The Government of Italy has reaffirmed its commitment to deepen cooperation with Tanzania in key development areas, particularly agriculture, water, and production sectors, as part of efforts to promote inclusive economic growth and improve livelihoods.
The commitment was made by the Deputy Head of the Task Force of the Mattei Plan at the Office of the Prime Minister of Italy, Mr. Lorenzo Ortona, during discussions with a Tanzanian delegation led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Paymaster General, Dr. Natu El-Maamry Mwamba.
The meeting was held in Washington D.C., United States of America, on the sidelines of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Spring Meetings.
Mr. Ortona said Italy will continue working closely with Tanzania under the Mattei Plan, a strategic initiative aimed at reshaping Africa–Italy relations by promoting partnership based on equality and mutual benefit rather than the traditional donor–recipient model.
He said the plan focuses on creating real opportunities for citizens through investments and cooperation in sectors that directly impact daily life, including agriculture, education, health, water, and productive industries.
According to him, the Italian government is committed to ensuring that the implementation of the Mattei Plan delivers tangible results such as job creation, improved agricultural productivity, and expanded economic opportunities for communities in Tanzania.
On her part, Dr. Natu El-Maamry Mwamba welcomed Italy’s continued support and said Tanzania values partnerships that strengthen productive sectors and support the country’s development agenda.
She said cooperation in agriculture, water, and production is crucial in improving food security, increasing income for farmers, and accelerating national development goals that directly benefit citizens.
Dr. Mwamba also emphasized Tanzania’s commitment to working with development partners to ensure that investments translate into practical improvements in people’s lives.
The meeting brought together senior officials from both sides, including the Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Rished Bade; Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Planning Commission, Mr. Sosthenes Kewe; and the Director General of the Agricultural Development Bank, Mr. Frank Nyabundege.
Others were the Assistant Commissioner for External Finance at the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Robert Mtengule, alongside other government officials and members of the Mattei Plan Task Force from the Office of the Prime Minister of Italy.
The discussions reaffirmed the shared commitment between Tanzania and Italy to strengthen cooperation aimed at advancing productive sectors and ensuring that development initiatives deliver direct and meaningful benefits to citizens.
