How European Union Global Gateway Investments Are Transforming One of Tanzania's Fastest-Growing Cities

How European Union Global Gateway Investments Are Transforming One of Tanzania's Fastest-Growing Cities

As part of one of her final field missions in Tanzania, EU Ambassador Christine Grau visited Mwanza to highlight how Global Gateway investments are transforming one of the country's fastest-growing cities.

From digital urban management and water security to entrepreneurship, climate resilience and opportunities for women and young people, Team Europe investments are delivering tangible benefits and supporting Tanzania's sustainable development journey.

As part of her final field missions before completing her tenure in Tanzania, EU Ambassador Christine Grau visited Mwanza on 18-19 June to highlight the impact of Global Gateway investments supporting sustainable urban development, climate resilience, digital transformation and economic opportunities in one of Tanzania's fastest-growing cities.

The mission showcased how the Team Europe approach - bringing together the European Union and its development partners France through Agence Française de Développement (AFD), Enabel (Belgium) and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) - is translating European investments into tangible benefits for citizens through improved infrastructure and public services, strengthened urban governance, support to innovation and entrepreneurship, and greater opportunities for women and young people.

Situated on the southern shores of Lake Victoria, Mwanza is Tanzania's second-largest city and a key economic hub with a rapidly growing population. As the city expands, investments in sustainable infrastructure, efficient public services and economic opportunities are becoming increasingly important to ensure that growth remains inclusive and resilient.

During the visit, Ambassador Grau met the Team Europe partners working under the Green and Smart Cities SASA initiative, a EUR 75 million (TZS 214 billion) investment towards supporting sustainable urban development in Mwanza, Tanga and Pemba. The programme combines European expertise and financing to strengthen urban governance, improve climate-resilient infrastructure, expand access to basic services and create opportunities for local businesses and communities.

One of the highlights of the mission was the launch of the ArcGIS System developed through the budget support component of the SASA programme, from which Mwanza City Council has directly benefitted. The digital platform will help modernise urban management by linking geospatial information with municipal revenue systems, enabling more efficient planning and service delivery. The initiative reflects the European Union's commitment to supporting digital transformation as a driver of sustainable development and improved public services.

The visit also highlighted progress in strengthening water security and sanitation services around Lake Victoria. Ambassador Grau visited the Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation Programme (LV WATSAN), one of the largest water infrastructure investments in the region. Supported by the European Union, France, through AFD, the European Investment Bank and other partners, the programme has expanded access to safe water and improved sanitation services for communities in Mwanza and surrounding urban centres, benefiting approximately 450,000 people. During the mission, a new contribution agreement was signed with AFD to advance the next phase of investments, which will further improve water services, sanitation infrastructure and climate resilience in the Lake Victoria Basin.

Through GIZ's PROWAS programme, Team Europe is also supporting efforts to improve water security and climate resilience in urban areas. In Mwanza's Nyegezi area, innovative measures to reduce non-revenue water have already contributed to more efficient water distribution, helping conserve scarce resources while improving service delivery for residents.

The mission further showcased how European investments are creating opportunities for entrepreneurs and strengthening local economies. At the Fisheries Education and Training Agency (FETA), Ambassador Grau met women and young entrepreneurs benefiting from support provided through the INCLU-CITIES programme. The initiative promotes skills development, access to finance and business opportunities in sectors with strong potential for sustainable and inclusive growth, including fisheries, the circular economy and green businesses.

Innovation and entrepreneurship were also at the centre of discussions during a visit to Fursa Pads, a Tanzanian enterprise supported through the FUNGUO programme, which is co-funded by the European Union. The company produces reusable sanitary pads that contribute to improved menstrual health, environmental sustainability and women's economic empowerment. The visit highlighted the important role of innovation and entrepreneurship in addressing social challenges while creating jobs and opportunities for young people as well as addressing gender equality.

The delegation also visited the newly constructed Nyamhongolo Bus Terminal, an example of how investments in urban infrastructure can improve mobility, connectivity and access to services while supporting the economic development of rapidly growing urban centres.

Reflecting on the visit, Ambassador Grau noted that the strength of the European Union's partnership with Tanzania lies in its ability to combine investments, technical expertise and long-term cooperation to deliver solutions that improve people's daily lives.

The Mwanza mission illustrated the breadth of the European Union's engagement across Tanzania and the added value of the Team Europe approach. From water and sanitation infrastructure and climate-resilient urban development to digital innovation, entrepreneurship, skills development and gender equality, EU-supported initiatives are helping communities seize new opportunities and improve quality of life.

Through the Global Gateway strategy, the European Union continues to invest in sustainable infrastructure, human development and inclusive economic growth, with a particular focus on empowering women and young people, strengthening local innovation ecosystems and supporting Tanzania's long-term economic transformation.