Much of the relationship between Tanzania and the United States has been framed first by the Cold War, and more recently in the context of US policies toward Africa and development.

President Benjamin Mkapa visited the U.S. in September 1999 with a delegation of business executives, reflecting the increased level of cooperation on trade and investment issues and Tanzania's commitment to economic liberalization.

The U.S. Government provides assistance to Tanzania to support programs in the areas of health, environment, democracy, and development of the private sector.

The U.S. Agency for International Development's program in Tanzania averages about $20 million per year, a relatively small amount (see Waters 2006).

The Peace Corps program, which discontinued in Tanzania due to objections to the United States involvement in the Vietnam War in the 1960s, was re-established in 1979, and provides assistance in education through the provision of teachers.