Tanzania has praised Norway for its continued role in supporting the country’s economic and social transformation, with contributions exceeding TZS 300 billion ($100 million) since 2010.
Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo said the funds have been directed toward rural electrification, education, climate change adaptation, and public financial management.
He made the remarks during the 22nd Ministerial Meeting of African and Nordic Foreign Ministers held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, on October 2–3.
“Norway’s contributions are not just government-to-government they are enabling electricity in villages, empowering women engineers, and supporting Equinor’s natural gas investments in Tanzania,” Kombo said.
Funding through the Rural Energy Agency (REA) has expanded electricity access in rural communities, supporting small businesses, education, and health facilities.
Equinor ASA, Norway’s state-controlled energy company, is among the largest foreign investors in Tanzania’s natural gas sector, which holds an estimated 57 trillion cubic feet of reserves.
Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said Oslo will maintain its long-term commitment to Tanzania, focusing on clean energy technology, quality education, and green economy investments.
He noted that cooperation with Tanzania is built on sustainability, transparency, and equality.
The Tanzanian government has prioritized accelerating liquefied natural gas (LNG) development to diversify its economy and attract more foreign investment.
Kombo emphasized that Tanzania remains committed to providing a favorable investment environment while strengthening historical ties with Norway.