Tanzania has acknowledged Japan's significant role in the country's socio-economic development over the past 60 years. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) programme have been instrumental in supporting development in key sectors such as education, health, agriculture, vocational training, and community development. This partnership has facilitated the transfer of knowledge, technology, and expertise to Tanzania.
The 60th anniversary of the Japanese volunteer programme in Tanzania was marked with an event that highlighted the importance of the partnership between the two countries. Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Elijah Mwandumbya, represented the ministry's Permanent Secretary, Dr Natu El-Maamry Mwamba, at the event. Mwandumbya emphasized that the partnership had played a crucial role in supporting Tanzania's development efforts, particularly at the community level.
Mwandumbya noted that Japanese volunteers had made significant contributions to strengthening institutional capacity and developing the skills of Tanzanian professionals through knowledge and technology transfer, as well as sharing practical experience. The volunteers' contribution goes beyond the provision of professional services, as it has also strengthened relations between the people of Tanzania and Japan through cultural exchange, knowledge, and experience sharing.
The government of Tanzania values Japan's broader development cooperation through JICA, which includes concessional loans, grants, and technical cooperation. Mwandumbya revealed that Tanzania had received concessional loans from Japan worth more than 147.30 billion yen and grants exceeding 176.76 billion yen. This significant investment has contributed to the country's socio-economic development.
The partnership between Tanzania and Japan has also provided professional training opportunities for over 22,000 Tanzanians, both in Tanzania and Japan. This has contributed to the development of human resources and professional capacity in the country. The continued cooperation between the two countries remains an important pillar in strengthening bilateral relations and supporting Tanzania's socio-economic development.
Mwandumbya emphasized that the anniversary provided an opportunity to recognize the longstanding friendship, solidarity, and cooperation between Tanzania and Japan. The relationship between the two countries has been strengthened through cultural exchange, knowledge sharing, and experience sharing, helping to build a lasting friendship.
The recognition of Japan's 60-year contribution to Tanzania's development highlights the importance of international cooperation in supporting socio-economic development. The partnership between Tanzania and Japan serves as a model for other countries to follow, demonstrating the positive impact of collaboration and knowledge sharing on development.
Key points
- Japan's 60-year contribution to Tanzania's development has supported key sectors such as education, health, agriculture, vocational training, and community development.
- The partnership between Tanzania and Japan has provided professional training opportunities for over 22,000 Tanzanians.
- Tanzania has received concessional loans from Japan worth more than 147.30 billion yen and grants exceeding 176.76 billion yen.
