Dutch envoy: Tanzania-Netherlands ties must translate into jobs, skills and opportunity

DAR ES SALAAM: The relationship between Tanzania and the Netherlands is increasingly shaped by trade, investment, knowledge exchange and practical opportunities for citizens.

In this edited interview, Netherlands Ambassador Marjo Crompvoets reflects on her first year in Tanzania and discusses agriculture, employment, skills, women’s leadership and responsible business.

Q: How would you describe your first year as Ambassador to Tanzania?

A: It has been a period of listening, learning and building relationships. Tanzania is a large and diverse country, and it takes time to understand its people, institutions, economy and aspirations.

I have worked closely with the Government, European Union colleagues, civil society and the private sector. Visits to Arusha and Zanzibar have helped me appreciate the country’s opportunities and cultural richness.

Being the first female Netherlands Ambassador to Tanzania is meaningful. I hope my presence can encourage women and girls to see leadership as something open to them. Ultimately, I want my contribution to be measured by the work we accomplish together.

Q: What are your priorities for relations between Tanzania and the Netherlands?

A: We want to expand trade and responsible investment while strengthening Tanzanian businesses and institutions. Good investment creates employment, transfers knowledge, develops local suppliers and operates responsibly towards workers, communities and the environment.

Investors also need stability, predictability and a clear business environment. Continued dialogue between the Government and private sector is important. Human rights, democratic participation, gender equality and opportunities for young people remain part of the relationship.

Q: Where is the partnership already producing practical results?

A: Agriculture is one of the clearest areas. Tanzania has land, farmers, a favourable climate and the potential to supply regional and international markets.

Dutch cooperation brings experience in quality seeds, seed potatoes, horticulture, poultry, aquaculture, certification and agricultural technology. Knowledge, however, must be adapted to Tanzania’s conditions.

Production is only one part of the value chain. Farmers also need storage, processing, transport, certification and access to buyers. Stronger logistics and cold-chain systems can reduce losses and help Tanzanian products reach demanding markets.

Q: How should ordinary Tanzanians experience the benefits?

A: They should experience them through jobs, stronger businesses, technical knowledge and improved livelihoods. Young people need vocational and practical training that prepares them to work with machinery, technology, agriculture, livestock, logistics and modern production systems.

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Companies should not only recruit people; they should help employees gain experience and technical expertise. When international companies leave behind stronger skills, capable suppliers and better institutions, their impact lasts longer.

Trade partnerships can also include scholarships, institutional connections, workshops and exchanges that help Tanzanians acquire knowledge and apply it locally.

Q: What does the transition from aid to trade and investment mean?

A: It means building a more equal and sustainable relationship. Development cooperation still has a role, particularly in strengthening institutions, skills and vulnerable communities. But the direction is towards partnerships involving private capital, businesses and shared economic interests.

Both countries should benefit. Tanzanian companies should gain knowledge and market access, while Dutch companies should find credible investment opportunities and reliable partners.

Q: How can Tanzania earn more from what it produces?

A: Tanzania needs to process more products locally. Value addition can create employment, increase incomes and allow the country to earn more from its resources.

This requires reliable infrastructure, cold storage, quality control, certification, packaging and efficient logistics. Small and medium-sized enterprises also need support to understand export requirements and meet large orders consistently. Local processing creates opportunities in manufacturing, packaging, branding, logistics and marketing.

Q: How are women and young people being included?

A: Women and young people must participate in leadership and economic development. Our work includes supporting female university student leaders and helping women in small-scale mining strengthen their businesses, improve formalisation and understand environmental and responsible-business standards.

Q: What should Tanzanians expect during the next four years?

A: A partnership focused on investment, practical skills, sustainable agriculture, water management, women, youth and local value creation.

The Msimbazi Basin Development Project is one example of cooperation that connects economic development with daily life. Reducing flood risk protects communities, transport links, businesses and public infrastructure in Dar es Salaam.

The ambition is for cooperation to be visible in stronger institutions, capable businesses and better opportunities for Tanzanians. Its success should be measured by whether people can feel the difference in their livelihoods and communities.