TANZANIA AND HUNGARY STRENGTHEN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION

 

The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania has commended Hungary for its continued commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic cooperation with Tanzania, particularly through the implementation of water and social development projects.

The appreciation was expressed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Natu El-Maamry Mwamba, during a meeting with the Acting Ambassador of Hungary to Tanzania, H.E. David Tóth, held at the Ministry of Finance offices in Dodoma.

Dr. Mwamba thanked the Government of Hungary for its significant contribution to deepening bilateral relations, highlighting the recent establishment of a Hungarian Diplomatic Office in Dar es Salaam as a strong indication of Hungary’s genuine commitment to enhancing its partnership with Tanzania.

She further noted that the Government of Tanzania highly values Hungary’s support in financing development projects, including the Biharamulo Water Supply Project in Kagera Region, which aligns closely with national development priorities outlined in the Third National Five-Year Development Plan (2021/22–2025/26) as well as Tanzania Development Vision 2050.

“The implementation of this project will significantly improve access to clean and safe water for the people of Biharamulo and surrounding areas, while also stimulating socio-economic development,” Dr. Mwamba emphasized.

In addition, Dr. Mwamba encouraged the expansion of the existing financial cooperation framework between Tanzania and Hungary to include grant financing, particularly for social and economic development projects.

“We appreciate Hungary’s concessional loans; however, the current cooperation framework largely focuses on such loans with limited grant components. We would welcome an expanded framework that also incorporates grants for priority sectors, including social services, infrastructure, and economic empowerment projects. This would further strengthen bilateral relations and enhance the tangible benefits for citizens of both countries,” she stated.

On his part, H.E. David Tóth reaffirmed the Government of Hungary’s commitment to strengthening development cooperation with Tanzania, noting that the Biharamulo Water Supply Project serves as a practical example of people-centered development partnership.

“Hungary regards Tanzania as a key development partner in Africa, and we are fully committed to supporting projects that directly improve the livelihoods of citizens. The Biharamulo water project will enhance access to clean and safe water for communities in Kagera Region,” said Ambassador Tóth.

The meeting was also attended by senior officials from both governments, including the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Ms. Amina Khamis Shaaban, Acting Commissioner for Policy Analysis, Dr. Remidius Ruhinduka, Commissioner for External Finance, Mr. Rished Bade, Assistant Commissioner for External Finance, Mr. Melkizedeck Mbise, and Mr. Szabolcs Nagy, a Water Projects Expert from the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, alongside other senior officials from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation.