Tanzania is seeking TZS317 billion in climate financing to implement water projects in the Lake Victoria Basin, as the government pushes international funding institutions to fulfil their commitments towards improving water supply and strengthening climate resilience.
The funding is expected to support several projects in Simiyu, Mara and Kagera regions, as well as the expansion of the Butimba Water Treatment Plant in Mwanza, which serves approximately 450,000 people.
Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water, Rose Ambrose, said the availability of the funds was critical to advancing the projects and improving access to reliable water services for communities in the Lake Victoria Basin.
She made the remarks on November 13, 2026, during a meeting organised by the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC), an institution of the East African Community (EAC), on the sidelines of the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31).
Ms Ambrose called on international climate finance institutions to honour their commitments to Tanzania, stressing that accessing the promised resources was important for implementing projects intended to benefit communities and protect water resources.
She cited water projects in Simiyu, Mara and Kagera, alongside the second phase of the Butimba Water Treatment Plant, as key interventions requiring financial support.
The Butimba facility serves approximately 450,000 people, making its expansion important for improving water supply in Mwanza.
Ms Ambrose said sustainable management of Lake Victoria was essential to securing the country's long-term water needs, in line with the ambitions outlined in Development Vision 2050.
She added that Tanzania would continue working with other countries sharing the lake to strengthen the management and conservation of its resources.
Lake Victoria supports approximately 45 million people across the region, making its protection and sustainable use a shared development priority.
EAC Deputy Secretary-General Andrea Malueth said stronger partnerships with international financial institutions were needed to increase investment in development projects across the basin.
He said the regional bloc would push for implementation of the LVBC strategic plan, which prioritises ecosystem restoration, climate-resilient infrastructure, competitive value chains and stronger institutional capacity.
Dr Malueth said the strategy had identified financing requirements of $8 billion, providing an opportunity for member states and development partners to align national priorities with regional investment needs.
"The strategy has outlined financing requirements of $8 billion, providing an opportunity to identify national priorities and regional development expectations while mobilising resources towards shared outcomes and development among member states," he said.
For Tanzania, securing the proposed TZS317 billion would help advance water infrastructure projects while supporting communities whose livelihoods depend on Lake Victoria and its surrounding natural resources.
Tanzania is using COP31 to strengthen climate diplomacy and pursue international partnerships in financing, research, technology transfer and capacity-building for local experts.
The country's theme at the conference is: "Tanzania's Inclusive Climate Action for Vision 2050: Building a Resilient, Green and Prosperous Nation."