Canada’s Minister of International Development, Randeep Sarai, has arrived in Tanzania for a three-day official visit aimed at strengthening longstanding development cooperation between the two countries.
Minister Sarai is expected to visit a number of development projects supported by the Government of Canada in Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, and Zanzibar.
These include Makuburi Health Centre and renewable energy company JAZA in Dar es Salaam; the Central Park Bees honey initiative and a maize flour processing plant in Chamwino, Dodoma; CRDB Bank’s Dodoma branch; and Makole Health Centre.
The Canadian minister was welcomed at Julius Nyerere International Airport by Minister for Health Jenista Mhagama, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Ambassador Said Shaib Mussa, Director of the Europe and Americas Department Ambassador Swahiba Mndeme, and the Canadian High Commissioner to Tanzania, Hon. Emily Burns.
Speaking shortly after the arrival, Mhagama expressed deep appreciation for Canada’s continued commitment to Tanzania’s health sector, noting that the Canadian Government has injected over TSh 120 billion into key health initiatives across the country.
Among the flagship projects are the Accelerated Hope and Development for Adolescents in Tanzania (AHADI), implemented by World Vision with a budget of TSh 38.8 billion; the Girls’ Reproductive Health, Rights and Empowerment Accelerated in Tanzania (GRREAT) project, led by UNICEF (TSh 51.7 billion); and the Strengthening Midwifery in Tanzania initiative, jointly executed by AMREF and the midwifery associations of Canada and Tanzania (TSh 30.4 billion).
“This generous support has contributed directly to improving access to health services, reducing under-five mortality from 67 per 1,000 live births in 2015 to 43 in 2022, and maternal deaths from 556 to 104 per 100,000 live births,” Hon. Mhagama said.
She emphasized that Tanzania, under the leadership of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, remains committed to enhancing diplomatic and development partnerships with Canada, particularly in health and social well-being.
“We value this partnership because it is saving lives, empowering communities, and offering more opportunities for shared progress,” she added.
Minister Sarai reaffirmed Canada’s dedication to a people-centred development agenda, noting that his government would continue to support Tanzania in areas including health, education, gender equality, youth empowerment, climate change, and humanitarian assistance.
“Canada sees Tanzania as a strategic partner in the region. We are investing in projects that improve everyday lives, especially for women and girls,” he said.
“This collaboration is about more than aid it’s about mutual respect, inclusive governance, peace-building, and sustainable development.”he added
His visit is expected to further deepen Canada-Tanzania cooperation and open new avenues for impactful partnerships that reflect shared values and aspirations for a better future.