Good morning, Habari za asubuhi.

It is a pleasure to join you today as we mark the successful closure of the AGRI-CONNECT programme. This achievement is a testament to the strong partnership between the European Union and Tanzania in advancing the country’s development.

Over the years, the EU has worked closely with Tanzania to develop its agricultural sector through numerous programmes and investments. These initiatives have focused on increasing productivity, promoting sustainable practices, improving market access, strengthening rural infrastructure, and enhancing financial services for farmers and enterprises, all with the objective of creating jobs, increasing incomes, achieving food security, and sustaining Tanzania’s economic growth.

Today, we are here to celebrate the results of AGRI-CONNECT—our largest and most ambitious programme in the sector to date. The EU has invested TZS 270 billion into this initiative, with nearly one-fifth of the funding dedicated to Zanzibar, focusing on tea, coffee, and horticulture, while 16% specifically supported Zanzibar's horticulture sector.

Together, we fostered private investment in smallholder farming, promoted innovation and value addition, enhanced infrastructure, and improved nutrition—all with the overarching goal of achieving sustainable economic growth.

The AGRI-CONNECT programme has made remarkable progress in strengthening Tanzania’s agricultural sector. It has reached nearly 180,000 farmers and generated more than 516,000 jobs and self-employment opportunities. Additionally, the programme has contributed TZS 3.86 billion in income for small-scale farmers within selected value chains.

Key accomplishments include the completion of 166 infrastructure projects and the upgrade of 162 kilometres of rural roads. Furthermore, 800 hectares of agricultural land have been certified organic, 85 new processing units have been established, and nutrition campaigns have reached 63% of the national population. Notably, 9 million women and children have benefited from nutritional interventions.

Job creation for women and youth was a core objective of this programme, and today, we can proudly say that we have fulfilled this commitment. I think we can all give ourselves—and everyone who contributed to these results—a big round of applause.

These achievements reflect the collective efforts and dedication of all stakeholders, and we look forward to building on this success for a resilient and sustainable agricultural future. The programme has also facilitated investments in companies through the AGRIFI Country Window, with contracts signed with East Africa Foods and Zanj Spice Limited, and more deals in the pipeline. These companies source their products from both the mainland and Zanzibar, benefiting thousands of farmers now and in the future.

Based on the tangible results we have seen, AGRI-CONNECT is truly one of the EU’s flagship programmes, implemented with outstanding success.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The EU remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting Tanzania’s agricultural sector. Agriculture will remain a key focus of our future engagement under the Global Gateway initiative. Through this strategy, we will continue to support Tanzania by improving supply chains, enhancing logistics, and expanding opportunities for smallholder farmers. Our goal is to ensure that high-quality, sustainable products are traded both with the EU and across the region, contributing to a more resilient and sustainable global food system.

In conclusion, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Government of Tanzania, including the Ministry of Agriculture in both Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar, the Ministry of Finance and Planning, the Ministry of Trade and Industry in Zanzibar, the Ministry of Industries and Trade in Tanzania Mainland, as well as all other supporting institutions. Your collaboration and dedication have been instrumental in the success of this programme.

To all implementing partners, farmers, associations, cooperatives, researchers, processors, women and youth groups, and others—your invaluable support has been key to the success of the AGRI-CONNECT programme.

Thank you, everyone, and I sincerely hope for a successful completion of this programme for all of us.

Asanteni sana.