A high-level delegation of Heads of Cooperation from the European Union (EU) and its Member States visited Team Europe-funded projects in Mwanza this week to strengthen the EU-Tanzania partnership and boost new infrastructure investments through the EU’s Global Gateway strategy. This strategy promotes sustainable, high-quality infrastructure that responds to partner countries’ needs and delivers lasting benefits for local communities.

During the visit, the delegation joined the Mwanza Regional Administration to tour the Butimba Water Treatment Plant and inaugurate the new Team Europe Programme Office—established under the EU funded Green and Smart Cities SASA Programme to enhance coordination among implementing partners on the ground.

The Butimba Water Treatment Plant, a flagship investment under the Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation Project, supplies clean piped water to around 200,000 people in the southern part of Mwanza.

The launch ceremony of the Team Europe Programme Office was graced by Mr. Patrick Karangwa, Assistant Regional Administrative Officer for Industry, Investment and Trade, and attended by Heads of Cooperation from the European Union, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Sweden, and the Netherlands.

Mr. Karangwa emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration, stating:

“I’m particularly optimistic that SASA results will be sustainable and replicable to other cities in Tanzania, because the programme and its projects build on local expertise and resources.”

In addition to the water and sanitation project, the SASA Programme has also supported the improvement of Mwaloni Fish Market and Mwanza City’s abattoir.

“Through the SASA programme and the new EU’s Global Gateway strategy, 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 initiative and strategy enables new partnerships, combining impactful infrastructure investments with new business and economic opportunities and I feel privileged to witness some of the results of such enhanced partnership between Tanzania and the European Union and its Member States”. 

Mwanza is one of the fastest-growing cities in Sub-Saharan Africa. The World Bank estimates that its population will double by 2035.

“Mwanza needs climate-resilient urban planning to provide essential services to its citizens. Water supply must reduce losses, and sanitation services must reach all residents,” said Tobias Godau, GIZ Programme Manager for Water and Climate Change, representing the GIZ Country Director.

Koenraad Goekint, Enabel Country Director, added:

“This initiative marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to foster sustainable urban development. The Green and Smart Cities Project is not just about modernizing infrastructure; it’s about creating resilient, inclusive, and environmentally friendly urban spaces that can thrive in the face of future challenges.”

The Green and Smart Cities SASA Programme aims to improve urban living in Mwanza, Tanga, and Pemba, supporting Tanzania’s response to rapid urban growth. With over TZS 813 billion (EUR 325 million) in total investment, including TZS 93 billion (EUR 75 million) in EU grants and TZS 720 billion (EUR 250 million) in concessional loans from EU Member States and financial institutions, it focuses on strengthening urban management, boosting revenue mobilisation, and promoting public-private investment. The programme expands access to essential services like water, sanitation, and waste management for underserved communities, creates jobs and business opportunities for women and youth, and improves economic infrastructure in key urban sectors.

In Mwanza, the EU funded SASA supports the development of a sustainable local economy—enhancing food processing, strengthening the fishing industry, and promoting a circular economy. These efforts are designed to create jobs, grow local businesses, and ensure inclusive and environmentally sustainable growth.

Team Europe is a collaborative approach that brings together the European Union, its Member States, and development agencies to provide coordinated support to partner countries. The new Programme Office in Mwanza strengthens collaboration among SASA’s key implementing partners: GIZ (Germany), Enabel (Belgium), and AFD (France).