Tanzania, UK forge new partnerships
DODOMA: THE United Kingdom government has unveiled a series of new partnerships aimed at bolstering progress in health, social investment, and inclusive economic growth in Tanzania.
Among the initiatives announced is a commitment to unlock up to 1.26 billion US dollars, equivalent to approximately 3.260trl/-, in government-backed investments.
The announcement was made in Dodoma by UK Minister of State for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, during the official opening of the British High Commission’s sub-office.
Mr Mitchell highlighted that UK support has tripled, with one of the key partnerships focusing on a mutual prosperity agenda aimed at stimulating investment and trade for sustainable growth and job creation.
“The partnership aims to unlock up to 1.26 billion US dollars equivalent to 3.260trl/- of UK government backed investment into Tanzania, boost UK-Tanzania trade by 1.26 million US dollars, and mobilise 1.26 million US dollars equivalent to 3.262bn/- of private investment into Tanzanian Small and midsize enterprises (SMEs),” he noted.
Furthermore, Mitchell outlined additional areas of support, including an allocation of approximately 48.932bn/- for health systems strengthening for five years.
The investment will work in collaboration with the Tanzanian government to enhance healthcare resilience, reduce preventable deaths, and combat disease outbreaks, supporting the country’s journey towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
In addition to healthcare, the UK government has earmarked 15 million US dollars approximately 38.8bn/- for cooperation on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). This funding extension will enable existing programs to provide high-quality, voluntary family planning services to an estimated 900,000 people.
Mr Mitchell also reiterated the UK’s commitment to Tanzania’s Social Action Fund (TASAF), which provides cash transfers to the poorest households across all regions of Tanzania. This support aims to increase resilience to economic, food, and climate shocks.
Moreover, the UK government will allocate 6.9 million US dollars approximately 17.85bn/- to support climate change and environmental projects in Tanzania. This funding will promote clean cooking technologies, clean energy access, and urban resilience, running until 2026.
Speaking on the inauguration of the sub-office, Mitchell described it as a significant milestone in UK-Tanzania relations. The new facility marks one of the first standalone diplomatic buildings to be opened in the Tanzanian capital.
Mitchell expressed gratitude, stating, “It is an honour to open the UK’s newest overseas office. It is a special privilege to be opening our High Commission Office in Dodoma in the month that your country celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Union.
Today is not simply a sign of the confidence and value we place in our partnership with the Government of Tanzania. It is also an outcome of the warm and enduring ties between our people nurtured through decades of cooperation and friendship at all levels.”
Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, January Makamba, UK is among the very first Embassies to open Sub- Office in Dodoma. To be precise, it is the Fourth after the People’s Republic of China, Federal Republic of German, and France.
“Your decision to open this office therefore reflects the deepening ties between our two nations, and a significant milestone in our diplomatic relations. It also sends a positive signal from your side on commitment to enhance cooperation and collaboration with us in various fields.,” he said.
Mr Makamba said the government has already given plots and tittle deeds to all Embassies and International Organization, and is investing heavily to ensure that Dodoma is well equipped with quality basic social services, and adequate infrastructure (hard and soft infrastructure) to enable the diplomatic community establish themselves.
The UK has been a significant investor in Tanzania, with 956 projects, worth £ 4.6 billion equivalent to 14.994tril/- and employing over 275,000 people, contributing to job creation, economic development, and technological advancement, and a longstanding partner in supporting Tanzania’s development efforts across various sectors.
Over his two-day visit to Tanzania, Minister Mitchell attended a range of high-level meetings in Dodoma and Dar es Salaam.
In discussions with Minister Makamba, he emphasised the UK’s commitment to partnering with Tanzania on sustainable development, including by boosting bilateral and regional investment and trade.
A meeting with Prof Kitila Mkumbo, Minister of Investment and Planning, focussed on opportunities to increase cooperation in economic development, including through the Mutual Prosperity Partnership agreed during the visit.
In Dar es Salaam, Minister Mitchell visited a Vingunguti health clinic to see first-hand how the UK’s funding extension will continue to assist with family planning services.
The Minister also visited the Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Protection Taskforce together with Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Dr Seif Shekalaghe.
