Tanzania is seeking to deepen cooperation with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in fisheries and the blue economy, with the government prioritising projects that can create jobs for women and young people.
Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba raised the issue during talks with IFAD Vice-President Geraldine Mukeshimana on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, on the sidelines of the Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue in Des Moines, Iowa.
The discussions centred on agriculture, fisheries and the blue economy, sectors with potential to expand employment, improve rural livelihoods and strengthen food security.
Dr Nchemba thanked IFAD for financing deep-sea fishing projects implemented through the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, as well as blue economy initiatives supported through Zanzibar’s Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries.
“These projects are important and are being given greater priority because they help create jobs for women and young people,” he said.
The government's emphasis on employment highlights the importance of ensuring that investments in fisheries translate into economic opportunities for communities, particularly young people seeking work and women looking to expand their participation in productive activities.
Beyond financing, the impact of such projects will depend on whether fishers and other players in the sector can access markets, improve production and generate sustainable incomes from marine resources.
Dr Mukeshimana commended Tanzania for its contribution to food supplies in neighbouring countries, describing the country as an important source of food for the region.
“I personally congratulate you because you have continued to be a hub for reliable food production in Africa. You are doing tremendous and commendable work in supplying food to neighbouring areas,” she said.
She also praised Dr Nchemba's experience in agriculture and finance, saying his previous service as Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Finance gave him valuable exposure to two key areas of development policy.
IFAD said it would continue supporting initiatives aimed at reducing hunger and poverty through investment in rural communities, improving their participation in markets and strengthening their resilience to climate change.
The commitment is significant for rural economies, where limited market access, climate-related shocks and inadequate investment can constrain productivity and household incomes.
By supporting rural producers and strengthening their links to markets, IFAD aims to help communities build more resilient livelihoods and improve their economic prospects.
For Tanzania, the challenge is to ensure that development financing delivers measurable benefits, including more jobs, stronger incomes and improved opportunities for rural communities.
The meeting was held during the Borlaug Dialogue, an international forum that brings together stakeholders to discuss agriculture, food security and global development challenges.
Dr Nchemba was accompanied by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Ngwaru Maghembe, Deputy Minister for Agriculture David Silinde, Tanzania's Ambassador to the United States Elsie Kanza and other government officials.