It was around May last year when I first set foot in Dar es Salaam—not to officially assume my duties as the European Union (EU) Ambassador just yet, but to meet with my predecessor and to get a sense of the country I would soon call home. I must admit, my expectations were far from the reality I encountered. Dar es Salaam was much bigger and more vibrant than I had imagined. In those few days, the city buzzed with energy and its people were warm and welcoming. It was a city in motion, and I was looking forward to be part of it and to work for the EU in Tanzania.
On September 1, 2024, I officially began my role as the EU Ambassador to Tanzania and since then I have become even more convinced of the huge potential of Tanzania. As the EU, we have long recognized Tanzania as an important country in the region. The country’s stability, coupled with its youthful and growing population, makes it a natural partner for the EU in both political and socio-economic development. Over the past year, I have seen this partnership deepen as we work together to address both the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
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One of the most significant opportunities lies in Tanzania’s youth. Young people here make up a substantial portion of the population, with 77 percent under 35. They are the future leaders, decision-makers, and innovators of this country. As the EU, we are committed to ensuring that youth are actively involved in shaping their future. Our Youth Action Plan, the first-ever policy framework for a strategic partnership with young people globally, is designed to ensure that youth have a say in our work and feel a sense of ownership over their own development.
In Tanzania, we have taken concrete steps to engage youth in decision-making. One of our proudest achievements this year was the establishment of the EU Youth Sounding Board, a 25-member advisory body made up of young Tanzanians. This board advises the EU on key priorities in Tanzania, ensuring that our work is aligned with the needs and aspirations of the youth. I have, through the last months, witnessed the passion and commitment from Tanzanian youth towards the development of their country. They bring a sense of purpose and drive that is impressive.
As for our priorities, our partnership with Tanzania focuses on three key areas: governance, green development, and human capital. The EU and its Member States remain Tanzania’s largest grant partner, providing funds that the country does not have to repay. But, we are increasingly focusing on value addition. This means enabling Tanzania to boost its agricultural exports to Europe and tap into its vast critical mineral resources, which are of strategic importance to both regions.
This marks a notable shift from a traditional donor-recipient model to one of mutual benefit, where both sides gain from the collaboration. Guided by the Global Gateway Strategy – our new approach to boost smart, clean, and secure connections in the digital, energy, and transport sectors, while strengthening health, education, and research systems—we are working hand in hand with Tanzania, through a Team Europe approach involving our Member States, to build a stronger, more interconnected future.
Some of the areas we are looking to invest under the global gateway in include port development and the expansion of the Bus Rapid Transit system, all emblematic of our focus on connectivity. These projects will create opportunities for Tanzanians, particularly in the engineering, logistics, and technical fields. However, the challenge lies in ensuring that the country’s workforce is adequately skilled for these opportunities.
Tanzania has a youthful labour force, but there is a need to bridge the skills gap. Professional training is key. One way we are assisting this is through scholarship opportunities in Europe, such as the Erasmus Mundus+ program, which offers Tanzanian students the chance to study in Europe for two years across multiple countries, providing both education and exposure to global perspectives. These young people return with the knowledge and experience to contribute meaningfully to Tanzania’s development.
In the coming years, we also look forward to being more involved in strengthening democratic governance, promoting human rights, and enhancing the rule of law. As Tanzania enters its election cycle—with local government elections in November and general elections next year—our focus will be on encouraging a democratic process that is strong and inclusive for the benefit of all citizens.
Private sector engagement is another vital aspect of our work. We have supported businesses, including youth start-ups, to help them grow and thrive. At the same time, we are working closely with the Tanzanian government on regulatory reforms, which are crucial to improving the business environment and attracting further investment. However, there is still more to be done in this regard. With the right regulatory frameworks in place, we will see an increase in European investments that will further stimulate Tanzania’s economy. European companies are eager to engage with Tanzania, and creating a stable, investment-friendly environment is key to unlocking this potential.
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I am particularly passionate about gender equality, and the EU has been actively supporting women. We have a Gender program, which is the largest we are financing worldwide. We want to ensure that women are active participants in Tanzania’s economy but also eliminate barriers that hinder their full potential. I have met so many strong and aspiring young women in the last months – there is such a potential in Tanzania in supporting women in their endeavours. And one of the very strong memories of last year is the celebration of women’s day on 8 March with the Minister of Gender, a great event.
The EU is equally proud of its role in supporting Tanzania’s rich cultural landscape, particularly through film and music. An example is our support to Sauti za Busara and the Zanzibar International Film Festival. We believe that cultural exchange is key to strengthening the bonds between our regions. Learning about Tanzanian culture has been one of the most enriching aspects of my time here.
I have been particularly taken by the warmth and humour of Tanzanians—there’s a lightness to every interaction that I find truly refreshing. I also discovered mtori, a banana soup that I hesitated to try at first but now absolutely love. Tanzanians’ love for football resonates deeply with me. I quickly learned about the great rivalry between Simba and Yanga and was almost trapped into picking a side, but I have remained loyal to my club VfB Stuttgart. However, you can always count on me to cheer for the Taifa Stars and the Twiga Stars!
Looking back over the past year, I am very proud of what we have achieved together. But there is still more to do. As we look to the future, I am excited by what I will learn about Tanzania and how the EU can further contribute to the development of the country.
Christine Grau is European Union Ambassador to Tanzania and the East African Community
