Tanzania’s Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office for Union Affairs and Environment, Eng. Hamad Yusuf Masauni, recently met with senior Norwegian officials to discuss deeper collaboration on climate change, environmental protection, and sustainable development.
The meeting took place in Oslo, Norway today, where Minister Masauni was accompanied by the Tanzanian delegation and the Norwegian Ambassador to Tanzania.
During the visit, Minister Masauni met Mr. Bård Vegar Solhjell, Director General of the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), and Ms.
Marita Sørheim Rensvik, Acting Director General of the Department for Sustainable Development at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway.
Ms. Rensvik was joined by experts from key Norwegian institutions such as the Norwegian Meteorological Institute, the Norwegian Environment Agency, and the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO).
These experts helped highlight Norway’s ongoing support for environmental initiatives worldwide, including in Tanzania.
The discussions focused on reinforcing the historical partnership between Tanzania and Norway, particularly regarding climate change, environmental conservation, and research funded by NORAD.
Over the years, the two countries have worked closely on projects that aim to protect the environment and reduce the effects of climate change.
Minister Masauni took the opportunity to thank the Norwegian government and NORAD for their continued support of Tanzania’s development.
“Tanzania deeply values the significant support provided by NORAD in areas such as technical assistance, financial support, environmental protection, and addressing climate change. Their work on forest conservation and the REDD+ project has been invaluable,” he stated.
He further recognized NORAD’s contributions in promoting renewable energy and expanding electricity access to rural areas.
“This partnership has greatly improved the lives of local communities, raised awareness about environmental issues, and built stronger institutions in Tanzania,” said Minister Masauni.
Mr. Solhjell praised Tanzania for its efforts to combat climate change.
He specifically highlighted the recent establishment of Tanzania’s National Carbon Monitoring Centre (NCMC), launched in February 2025.
“I understand that this centre is the first of its kind in Africa. It is a remarkable achievement and a great example for the region,” he noted.
The Tanzanian delegation, which included representatives from the Vice President’s Office, also listened to presentations on various environmental projects supported by Norway around the world, including in Tanzania.
These presentations were given by institutions such as the Norwegian Meteorological Institute, the Norwegian Energy Agency, NIBIO, YARA International, and NABA.
Norway has been a reliable partner in Tanzania’s development, funding projects in agriculture, education, climate monitoring, and environmental conservation.
At the end of the meeting, the Norwegian government reaffirmed its commitment to working with Tanzania in tackling climate change and improving environmental management. Both countries expressed a shared goal of enhancing their cooperation to ensure a more sustainable future for both nations.