President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, today held discussions at Ikulu in Dar es Salaam with the outgoing and incoming World Bank Resident Directors, reaffirming the strong and long-standing cooperation between Tanzania and the World Bank in supporting national development priorities.
The outgoing World Bank Resident Director, Mr. Nathan Belete, visited State House to bid farewell after completing his tenure in Tanzania. He also introduced his successor, Mr. Firas Raad, who has officially started his duties in the country.
Mr. Belete praised Tanzania for the effective implementation of development projects financed by the World Bank, saying the country remains among the best performers in Africa.
He noted that Tanzania has continued to demonstrate strong discipline in managing public resources and ensuring that projects directly benefit citizens.
He said cooperation between Tanzania and the World Bank has expanded in key sectors including education, health, energy, water, social protection, infrastructure development, and policy reforms.
He also highlighted that development programmes in Zanzibar have further strengthened national impact.
President Samia thanked Mr. Belete for his contribution since November 2022, saying his role had helped strengthen cooperation and improve implementation of development programmes that directly benefit Tanzanians. She also wished him success in his new regional responsibilities in Africa.
The President said Tanzania is currently implementing 18 development programmes supported by the World Bank, covering transport infrastructure, energy, water supply, education, social protection systems, urban development, policy reforms, and climate resilience.
She said these programmes are improving service delivery and raising living standards, while aligning with Tanzania’s long-term development agenda under Vision 2050.
President Samia further outlined key government priorities, including major infrastructure projects such as the Central Corridor and the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) linking Tanzania with Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Other priorities include clean energy development, agriculture transformation, food security, climate resilience, water services, education, and social protection.
She welcomed the new World Bank Resident Director, Mr. Firas Raad, and assured him of full government support to ensure smooth implementation of ongoing and future development projects that benefit citizens.
Mr. Raad expressed appreciation for Tanzania’s macroeconomic stability and ongoing development progress, saying the country presents strong opportunities for inclusive growth, job creation, and poverty reduction. He pledged continued collaboration with the Government to advance development goals.
The meeting underscored the continued partnership between Tanzania and the World Bank in driving development projects that improve services, strengthen the economy, and directly benefit citizens across the country.
