TANGA: THE European Union (EU) and its partners have launched key initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable urban development and enhancing coastal resilience in Tanga region.
According to a statement issued by the EU Delegation in Tanzania the launching events were held on Wednesday and Thursday in the region.
The EU, along with the Belgian ambassador, representatives from German Cooperation, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the Belgian Development Agency (ENABEL), visited the region to inaugurate two significant EU-funded Team Europe programmes; the Green and Smart Cities SASA and Blue Economy for Job Creation and Climate Change Adaptation initiatives.
The programmes bring together EU member states, development agencies and local stakeholders in a coordinated effort to advance Tanzania’s national development goals.
The delegation included Tanzanian authorities such as the Regional Commissioner, Dr Batilda Burian, City Director, Juma Hamsini and Mayor of Tanga, Abdurahman Shiloow. Key officials from the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PORALG) and the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries.
They expressed strong support for the initiatives and highlight the positive impact of the ongoing partnership.
The Green and Smart Cities SASA Programme focuses on three major projects within Tanga which are Promoting Wastewater Management and Sanitation Services (PROWAS), the Tanga Sustainable Urban and Fisheries Infrastructure Programme (TASUFIP) and the Inclusive Cities for Enhanced Urban Resilience (INCLU-CITIES).
These projects, with a combined budget of 63bn/- (EUR 22.5 million), aim to improve essential urban infrastructure, such as water and waste management, while fostering economic opportunities for youths, women and small businesses in sectors like seaweed farming, waste recycling and the digital economy.
Meanwhile, the Pwani Yetu initiative, a Team Europe project co-funded by the EU and the German Government with an investment of 13.11bn/- (EUR 4.55 million), focuses on the Blue Economy for Job Creation and Climate Change Adaptation.
This programme, implemented by GIZ, seeks to improve the adaptive capacity of coastal communities, enhance livelihoods and contribute to marine conservation efforts. A key highlight of the visit was the official opening of the SASA Team Europe Office in Tanga city centre.
The office will serve as a hub for collaboration among programme partners, local stakeholders and new initiatives, ensuring the continued success and sustainability of the projects.
The delegation also visited Forodhani Park, where they observed a training activity on waste cleaning and recycling—part of the ongoing efforts to promote sustainable waste management practices in the region.
Through these initiatives, the EU and its partners are demonstrating their commitment to supporting Tanzania’s coastal resilience and fostering sustainable urban development, with a focus on creating lasting economic opportunities and improving the quality of life for local c
