The Government of Tanzania and the European Investment Bank (EIB) have agreed to expedite the completion of financing agreements for key infrastructure projects, including the second phase of the Mwanza Water Supply and Sanitation Project (LV WATSAN II), aimed at improving access to clean water and sanitation services in Mwanza Region and surrounding areas.
The commitment was reached during talks held in Dodoma between officials from the Ministry of Finance and an EIB delegation led by Mr Christian Elias, Head of the Public Sector and Country Relations Division for East and Southern Africa.
Representing the Permanent Secretary and Paymaster General at the Ministry of Finance, Dr Natu E-maamry Mwamba, Assistant Commissioner for External Finance, Mr Robert Mtengule, said the discussions focused on strengthening cooperation and accelerating the implementation of development projects critical to Tanzania’s economic and social transformation.
The meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to review ongoing collaboration and identify new areas of partnership that could support the country's development agenda.
Among the key issues discussed were the progress of EIB-funded projects currently under implementation in Tanzania and financing opportunities for new initiatives in the water and transport sectors, which are considered vital for improving public services and driving economic growth.
The two parties also reviewed the final steps required to conclude financing agreements for Phases IV and V of the Dar es Salaam Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project.
The planned expansion is expected to improve public transportation services and ease traffic congestion in Tanzania’s commercial capital.
Beyond water and transport infrastructure, discussions extended to other priority sectors, including energy, information and communication technology (ICT), and programmes designed to support entrepreneurs through credit facilities provided by the EIB to commercial banks operating in Tanzania.
Speaking during the meeting, Mr Mtengule said the government highly values the contribution of the European Investment Bank in advancing Tanzania’s development priorities.
“This partnership plays an important role in accelerating the implementation of projects and programmes that contribute to the sustainable development of our country,” he said.
For his part, Mr Elias thanked the Tanzanian government for its continued cooperation and the support provided by technical teams working to advance the shared development agenda.
“We look forward to completing the remaining procedures, including the signing of financing agreements for the BRT Phases IV and V and the LV WATSAN II projects, so that implementation can begin as planned,” he said.
The meeting was also attended by Assistant Commissioner for Budget, Ms Vicky Jengo; Acting Assistant Commissioner for Debt Management, Mr Mulesi Manyama; Head of the Tanzania-European Union Cooperation Unit, Mr Jonathan Mpuya; and technical experts from both the Ministry of Finance and the European Investment Bank.
The discussions reflect the growing partnership between Tanzania and the European Investment Bank as the country seeks to expand access to essential services, modernise infrastructure and create a foundation for long-term economic growth.
