Tanzania, Belgium seek to deepen cooperation in trade, development

DAR ES SALAAM: DEPUTY Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation responsible for East African Affairs, Mr James Millya, has held talks with Belgium’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Peter Huyghebaert, aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation across key development sectors.

Speaking during the meeting at the ministry’s sub-office in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Mr Millya commended Belgium’s continued contribution to development projects in Tanzania, particularly in Kigoma Region.

“We commend Belgium for its continued contribution to the implementation of various development projects in Tanzania, particularly in Kigoma Region through programmes managed by ENABEL and the ‘Wezesha Binti’ project, which promotes gender equality, youth empowerment and skills development,” Mr Millya explained.

The two leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in the development of the Blue Economy, innovation systems, digital transformation and climate change mitigation.

The initiatives are expected to create additional trade and investment opportunities, contributing to economic growth, job creation and improved livelihoods in both countries.

The discussions focused on strengthening the long-standing partnership between Tanzania and Belgium, with emphasis on expanding cooperation in trade and investment and education.

Others areas include healthcare, economic infrastructure, digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI), security and East African Community integration.

ALSO READ: Russia, Tanzania strengthen bilateral cooperation through defence and education

Tanzania and Belgium have maintained diplomatic and development cooperation for more than four decades, with Belgium remaining one of Tanzania’s longstanding European development partners since the early 1980s.

A key pillar of the partnership is development cooperation implemented mainly through the Belgian Development Agency, ENABEL, which supports projects in water and sanitation, education, agriculture and rural development.

Belgium also supports infrastructure development, particularly water supply and sanitation services, helping improve access to clean and safe water for rural communities.

The partnership further extends to private sector development, with Belgium encouraging investment in agriculture, small and medium-sized enterprises and renewable energy to stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities.