EU Reaffirms Pledge to Support Sustainable Development During Ambassador's Mwanza Visit
As part of his first field mission in Tanzania, the new EU Ambassador Jean-Marc Pisani visited Mwanza on 30-31 October to highlight the impact of Global Gateway investments supporting sustainable urban development, climate resilience, digital transformation and economic opportunities in one of Tanzania's fastest-growing cities.
The mission showcased how the Team Europe approach — bringing together the European Union and its development partners Agence Française de Développement (AFD, France), Enabel (Belgium) and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) — is translating European investments into tangible benefits for citizens through improved infrastructure and public services, strengthened urban governance, support to innovation and entrepreneurship, and greater opportunities for women and young people.
During the visit, Ambassador Pisani met the Team Europe partners working under the Green and Smart Cities SASA initiative, a EUR 75 million (TZS 224.72 billion) investment to support sustainable urban development in Mwanza, Tanga and Pemba. The programme combines European expertise and financing to strengthen urban governance, improve climate-resilient infrastructure, expand access to basic services and create opportunities for local businesses and communities.
The visit also highlighted progress in strengthening water security and sanitation services around Lake Victoria. Ambassador Pisani visited the Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation Programme (LV WATSAN), one of the largest water infrastructure investments in the region. Supported by the European Union, AFD, the European Investment Bank and other partners, the programme has expanded access to safe water and improved sanitation services for communities in Mwanza and surrounding urban centres. Earlier this year, a new contribution agreement was signed with AFD to advance the next phase of investments, which will further improve water services, sanitation infrastructure and climate resilience in the Lake Victoria Basin.
Through GIZ's PROWAS programme, Team Europe is also supporting efforts to improve water security and climate resilience in urban areas. In Mwanza's Nyegezi area, innovative measures to reduce water loss (non-revenue water) have already contributed to more efficient water distribution, helping conserve scarce resources while improving service delivery for residents.
The mission further showcased demonstrated how European investments are creating opportunities for entrepreneurs and strengthening local economies. At the Fisheries Education and Training Agency (FETA), Ambassador Pisani met women and young entrepreneurs benefiting from support provided through the INCLU-CITIES programme. The initiative promotes skills development, access to finance and business opportunities in sectors with strong potential for sustainable and inclusive growth, including fisheries, the circular economy and green businesses.
Innovation and entrepreneurship were also at the centre of discussions during a visit to Fursa Pads, a Tanzanian enterprise supported through the FUNGUO programme, which is co-funded by the European Union. The company produces reusable sanitary pads that contribute to improved menstrual health, environmental sustainability and women's economic empowerment. The visit highlighted the important role of innovation and entrepreneurship in addressing social challenges while creating jobs and opportunities for young people as well as addressing gender equality.
Ambassador Pisani further attended the ZIFF Goes Mainland European Film Festival at St. Augustine University in Mwanza on 30 October. The EU and 10 EU Member States in Tanzania are partnering with the Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) to bring the festival to Mainland Tanzania for the fifth time. From 20th October to December 2nd, each participating Member State will screen a national film, together with a short film from ZIFF, in one of five selected cities: Dar es Salaam, Bagamoyo, Mwanza, Iringa, and Dodoma. Screenings will take place mainly at universities and cultural centres. The objective of the initiative is to bring the EU and its Member States closer to young people and to raise awareness of their initiatives and programmes in Tanzania.
During the screenings at universities, the EU will also present the Erasmus+ programme to students and academic stakeholders. Erasmus+ offers opportunities for students and academic staff, including Tanzanians, to study, train and participate in academic exchanges in Europe.
Reflecting on the visit, Ambassador Pisani emphasised the mutual benefits of the EU–Tanzania partnership: “Our partnership with Tanzania is built on shared interests and mutual benefits. Through the Global Gateway, we are combining European investments and expertise with Tanzanian priorities to deliver practical solutions, create economic opportunities and support sustainable growth that benefits both Tanzania and Europe.”
Through the Global Gateway strategy, the European Union continues to invest in sustainable infrastructure, human development and inclusive economic growth, with a particular focus on empowering women and young people, strengthening local innovation ecosystems and supporting Tanzania's long-term economic transformation.