EU Ambassador Jean-Marc Pisani launched his first field mission in Tanzania with a two-day tour of Mwanza, spotlighting major European investments targeting climate resilience, digital growth, and urban renewal in one of the country’s fastest-expanding cities.
The October 30-31 visit centered on the Global Gateway strategy, Europe’s flagship infrastructure and development framework. It marked the first time Pisani, who recently assumed the ambassadorship, witnessed these projects on the ground.
Team Europe partners, including AFD from France, Belgium’s Enabel, and Germany’s GIZ, joined the mission.
A focal point was the Green and Smart Cities SASA initiative, a 75 million euro program, roughly 224.72 billion Tanzanian shillings, supporting sustainable urban development in Mwanza, Tanga, and Pemba. The program directs European financing toward stronger local governance, climate-proof infrastructure, and expanded basic services.
Water infrastructure received particular attention. Pisani toured the Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation Programme, one of East Africa’s largest water investments. A new agreement with AFD signed earlier this year will fund the next phase, improving water delivery, sanitation, and climate adaptation for communities around Lake Victoria.
Meanwhile, GIZ’s PROWAS program has already cut water losses in Mwanza’s Nyegezi area, boosting distribution efficiency and preserving scarce resources.
Economic opportunity formed another pillar of the visit. At the Fisheries Education and Training Agency, Pisani met women and young entrepreneurs supported by the INCLU-CITIES initiative, which builds skills and expands financing access in fisheries, circular economy, and green business sectors.
The ambassador also toured Fursa Pads, a Tanzanian company producing reusable sanitary pads with backing from the EU co-funded FUNGUO program. The enterprise addresses menstrual health, environmental waste, and women’s economic independence simultaneously.
Cultural diplomacy closed the mission. Pisani attended the ZIFF Goes Mainland European Film Festival at St. Augustine University, part of a five-city tour bringing European and Zanzibari cinema to Tanzanian students. EU officials also promoted Erasmus+ academic exchange opportunities during the screenings.
The partnership, Pisani said, delivers practical solutions and economic growth that benefit both Tanzania and Europe.
FNeu
