A high-level delegation of Heads of Cooperation from the European Union and its Member States this week visited projects that TeamEurope supports in Mwanza City to strengthen the EU-Tanzania partnership and advance new investments in sustainable urban development. During the visit the delegation teamed with their host, the Mwanza regional administration, to visit a water treatment plant in Butimba and inaugurate the Team Europe Programme Office in Mwanza.

The Butimba Water Treatment Plant, a flagship investment under the Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation Project, supplies piped clean water to nearly 500 people in Southern part of Mwanza.

The TeamEurope’s visit also marked the official launch of the Team Europe Programme Office in Mwanza, a joint space established under the Green and Smart Cities SASA Programme to enhance coordination and collaboration between implementing partners on the ground. Graced by the Assistant Regional Administrative Officer, responsible for Industry, Investment, and Trade, Mr. Patrick Karangwa, the office launch ceremony gathered heads of cooperation from Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Sweden, and the Netherlands. Mr. Karangwa said the regional administration will ensure continued collaboration for the impactful use of SASA resources and expertise to bring anticipated results. “I’m particularly optimistic that SASA results will be sustainable and replicable to other cities in Tanzania because the program builds on local expertise and resources,” he said.

Enabel Tanzania hosts the SASA office in Mwanza and implements TeamEurope’s Inclusive Green and Smart Cities Project (INCLU-CITIES). Besides the water and sanitation project, SASA has supported the improvement of the Mwaloni fish market and the City’s abattoir.

“Through the SASA programme, we’re supporting cities to become more inclusive, resilient, and better equipped to meet the needs of their growing populations,” said Marc Stalmans, EU Head of Cooperation. “This partnership is not only about infrastructure—it’s about dignity, access, and opportunity for the people of Tanzania.”

Mwanza is one of the fastest-growing cities in Sub-Saharan, Africa. The World Bank estimates that its population will double by 2035. 

“Mwanza needs climate-resilient urban planning to provide important services to its citizens. Water supply needs to reduce losses, and sanitation needs to reach its customers,” said Tobias Godau, GIZ Programme Manager for Water and Climate Change. He represented GIZ Country Director at the event.

The Enabel Country Director, Mr Koenraad Goekint said, “This initiative represents a significant milestone in our collective efforts to foster sustainable urban development. The Green and Smart Cities Project is not just about modernizing infrastructure; it is about creating resilient, inclusive, and environmentally friendly urban spaces that can thrive in the face of future challenges.”

The Green and Smart Cities SASA Programme is designed to improve urban living in Mwanza, Tanga, and Pemba, supporting Tanzania’s efforts to address rapid urban growth. With total investment of over TZS 813 billion (EUR 325 million) focuses on expanded urban service delivery, increased local revenue mobilization and economic opportunities for women and youth in underserved communities.

In Mwanza, SASA through Enabel focuses on building a sustainable local economy - enhancing food processing, supporting the fishing industry, and promoting a circular economy. These initiatives are designed to create jobs, boost local businesses, and ensure that economic growth is both inclusive and environmentally sustainable.

Utilising a common office space facilitates collaboration among organizations that implement SASA Programme, which are GIZ from Germany, Enabel from Belgium, and AFD from France.

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