TANGA: IRELAND has assured Tanzania of continued development assistance despite shifting global humanitarian priorities, as it prepares a new cooperation strategy aligned with the country’s Development Vision 2050.
Ireland’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Ms Nicola Brennan, said the new strategy will maintain a strong focus on women, girls and climate change while supporting the country’s longterm development aspirations.
Ms Brennan expressed the commitment in her remarks she made in Tanga on Monday during a courtesy call on Regional Commissioner, Ambassador Dr Batilda Burian, as part of her tour to inspect Ireland-funded development projects, some of which are nearing completion.
The ambassador also participated in commemorations of the International Day of the Girl Child in Muheza District.
She said Ireland is reviewing its international assistance priorities in response to growing humanitarian needs in conflict-affected and disasterstricken countries, including Ukraine, Sudan, Ethiopia and countries in the Middle East and Sahel region.
According to her, the increasing humanitarian demands are putting pressure on the Irish government as it seeks to balance emergency assistance with long-term development cooperation.
However, Ms Brennan assured Tanzania of continued support, stressing that women, girls and climate change remain central to Ireland’s development cooperation priorities.
She said the new strategy seeks to complement Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050 and strengthen cooperation in areas that contribute to sustainable economic and social transformation.
The ambassador also commended Tanga Region for its growing economic potential, citing major investments in the Port of Tanga, the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), agriculture and industrial production.
She said Ireland and Tanzania enjoy longstanding economic relations, noting that Ireland’s purchase of sisal from Tanga dates back to the 1970s.
For her part, Ambassador Burian said Tanga is experiencing steady economic growth, driven by increasing investments in agriculture, industry, transport and the blue economy.
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She said the region offers vast investment opportunities, particularly in the production of strategic crops such as avocados, cocoa, cashew nuts and spices.
According to the regional commissioner, Tanga accounts for approximately 60 per cent of the country’s spice production, positioning the region as a major contributor to the agricultural sector.
She said the regional administration plans to facilitate the planting of an additional two million cashew nut trees by 2030 to boost production, improve farmers’ incomes and strengthen the region’s contribution to the national economy.
Ambassador Burian also highlighted growing opportunities in the blue economy, particularly seaweed farming and value addition.
She said seaweed producers are increasingly engaging in the processing of various products, including oils, soaps and flour, as part of efforts to increase earnings and create employment opportunities.
The RC said the initiatives form part of broader efforts to diversify Tanga’s economy, promote industrial development and increase the value of locally produced goods.