By Business Insider Reporter
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Tanzania’s economic transformation following the formal presentation of credentials by its newly appointed Country Manager, Ms. Mary Manneko Monyau.
Monyau presented her Letter of Credence on March 25, 2026 in Dar es Salaam, marking the official start of her tenure and signalling a renewed phase of engagement between the Bank and the government.
Receiving the credentials on behalf of the government, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, described the Bank as a “trusted and highly valued partner” in Tanzania’s development journey.
He noted that the institution has played a pivotal role in advancing socio-economic progress through sustained investments in key sectors.
Minister Kombo emphasised the need to deepen collaboration in strategic areas such as infrastructure, energy and productive industries, as Tanzania scales up efforts to accelerate growth and industrialisation. He also expressed confidence in Monyau’s leadership, citing her previous experience as the Bank’s Country Manager in Sudan as a strong foundation for her new role.
In her remarks, Ms. Monyau underscored the Bank’s enduring partnership with Tanzania and its alignment with the country’s long-term development priorities.
She highlighted that the Bank’s strategy is anchored in Tanzania’s Dira 2050, which prioritises sustainable infrastructure, quality education, industrial expansion and institutional strengthening as pillars for economic diversification.
She further pointed to alignment with the development vision of AfDB President Sidi Ould Tah, whose strategic framework – referred to as the “Four Cardinal Points” – guides the Bank’s approach to accelerating Africa’s growth trajectory.
The Bank’s investment portfolio in Tanzania continues to expand, reflecting its central role in financing large-scale development projects. Cumulative commitments now exceed US$9.5 billion across 167 projects, spanning transport, energy, agriculture, water and sanitation, health, and financial services. The current active portfolio stands at approximately US$4 billion across 30 operations.
Analysts note that the scale and sectoral diversity of AfDB financing position the institution as a key driver of Tanzania’s structural transformation, particularly in closing infrastructure gaps and improving regional connectivity within East Africa.
Monyau indicated that future interventions will continue to prioritise infrastructure development to boost competitiveness, facilitate trade and support job creation.
She also highlighted the Bank’s focus on strengthening governance in the extractive sector to ensure that natural resource wealth translates into broader economic benefits.
The presentation of credentials comes at a time when Tanzania is intensifying efforts to mobilise concessional financing and strategic partnerships to deliver on its long-term development agenda, with multilateral lenders such as the AfDB playing an increasingly critical role in bridging financing gaps and supporting policy reforms. The renewed engagement is expected to further strengthen Tanzania’s position as a regional economic hub, while advancing inclusive growth and resilience in line with its Dira 2050 ambitions.
