Tanzania has thrown its weight behind innovative financing models aimed at accelerating investment in Africa’s aviation and health sectors, arguing that blended finance offers the most realistic path to closing the continent’s widening infrastructure gap.
Speaking during a high-level meeting organised by the African Development Bank (AfDB), Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Paymaster General, Dr Natu El-maamry Mwamba, said African countries must combine public resources, private capital and support from development partners to unlock large-scale investments in strategic sectors.
Dr Mwamba, who represented Tanzania as Alternate Governor at the meeting themed “Platform Solutions to Africa’s Transformation: De-risking Aviation and Health Systems through Innovative Financing,” said the proposed financing framework aligns with Tanzania’s development priorities and offers a sustainable approach to infrastructure expansion.
“We continue to emphasise the use of both public and private resources together with guarantees and support from development partners. We cannot rely on a single source alone,” she said, while cautioning African economies against unsustainable debt accumulation.
Her remarks come at a time when many African countries are seeking alternative financing mechanisms to fund critical infrastructure projects amid tightening global financial conditions and rising borrowing costs.
Dr Mwamba described aviation as a strategic sector capable of driving trade, tourism, investment and regional integration.
She said Tanzania is keen to attract innovative investments that will support airport modernisation, strengthen aviation safety systems and improve regional air connectivity.
She noted that the government’s broader ambition is to position Tanzania as a transport and logistics hub serving East and Southern Africa.
On healthcare, Dr Mwamba said resilient health systems remain central to economic productivity, human capital development and long-term economic stability.
She stressed the need for affordable and reliable financing to support access to essential medicines, advanced medical technologies and climate-resilient health infrastructure.
The senior government official also outlined Tanzania’s expectations from the AfDB, including stronger support in project preparation to help develop bankable projects capable of attracting private sector investment.
She further called for expanded access to guarantees and concessional financing from international financial institutions, including the AfDB, to reduce investment risks and improve the affordability of development financing.
“Tanzania is ready to work closely with the AfDB and all stakeholders to deliver investments with tangible results for our citizens,” Dr Mwamba said.
The meeting, opened by African Development Bank President Sidi Ould Tah, brought together finance ministers, central bank governors, investors and development partners to discuss practical solutions for de-risking investments and expanding financing opportunities for Africa’s transport and health sectors.
