Friday, August 7, 2026

URT Updates

Updates from the United Republic of Tanzania

URT Updates

Updates from the United Republic of Tanzania

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AfDB Talks Signal Stronger Economic Cooperation Between Tanzania and Development Partners

Wambura Mwikabwe1 mins

Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Mwigulu Nchemba, held talks with the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, on the sidelines of the 61st Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the African Development Bank taking place today, Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at the Kintele International Conference Centre in Brazzaville.

The discussions focused on various development priorities and strengthening economic cooperation between Tanzania and the African Development Bank. Hon. Mwigulu Nchemba is representing the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, at the high-level meeting which has brought together African leaders and development stakeholders to discuss economic growth, investment and the future development agenda of the African continent.

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Former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde arriving at Julius Nyerere International Airport for an official working visit to participate in AWLN leadership engagements. **Former Ethiopian President Arrives in Tanzania for Official Working Visit** The former President of Ethiopia, Sahle-Work Zewde, has arrived in the country for a three-day official working visit scheduled to conclude on April 22, 2026. During her visit, H.E. Zewde will join the former President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf—who also serves as Patron of the African Women Leaders Network—in participating in the AWLN Steering Committee meeting. The engagements will also include consultations with government leaders, religious leaders, civil society organizations, political parties, and women’s groups, aimed at advancing women’s empowerment and inclusive development. Upon her arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport, H.E. Zewde was received by the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Said Shaib Mussa.

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Khamis Mussa Omar speaking at a panel during the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings 2026 in Washington, D.C., discussing Tanzania’s transport corridors, infrastructure investments, and regional economic integration strategy. By Joseph Mahumi, Washington, D.C. Tanzania has continued to distinguish itself as a key regional transport and economic hub in Africa, driven by sustained efforts to develop and modernize transport corridors that stimulate trade, employment, and regional integration. This was highlighted by the Minister for Finance, Khamis Mussa Omar, during a panel discussion organized by the World Bank on the role of transport corridors in advancing Africa’s economic growth. The session was held on the sidelines of the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings 2026 in Washington, D.C.. Speaking during the panel, Minister Omar noted that Tanzania has been at the forefront of connecting countries across the region through modern infrastructure, including the historic TAZARA Railway, established in the 1970s as one of the earliest transport corridors linking Tanzania and Zambia. He observed that for many years, such corridors primarily served transportation purposes without fully unlocking broader economic development along their routes. However, this is now being addressed through a strategic shift toward transforming them into economic corridors. “The new direction is to ensure that these corridors evolve into economic corridors rather than serving solely as transport routes. This transformation will stimulate industrial development, trade, and services. 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Minister Omar added that these infrastructure investments are aligned with a broader strategy to promote industrialization through value addition in agriculture and mining, enhance domestic production, and boost the national economy. He also noted that the tourism sector stands to benefit significantly from improved infrastructure. “These investments reflect our proactive approach. We did not wait for regional initiatives—we acted as a country, recognizing our responsibility to drive regional development,” he emphasized. He underscored that these efforts continue to position Tanzania as a strategic regional transport hub, contributing significantly to inclusive and sustainable economic growth across Africa. For his part, Ndiamé Diop, Vice President of the World Bank for Eastern and Southern Africa, stressed the importance of shifting from traditional transport corridors to fully integrated economic corridors. 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Tanzania Electricity Demand Grows 15% Annually as Government Targets 100% Access by 2030

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Finance Minister Khamis Omar speaking at Joint Water Sector Review meeting in Morogoro with government officials and stakeholders MOROGORO, Tanzania — Tanzania’s Minister for Finance, Hon. Ambassador Khamis Mussa Omar, has called for enhanced collaboration among stakeholders to strengthen water service delivery across the country. Speaking at the official opening of the Joint Water Sector Review meeting held at the Cate Convention Centre in Morogoro, the minister emphasized that the water sector remains a critical pillar for both social and economic development, requiring sustained investment and effective resource management. He noted that the Sixth Phase Government under President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan continues to prioritize the sector, working closely with development partners and stakeholders to implement the Water Sector Development Programme (WSDP 2006–2026). The minister commended the Minister for Water, Hon. Jumaa Hamidu Aweso, and sector officials for achievements recorded over the past two decades. Access to clean water in urban areas has increased from 74% in 2006 to 92.5% in 2025, while rural access rose from 54% to 85.2%, surpassing initial targets. Despite these gains, he highlighted ongoing challenges, including funding constraints, climate change impacts, and inefficiencies in earlier rural water projects prior to the establishment of the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA). He cited the recent decline in water flow in the Ruvu River, which has affected water supply in Dar es Salaam and Coast regions, stressing the need for water source conservation and reforestation efforts. The minister also revealed that 1,575 villages still lack access to water services, with government strategies underway to address the gap. Between January and December 2025, a total of TZS 883.93 billion (approximately USD 351.04 million) was mobilized for water and sanitation projects. Hon. Omar urged stakeholders to adopt innovative financing mechanisms, strengthen private sector participation, and accelerate implementation of major projects, including the proposed National Water Grid, to support economic growth. He noted that the review meeting serves as a key platform to assess sector performance and develop strategies aligned with the National Development Vision 2050. Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water, Engineer Mwajuma Waziri, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring universal access to clean and safe water while supporting economic development. She said the meeting forms part of activities marking World Water Week, ahead of World Water Day on March 22, under the theme “Water and Gender,” highlighting the importance of gender equality in water resource management. Looking ahead, she outlined key priorities beyond 2026, including water security, investment expansion, climate-resilient infrastructure, strategic dam development, and improved water and sanitation services. The meeting brought together government leaders, development partners, private sector representatives, civil society organizations, and water sector experts from within and outside Tanzania.

Tanzania Targets Climate-Resilient Water Projects in Bid to Attract Long-Term Capital

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