European Union MPs to assess development projects in Tanzania

Dar es Salaam. A delegation of seven Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from the Committee on Development (DEVE) will visit Tanzania from 24-26 February to assess the impact of European Union (EU) investments in the country and the effectiveness of the Global Gateway initiative.

The Global Gateway initiative helps to tackle the most pressing global challenges, from fighting climate change, to improving health systems, and boosting competitiveness and security of global supply chains.

It aims to develop smart, clean, and secure infrastructure worldwide, focusing on digital, energy, and transport sectors, as well as health, education, and research.

The initiative is implemented under the Team Europe framework, combining efforts from EU institutions and Member States.

The EU Embassy said in a statement in Dar es Salaam on Sunday that the delegation, led by Committee Chair Barry Andrews, will visit projects focusing on water and sanitation, economic development, port infrastructure, gender equality, education, and sustainable fishing practices.

“The Development Committee oversees the EU’s development aid and cooperation policies, and this fact-finding mission will evaluate how EU funds are being utilised on the ground,” the statement reads in part.

According to the statement, the MEPs will meet with key government officials, including the Speaker of the National Assembly of Tanzania and President of the International Parliamentary Union, Dr Tulia Ackson; Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women, Children and Special Groups, Dr Dorothy Gwajima; Minister of State in the President’s Office, Planning and Investment, Prof Kitila Mkumbo; and Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Cosato Chumi.

They will also engage with representatives from EU diplomatic missions, UN agencies, development banks, the private sector, national development agencies, and local civil society organisations. Discussions will cover sustainable development, inter-parliamentary cooperation, and human rights.

Members of the Delegation include Barry Andrews (DEVE Chair, Renew Europe - Ireland), Lukas Mandl (European People’s Party - Austria), Niels Geuking (European People’s Party - Germany), Robert Biedroń (Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats - Poland), György Hölvényi (Patriots for Europe - Hungary), Kristoffer Storm (European Conservatives and Reformists - Denmark) and Anna-Maja Henriksson (Renew Europe - Finland).

The Committee on Development is responsible for shaping the European Parliament’s policies on international development and humanitarian aid. It oversees EU-funded development projects worldwide, ensuring they align with sustainability goals and global cooperation efforts.

The Delegation of the European Union to Tanzania and the East African Community plays a crucial role in EU-Tanzania relations.