Tanzania and WaterAid UK have pledged to deepen their strategic partnership in efforts to expand access to sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services, amid growing calls for climate-resilient investments across Africa.
The commitment was made during a high-level meeting between Tanzania’s Minister of Finance, Ambassador Khamis Mussa Omar, and a delegation from WaterAid UK led by its Southern Africa Regional Executive Director, Robert Kampala.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 61st Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the 52nd Annual Meetings of the African Development Fund (ADF), currently underway at the Kintélé International Conference Centre in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.
The discussions centred on strengthening institutional systems, scaling up development projects and mobilising investments capable of withstanding the impacts of climate change, particularly in the water sector.
Officials said the partnership is expected to accelerate Tanzania’s efforts to improve access to clean and safe water, sanitation infrastructure and hygiene services, especially in underserved communities.
The talks also reflected the increasing role of international partnerships in supporting African countries to meet sustainable development goals linked to public health, environmental protection and economic resilience.
The Tanzanian delegation included the Permanent Secretary and Paymaster General in the Ministry of Finance, Dr Natu El-maamry Mwamba, who also serves as Alternate Governor of the African Development Bank.
Also present were Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary and Commissioner for External Finance in the Ministry of Finance, Rished Bade, Assistant Commissioner for External Finance Robert Mtengule and other senior ministry officials.
WaterAid UK was additionally represented by its Pan Africa Advocacy Director, Dr Tanko Yussif Azzika, alongside other officials from the organisation.
The AfDB and ADF annual meetings have brought together policymakers, financiers and development stakeholders from across the continent to discuss strategies for sustainable economic growth and infrastructure financing in Africa.
