By Correspondent Peter Haule
The World Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the capacity and expertise of its staff based in Tanzania, in a move aimed at sharpening the quality of policy advice and technical support provided to both the public and private sectors as the country pursues its long-term development ambitions.
The pledge was made in Dar es Salaam during a meeting at the Treasury Registrar’s Offices between the World Bank’s Vice President for Human Resources, Ms. Radoslava Dimitrova Anguelova, and the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Ms Amina Khamis Shaaban.
Ms. Anguelova underscored the importance of the World Bank working closely with Tanzania, noting that strong on-the-ground expertise is essential if the country is to achieve the economic and social development goals it has set for itself.
“It is crucial for the World Bank to maintain a close and effective partnership with Tanzania,” she said. “I am encouraged to see the significant progress already being made in implementing development priorities, and I am committed to ensuring that our staff in Tanzania are equipped with high-level skills and relevant expertise to serve as a true catalyst for development.”
Backing development agenda
Tanzania has emerged as one of the World Bank Group’s largest and most strategic partners in East Africa, benefiting from extensive financial and technical support aligned with national priorities such as infrastructure development, human capital investment, private sector growth, and institutional reform.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Natu El-Maamry Mwamba, Deputy Permanent Secretary Ms Shaaban expressed the Government’s appreciation for the World Bank’s continued support. She revealed that the Bank has extended financing for 35 projects worth approximately US$8.5 billion, all aligned with Tanzania’s national development priorities.
“These projects are playing a critical role in accelerating development across key sectors of the economy,” Ms. Shaaban said, adding that World Bank support has been instrumental in areas ranging from transport and energy to health, education and social protection.
Strong working relationship
Beyond financing, Tanzanian authorities praised the quality of engagement from World Bank Group staff working in the country. Ms Shaaban noted that the responsiveness, adaptability and collaborative approach demonstrated by World Bank personnel have been central to the successful implementation of national development programmes.
“The staff of the World Bank Group in Tanzania have shown a strong willingness to listen, adapt to local conditions and work closely with the Government,” she said. “This has been a key pillar in achieving the objectives outlined in our national planning frameworks.”
She reiterated the Government’s commitment to sustaining and deepening the partnership with the World Bank Group, stressing that effective cooperation remains vital to advancing Tanzania’s development agenda.
“Together, we can ensure that Tanzania’s development goals are realised through sound policies, effective programmes and motivated professionals committed to delivering positive change,” Ms Shaaban added.
Broad-based World Bank engagement
The meeting brought together senior leadership from across the World Bank Group, reflecting the breadth of its engagement in Tanzania.
Attendees included Mr. Nathan Belete, World Bank Country Director for Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe; Ms Milena Stefanova, Operations Manager for the same countries; Ms Martine Valcine, Manager of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) overseeing private sector operations; and Mr. Rished Bade, Commissioner for External Finance at the Ministry of Finance.
The inclusion of IFC leadership highlights the growing emphasis on private sector development as a driver of inclusive growth, particularly as Tanzania seeks to attract investment, boost productivity and create jobs.
Looking ahead
As Tanzania pushes forward with its development vision – anchored in industrialisation, infrastructure expansion and private sector-led growth – the World Bank’s focus on enhancing staff capacity locally is expected to translate into more tailored, timely and effective support. For policymakers and businesses alike, the renewed commitment signals not just continued access to financing, but also deeper technical collaboration aimed at unlocking Tanzania’s long-term economic potential.
