What You Need to Know
The European Union has pledged to enhance cooperation with Tanzania, focusing on sustainable economic growth through investments in digital transformation, agribusiness, and renewable energy. EU Ambassador Christine Grau emphasized the importance of local processing and partnerships to ensure shared prosperity and long-term benefits for Tanzanian entrepreneurs and the economy.
Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE European Union (EU) in Tanzania has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation in key shared priority areas, including digital transformation, agribusiness, critical minerals value chains, renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure.
This commitment was highlighted by EU Ambassador to Tanzania, Christine Grau, during the celebration of the European Business Group Tanzania (EUBG)’s 10th anniversary, recently held in Dar es Salaam.
The EUBG marked a decade of advancing the business climate for European investors, promoting a sustainable business environment and facilitating strategic dialogue between Europe and Tanzania.
The milestone event brought together EUBG members, representatives from the European Union, government officials, private sector leaders, development partners and members of the diplomatic community. As a leading business membership organisation, the EUBG Tanzania represents European companies operating in the country. It plays a key role in strengthening business networks, building capacity and advocating for an improved investment climate.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Grau underscored the importance of shared values among European partners.
“Let me underline that the European Union, Norway, the United Kingdom (UK) and Switzerland believe that prosperity must be shared, growth must be sustainable, and partnerships must be genuine. As we mark a decade of EUBG’s impact, I am pleased to see this strong turnout, which reflects the solid partnership we have built in Tanzania,” she said.
She outlined three key pillars that will guide enhanced engagement as the EU moves forward in collaboration with the private sector. Ambassador Grau pointed out that for projects to succeed, reliable access to European markets and strong partnerships are essential.
Stable trade relations between European buyers and Tanzanian producers, she said, are critical for attracting investment, promoting sustainability and integrating Tanzania into regional and global value chains. On value addition, she said that the EU’s objective goes beyond trade to transformation, encouraging local processing so that more value created in Tanzania remains within the country.
“Through the Global Gateway strategy, we aim to move beyond the export of raw materials by supporting local processing, manufacturing, and services. European companies bring technology, expertise, and high standards that can support this transformation in partnership with Tanzanian entrepreneurs,” she explained.
On job creation and local economic growth, Ambassador Grau underscored that EU-supported investments are designed to enhance skills development, generate employment, and strengthen the competitiveness of Tanzania’s economy in line with national development priorities.
She added that collaboration between European expertise and Tanzanian entrepreneurship can create shared prosperity and long-term impact.
“We look ahead to a new phase where Global Gateway and the combined expertise of European and Tanzanian businesses will deliver quality investments, stronger connectivity, and lasting benefits for people,” she said.
Ambassador Grau further described private sector engagement, particularly through the Global Gateway strategy, as central to building mutually beneficial partnerships in Tanzania and beyond. She noted that the strategy aims to mobilise sustainable and productive investments that support local value addition while upholding high labour, social, and environmental standards.
To stimulate private sector growth, she said the EU is implementing a comprehensive “360-degree” approach that combines investment, policy dialogue, and support for an enabling business environment. This includes a wide range of financial and technical instruments under the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus, which are designed to reduce investment risks and improve access to finance.
These efforts, she said, will help unlock private sector potential, enhance EU competitiveness, and promote sustainable growth in partner countries. On his part, EUBG Board Chair Dennis Ott said that as the organisation enters its next decade, it remains committed to strengthening partnerships, enhancing its advocacy role, and supporting inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Tanzania.
He highlighted the strong multilateral presence of the EU, its Member States, EFTA countries, and the United Kingdom through embassies and the EU Mission. He also underscored shared European values such as free trade, fair competition, environmental responsibility, and integrity, noting that Europe continues to navigate global challenges in trade, energy, defence, and technology further reinforcing the need for unity among European stakeholders abroad.
Mr Ott commended the EUBG for its decade-long contribution to strengthening European business ties in Tanzania. Established to support and promote European enterprises, the organisation has grown to include 130 members and serves as a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and structured dialogue with institutions.
He attributed EUBG’s growth and impact to its close cooperation with the EU Mission and European embassies, and announced plans to introduce honorary memberships for ambassadors and diplomatic stakeholders to further formalise these relationships.
Mr Ott also described Tanzania as an increasingly competitive and attractive destination for international investment. While new global players from Asia and the Middle East are entering the market, he noted that European businesses continue to maintain a strong position due to their emphasis on quality, adherence to international standards and commitment to local employment and skills development.
The European Union has been actively involved in Tanzania’s development for many years, focusing on various sectors including trade, infrastructure, and sustainable development. The establishment of the European Business Group Tanzania (EUBG) a decade ago marked a significant step in fostering European investments and enhancing the business climate in the country. As Tanzania continues to attract global investors, the EU’s commitment to supporting local economic growth remains crucial for the nation’s development trajectory.
