Zanzibar. The European Union (EU) has signed two agreements with the semi-autonomous archipelago of Zanzibar aimed at promoting sustainable development, marine conservation, and gender equality.
A press released Monday said that the agreements were signed in the presence of Zanzibar’s Minister for Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Rita Laranjinha, Managing Director for Africa at the European External Action Service (EEAS), and Hans Stausboll, Acting Director for Africa at the European Commission, as well as senior government officials, and development partners.
The agreements, signed on December 8, 2024, “underscore the EU’s strategic focus on inclusive growth and sustainable development,” the statement said.
They include enhanced funding for the Bahari Yetu (“Our Ocean”) Project, which is part of the EU’s Team Europe Initiative for the Blue Economy, and a renewed commitment to the Gender Transformative Action Programme in Zanzibar.
The first agreement, valued at Sh32 billion (EUR11 million), focuses on marine conservation through the Bahari Yetu Project.
This initiative will be implemented by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to address critical challenges of protecting marine resources, promoting sustainable fishing practices, and tackling plastic pollution.
The project is set to empower local communities by creating sustainable economic opportunities while protecting Zanzibar’s rich marine biodiversity.
The second agreement allocates an additional Sh8.8 billion (EUR3 million) to expand the EU’s Gender Transformative Action program in Zanzibar, implemented by UN Women and the ministry responsible for Gender.
The programme aims to eliminate barriers to women’s rights and enhance women’s leadership roles in public and private sectors. A new focus will be on promoting girls’ education, especially in tertiary education.
Speaking on behalf of the EU, Ms Laranjinha stated, “These agreements demonstrate the EU’s unwavering commitment to Zanzibar’s long-term development, from fostering sustainable marine practices to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment.”
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Mr Stausboll added, “This partnership is an example of the EU’s broader mission to deliver tangible, long-term benefits for all Zanzibaris, contributing to shared prosperity, sustainability, and social inclusion.”
Laranjinha and Stausboll’s visit to Zanzibar is part of their broader engagement in Tanzania. They met with President Mwinyi for a bilateral discussion before participating in the signing ceremony.
The agreements align with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, which focuses on high-quality, sustainable investments that meet the needs of partner countries and ensure long-term positive impact.
On December 10, Laranjinha and Stausboll will participate in the EU-Government of Tanzania Partnership Dialogue, furthering the EU’s commitment to deepening its cooperation with Tanzania and strengthening shared priorities.
