A delegation of Heads of Cooperation from the European Union and its Member States met in Mwanza this week to reflect on ongoing EU-Tanzania cooperation and chart the path for future partnership, with a focus on sustainable urban development.
Led by Marc Stalmans, EU Head of Cooperation, the delegation included representatives from Germany, Belgium, Sweden, France, Ireland, Denmark, and the Netherlands. Their two-day retreat in Mwanza included meetings with regional authorities and visits to EU-funded projects implemented under the Team Europe approach—an initiative that brings together the European Union, its Member States, and their development agencies to deliver collective support for partner countries.
On the first day, the delegation paid a courtesy call to Mwanza Regional Commissioner Hon. Said Mtanda and visited the Butimba Water Treatment Plant—one of the flagship investments under the Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation Project Phase I (LV WATSAN I), fully financed through Team Europe.
Looking ahead, Team Europe is preparing to finance Phase II of the project through the Green and Smart Cities SASA programme. With a total investment of over TZS 813 billion (EUR 325 million)—including TZS 93 billion (EUR 75 million) in EU grants and TZS 720 billion (EUR 250 million) in concessional loans from Member States—the programme is designed to improve urban living conditions in Mwanza, Tanga, and Pemba.
SASA supports Tanzania’s efforts to manage rapid urban growth by expanding service delivery, increasing local revenue mobilisation, and fostering economic opportunities—particularly for women and youth in underserved communities.
“Through the SASA programme, we’re supporting cities to become more inclusive, resilient, and better equipped to meet the needs of their growing populations,” said Marc Stalmans, EU Head of Cooperation. “This partnership is not only about infrastructure—it’s about dignity, access, and opportunity for the people of Tanzania.”
On April 10, the delegation joined the Regional Commissioner to inaugurate the Green and Smart Cities SASA Programme office in Mwanza. The office brings together implementing agencies including the Belgian Development Agency (Enabel), the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), and the French Development Agency (AFD).
Source : EEAS