Historically, the European Union (EU) and Tanzania have enjoyed a robust economic relationship based upon steadily growing investment and trade, and strong diplomatic ties.
Cooperation is a fundamental pillar of EU-Tanzania relations. EU-Tanzania cooperation has three main objectives: to reduce poverty, promote sustainable development and support integration of the country into the world economy.
Investment & Trade
The EU is a major trade and investment partner for Tanzania.
In 2020, the EU was the fourth most prominent destination of Tanzania’s exports and investors from the EU contributed significantly to the Tanzanian economy.
Foreign Direct Investment from companies of the ten most active EUMember States into Tanzania was USD 1.5 billion between 2013 and 2020.
In 2021, total trade between Tanzania and the EU reached EUR 1.3 billion, of which EUR 457 million imports from Tanzania and EUR 856 exports to Tanzania.
The EU and the EAC Partner States concluded the negotiations of an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in 2014, but the agreement never entered into force because some EAC Partner States, including Tanzania, did not sign it.
The EPA provides for immediate trade liberalization of EAC exports to the EU and for a gradual liberalization of EAC imports from the EU during a variable duration of time up to a maximum of 25 years depending on the sensitivity of the products.
The agreement also provides for cooperation on trade, customs, sanitary and phytosanitary measures and rules of origin.
In the absence of EPA, the individual EAC Partner States maintain their bilateral trade arrangements with the EU.
EU Support To Tanzania
On 18th February 2022, the President of the European Commission (EC) Hon. Ursula Von der Leyen met with Tanzania’s President Hon. Samia Suluhu Hassan on her visit to Belgium.
Tanzania has launched the STOSAR II project with EUR 10 million EU funding. The project will strengthen agricultural data systems, improve plant and animal health and market access, enhance food and nutrition security, and promote inclusive value chains for women, youth, and SMEs across the SADC region.
TanzaniaInvest interviewed EU Ambassador Christine Grau to explore the EU–Tanzania partnership, including its shift from aid to mutual strategic interests. The discussion covers European business engagement, competitive advantages over other global players, and key programmes in infrastructure, agriculture, digitalisation, and business environment reform.
Tanzania signed three grant agreements worth EUR 25.68M with Germany to support water infrastructure, climate resilience, and conservation. The projects will enhance access to commercial financing for utilities and protect key ecosystems like Serengeti and Katavi.
The €150 million Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation Project has expanded and upgraded water and sanitation systems in Mwanza and surrounding towns, with the new Butimba Water Treatment Plant providing 44,000 cubic meters of water per day to 450,000 people. The project was funded by AFD, EIB Global, the EU-Africa Infrastructure Trust Fund, and the Tanzanian government.
The EU Air Safety List now includes all Tanzania air carriers, expanding the earlier ban on Air Tanzania due to serious regulatory and operational safety concerns. The list comprises a total of 169 airlines banned from flying in EU skies.
On 23 May 2025, the EU Ambassador to Tanzania delivered a speech in Dar es Salaam during the Europe Day celebrations. She reaffirmed the EU’s clean energy support through grants to cooking and hydropower projects, and its alignment with Tanzania’s Vision 2050.
On 8th May 2025, the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling for the immediate release of Tundu Lissu, leader of Chadema, Tanzania’s main opposition party. The resolution also urges the Tanzanian authorities to end human rights abuses and allow free and fair elections, and calls on EU Member States to consider appropriate actions if the human rights situation worsens.
The EU has launched the €11M Pamoja Tuhifadhi Bahari Yetu marine conservation project in Zanzibar. The initiative aims to reach 500,000 people, support 360 green entrepreneurs, and expand marine areas under sustainable management by 10% by 2028.
The European Investment Bank has granted $60M to AXIAN Telecom’s Yas brand in Tanzania to expand 4G and 5G networks. This investment aims to enhance digital connectivity, foster socio-economic growth, and support the EU’s Global Gateway strategy.
April 15, 2025
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Accept
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
