Europe Day 2026 highlights EU support to Tanzania’s private sector

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Tanzania and the East African Community (EAC), together with the diplomatic missions of EU Member States, celebrated Europe Day 2026 in Dar es Salaam on Thursday last week.

The event highlighted the regional bloc’s continued contribution to strengthening Tanzania’s private sector through support to entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainable business growth.

Minister for Industry and Trade, Ms Judith Kapinga, was the guest of honour in the event that drew Ambassadors from around the world, senior government officials, private sector representatives, innovators, civil society, media and members of the diplomatic community.

EU Ambassador to Tanzania and the EAC, Ms Christine Grau, highlighted the EU’s broad partnership approach in supporting Tanzania’s development: “Our partnership is about creating opportunities, supporting entrepreneurs, strengthening businesses and enabling innovation to grow for the mutual benefit of Tanzania and the European Union.

Through our 360-degree approach, we invest not only in infrastructure and connectivity, but also in people, skills and businesses to support shared prosperity.” Ms Kapinga welcomed the EU’s continued engagement with Tanzania’s private sector and its contribution to strengthening the business environment and supporting national development priorities. The European Union remains a key economic partner to Tanzania.

In 2024, trade between the EU and Tanzania reached €1.95 billion (5.96tri/-), with EU exports to Tanzania amounting to €1.19 billion (3.63tri/-) and imports from Tanzania reaching €756 million (2.31tri/-).

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Through the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, the EU has committed €585 million (1.79tri/-) under the current cooperation framework (2021–2027) through the national envelope for Tanzania, complemented by an additional €141 million (431bn/-) from regional programmes.

Notably, the entirety of this financial support is provided in the form of grants, supporting areas such as digitalisation, infrastructure, connectivity and value chain development.

Europe Day 2026 also featured a selection of EUsupported Tanzanian enterprises working across agribusiness, digital innovation, ICT and value addition, demonstrating how targeted support is helping enterprises grow, access markets and create jobs.

Europe Day is celebrated annually on May 9 and marks the foundation of the European Union and its commitment to peace, unity and cooperation. Around the world, the occasion is used to reflect on partnerships and shared priorities between the EU and its partners.