The World Bank has approved 550 million US dollars (over 1.4 trillion Tanzanian shillings) to support Tanzania’s development agenda, focusing on improving education and strengthening support for poor and vulnerable households across the country.
The funding has been approved by the World Bank Board of Executive Directors following recognition of Tanzania’s continued progress in implementing development programmes and maintaining strong macroeconomic and fiscal stability.
The decision was announced by the World Bank Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa, Dr. Ndiame Diop, during discussions with Tanzania’s delegation led by Minister of Finance, Ambassador Khamis Mussa Omar, on the sidelines of the World Bank and IMF Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C., United States.
Out of the total funding, 300 million US dollars will go towards an education and skills development programme aimed at improving learning outcomes and equipping young people with practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship.
The remaining 250 million US dollars will support social protection initiatives implemented through the Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF), which provides assistance to poor and vulnerable households to help improve livelihoods and reduce poverty.
Dr. Diop said the approval reflects the strong and long-standing partnership between Tanzania and the World Bank, as well as the effective implementation of projects and sound economic management demonstrated by the country.
He added that the Bank is continuing to review several other strategic projects submitted by Tanzania. These include investments in the energy sector, agribusiness development, health services in Zanzibar, and other key areas aimed at promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Minister Omar said Tanzania welcomed the approval, noting that the funds will play a significant role in accelerating human capital development and improving social welfare programmes.
He also highlighted the importance of major infrastructure investments, including the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), saying such projects are crucial in strengthening transport corridors, reducing business costs, and boosting national and regional trade.
According to him, Tanzania is committed to ensuring that infrastructure development directly benefits citizens and supports long-term economic transformation.
The outgoing World Bank Country Representative, Nathan Belete, said the discussions were productive and reflected strong confidence in Tanzania’s development direction and reform agenda.
He expressed optimism that Tanzania will continue to achieve strong economic growth, supported by its abundant resources and ongoing reforms across key sectors.
World Bank support to Tanzania through the International Development Association (IDA) now stands at 8.96 billion US dollars, covering 35 projects. Of these, 32 are national projects while three are regional initiatives.
The meeting was also attended by senior government officials from both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, reflecting the country’s unified approach to development planning and international cooperation.
