As the world intensifies efforts to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Tanzania and the Netherlands stand as exemplary partners. Both nations share a commitment to tackling challenges such as poverty, education, and climate change, guided by a deep-seated partnership. Under the leadership of Tanzanian President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania has pursued ambitious strategies for sustainable development, addressing critical areas like entrepreneurship, climate action, and healthcare. This collaborative approach leverages Dutch expertise and investment, enriching Tanzania’s sustainable development journey and fostering global progress.
Diplomat Magazine approached H.E. Ms. Caroline Chipeta Kitana, Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania, to talk about these relevant issues.
Ambassador Chipeta, how would you describe the current state of diplomatic relations between Tanzania and the Netherlands?
For over five decades, Tanzania and the Netherlands have nurtured strong and mutually beneficial diplomatic relations, yielding substantial social and economic accomplishments. Under the Sixth Phase Government led by Her Excellency Dr. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, this partnership is poised for further enhancement with a commitment centered on elevating the business environment and reinvigorating regional and global cooperation. Key areas of focus for the Sixth Phase Government encompass agriculture, livestock, green energy, tourism and hospitality, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, mining, real estate, manufacturing, and agro-processing.
The Netherlands is among the top 10 countries with significant investments in Tanzania across diverse sectors, including agriculture, construction, and energy. Over 100 Dutch companies are active in Tanzania, with prominent players like BAM International, Phillips, Heineken, KLM, Unilever, Belast NEDAM, East West Seeds, Rabobank, Rijkzwaan, HZPC Potatoes, Shell, and DAMEN Ship. Collectively, these investments total over €300 billion in value and have generated more than 25,000 jobs.
The cordial diplomatic relations between Tanzania and the Netherlands were recently highlighted when Honourable January Yusuf Makamba, the then Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, conducted a working visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands from 14 to 15 November 2023. During the visit, Minister Makamba attended the Tanzania-Netherlands Trade and Investment Forum (TIF) and held a bilateral meeting with Honourable Hanke Bruins Slot, former Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
In his opening remarks at the Forum, Hon. Makamba assured Dutch investors, approximately 70 Dutch companies, of Tanzania’s advantages as an investment destination, including its strategic location, political stability, natural resource abundance, skilled young labor, and friendly business environment. He encouraged them to seize the opportunity to expand their investments in Tanzania. Since then, there has been a notable increase in the flow of Dutch companies interested in investing or expanding their business in Tanzania. In fact, since November last year, more than 13 companies have approached the Embassy seeking new investment opportunities in Tanzania.
On the margins of the Tanzania-Netherlands Trade and Investment Forum, Minister Makamba also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation and Investment Promotion between the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) and the Netherlands-Africa Business Council (NABC). TIC and NABC are currently organizing a Trade and Investment Mission to Tanzania on Sustainable Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Climate-Resilient Infrastructure, set for December 2024.
Tanzania’s commitment to the SDGs and economic development initiatives
Tanzania’s longstanding partnership with the Netherlands has bolstered its commitment to key SDGs, particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Initiatives such as the Tanzanian Startup Association (TSA) and the April 2023 Memorandum of Understanding encourage entrepreneurship by creating supportive ecosystems. Dutch backing has helped Tanzanian startups flourish, stimulating job creation and economic opportunities. The 2018 Blueprint for Regulatory Reforms is also improving Tanzania’s regulatory environment, enabling smallholder farmers and SMEs to participate inclusively.
In May 2024, the National Steering Committee for the Blueprint made a study visit to the Netherlands, where they exchanged knowledge on regulatory best practices. Their engagements included sessions with Tanzanian entrepreneurs in the Netherlands and visits to Dutch institutions like the Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship, which provided insights for fostering Tanzanian entrepreneurship. Meetings with the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA) and other organizations highlighted strategies for attracting foreign investment, essential for poverty alleviation.
On climate action, Tanzania has taken pioneering steps. The introduction of carbon trading regulations has attracted Dutch interest, notably through Rabobank’s Acorn project, which supports Tanzanian smallholder farmers in sustainable agroforestry. This initiative produces carbon credits sold internationally, aligning with SDG 13 while also supporting SDG 1 by providing additional income for local farmers.
At COP-28 in December 2023 in Dubai, Tanzania launched the African Women Clean Cooking Support Programme to promote gender equality and clean energy. Additionally, the government’s ten-year, $1.8 billion National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy was launched in May 2024. Co-chaired by President Hassan at a summit in Paris, this initiative raised USD 2.2 billion in financing for clean cooking solutions, underscoring Tanzania’s commitment to sustainable energy transitions.
Dutch organization SNV has contributed to Tanzania’s energy efforts, collaborating on initiatives like the Tanzania Improved Cookstoves (TICs) project, which promotes efficient cooking alternatives in rural communities. These projects directly support SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by providing safer, sustainable alternatives to traditional cooking methods.
Healthcare partnerships between Tanzania and the Netherlands also continue to thrive. Collaborations between Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) and Radboud University Medical Center, as well as ZGT Overzee, have spanned over two decades. RadboudUMC has recently extended cooperation to Benjamin Mkapa Hospital and Muhimbili National Hospital, tackling drug-resistant bacteria, thereby supporting SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
In sustainable tourism, Dutch operators like PANGEA Tours collaborate with Tanzanian projects like Rhotia Valley Resort, which supports an orphanage through tourism income. Investments like Basecamp Tanzania Eco-resorts further promote eco-friendly practices, enhancing local ecosystems and benefiting surrounding communities.
Under President Hassan’s leadership, Tanzania demonstrates a steadfast commitment to sustainable development and diplomatic relations with the Netherlands. Initiatives such as the National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy and the National Environmental Master Plan for Strategic Intervention (2022-2032) underscore Tanzania’s readiness to create a resilient, sustainable future, with the Netherlands as a key partner. Together, these efforts advance the Sustainable Development Goals, setting a benchmark for international cooperation.
