The European Union has announced plans to invest in water supply and urban development projects in Tanzania, with a focus on addressing challenges facing citizens. EU Ambassador to Tanzania Jean-Marc Pisani said the partnership with the Tanzanian Government aims to deliver practical improvements to people's lives through investments in water, sanitation, sustainable urban development, and economic opportunities. The investments are part of the Global Gateway initiative, which brings together European investment and expertise with Tanzania's priorities.
The planned expansion of Mwanza's Butimba Water Treatment Plant is expected to increase the number of beneficiaries to about 800,000 residents. The facility currently serves approximately 300,000 people and will see its production capacity increase from 48 million litres to 170 million litres daily. The expansion will improve supplies to Nyamongolo, Kisesa, and Usagara areas. The project is being developed in three phases under the Global Gateway investment programme, with support from European partners and the use of European technology.
Mwanza faces a widening gap between water demand and production capacity, with the city requiring approximately 293 million litres of water daily, against current production of about 155 million litres. Mwanza Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Authority (MWAUWASA) Managing Director Leonard Msenyele attributed the pressure on existing infrastructure to population growth and the city's rapid expansion. The ongoing projects will help ease the shortage, with financing agreements already signed and implementation expected to help reduce water rationing.
The EU's investments in Tanzania also include the Green and Smart Cities SASA programme, another Global Gateway initiative being implemented in Mwanza, Tanga, and Pemba. Valued at €75 million, the programme focuses on improving water services, supporting local government authorities to adopt digital systems for urban planning and management, strengthening local economic development, and equipping residents with relevant skills. The programme aims to support sustainable growth that benefits both Tanzania and Europe.
The projects fall under the Team Europe framework, which brings together the EU, its member states, including France, Belgium, and Germany, and the European Investment Bank (EIB). EU Ambassador Jean-Marc Pisani said the partnership with Tanzania is built on shared interests and mutual benefits. The delegation, including French Ambassador to Tanzania Jean-Baptiste Jeangène, toured the Butimba Water Treatment Plant during a working visit to Mwanza on October 30, 2026.
The investments come as part of a broader effort to support sustainable growth and development in Tanzania. The Global Gateway initiative aims to bring together European investment and expertise with Tanzania's priorities to deliver practical solutions and create economic opportunities. The programme is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of residents in Mwanza and other areas where the projects are being implemented.
The EU's investments in water supply and urban development projects in Tanzania are expected to have a significant impact on the lives of residents. With the planned expansion of the Butimba Water Treatment Plant and other projects, the EU aims to support sustainable growth and development in Tanzania. The partnership between the EU and Tanzania is built on shared interests and mutual benefits, with a focus on delivering practical improvements to people's lives.
Key points
- The EU is investing in water supply and urban development projects in Tanzania to benefit 800,000 Mwanza residents.
- The planned expansion of Mwanza's Butimba Water Treatment Plant will increase its production capacity from 48 million litres to 170 million litres daily.
- The EU's investments in Tanzania also include the Green and Smart Cities SASA programme, valued at €75 million.
