UK Government Pledges More Support to Tanzania

Government of the United Kingdom has expressed its readiness to continue its support to Tanzania’s development programs.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Dr. Augustine Mahiga today said that UK which is a major bilateral donor to Tanzania has pledged to increase its support to various socio-economic development programs.

“As a lead bilateral donor after World Bank, UK is also among top five countries leading in investments and business in the country”, said Ambassador Mahiga.

Minister Mahiga was addressing members of the press about a two-day visit of the Minister for Africa at the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office and UK Department of International Development Mr. Rory Stewart.

He noted that UK is supporting various sectors of development in the country including education, health sectors, rural roads and other special areas.

Ambassador Mahiga further told the press that UK support has moved from previous budget support to special Prosperity Partnership aimed at strengthening economic cooperation based on shared priorities areas including agriculture, infrastructure, renewal energy and water.

He added that apart from supporting development projects and social services, UK is also supporting anti-poaching campaign and environmental conservation.

He paid special tribute to UK government for assisting Tanzania government in addressing special challenges like anti-poaching campaign, human and drug trafficking as well as money laundering. 

On bilateral relations, he told members of the press that “Tanzania and UK are enjoying excellent bilateral relations and both are committed to continue consolidate those relations”

Ambassador Mahiga told the UK Minister who was also accompanied by his country’s High Commissioner to Tanzania, Madame Sarah Cooke that Tanzania is looking forward to a fruitful Commonwealth Meeting for scheduled April next year.

Meanwhile, the UK Minister Mr. Rory Stewart has lauded Tanzania’s efforts to offer free education to all its children.“I appreciate President Magufuli’s efforts to offer free education to all children and I am happy to say that I am personally impressed by what I have seen in one of the schools today”, the Minister said.

Mr. Stewart, who his country has offered Sterling Pounds 140m to education sector to support quality improvement drive, has also praised Tanzania for its anti-poaching drive and wildlife conservation.“Tanzania is doing a good job in wildlife conservation which is not for her benefit but the world heritage”, he noted.

The UK Minister is expected to meet President Dr. John Pombe Magufuli at State House tomorrow.

Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Dr. Augustine Mahiga (right) addressing the members of the press about the visit of UK’s Foreign Minister responsible for Commonwealth Office and UK Department of International Development Mr. Rory Stewart.