Tanzania is strengthening its cooperation with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to accelerate the implementation of strategic development projects aimed at boosting economic growth and improving key infrastructure across the country.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, said the partnership between Tanzania and the continental development bank continues to expand, supporting major projects that are critical to the country’s long-term development agenda.
Mr Kombo made the remarks on March 25, 2026, when he received copies of credentials from the newly appointed AfDB Resident Representative to Tanzania, Mary Manneko Monyau, during a meeting held at the ministry’s sub-office in Dar es Salaam.
He noted that the cooperation between Tanzania and the African Development Bank is largely focused on infrastructure, transport and energy sectors, which are considered key drivers of economic transformation.
According to the minister, the bank is currently financing 27 development projects in the country, many of which are designed to improve connectivity, strengthen energy supply and stimulate industrial growth.
Among the major projects supported by the AfDB are the Dodoma Outer Ring Road, the construction of Msalato International Airport, the ongoing Standard Gauge Railway and the submarine electricity cable project linking the islands of Zanzibar, Pemba Island and Mafia Island.
Mr Kombo said the projects demonstrate the growing role of the African Development Bank in supporting Tanzania’s infrastructure development and strengthening the foundations for sustained economic growth.
He also congratulated Ms Monyau on her appointment and expressed the government’s confidence in her leadership and experience, particularly given her previous service as the AfDB Resident Representative in Sudan.
For her part, Ms Monyau reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to working closely with the Tanzanian government to support the country’s development priorities.
She said the African Development Bank will continue aligning its programmes with the country’s long-term development agenda, including Tanzania Development Vision 2050.
Ms Monyau noted that the bank plans to expand access to financing for strategic projects that strengthen Tanzania’s economic independence, while also promoting youth employment and supporting the development of infrastructure that facilitates industrialisation and regional trade.
The strengthened partnership between Tanzania and the African Development Bank is expected to enhance investment in key sectors and contribute to the country’s broader efforts to achieve inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
