Hao Jianguo of the China-Africa Business Council, noting that the import-export pipeline is direct and prices favorable.
"Where there's an opportunity for business, the businessmen find it. Our motto is, 'Follow the profit,'" Jianguo said.
Obama and Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete spoke and answered questions before the vast building adorned with American and Tanzanian flags on grounds complete with peacocks.
The respect between the two leaders, as well as the appreciation Kikwete has for the United States was clear.
"The people of Tanzania love you," Kikwete said, looking at Obama. "There has never been a visit by a head of state to Tanzania that has attracted such big crowds."
Kikwete was the first African leader Obama welcomed to the White House, a sign of the shared interests between the countries, Obama said. He noted their cooperation over health care, infrastructure, energy and job creation.
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The Punch