CHAD: TANZANIA has unveiled five priority investment opportunities in its water sector, as it seeks to expand access to safe water and sanitation, strengthen climate resilience and attract private capital to support long-term economic growth.
Deputy Minister for Finance, Mr Laurent Luswetula (pictured), announced the opportunities during the Africa Water Investment Summit in N’Djamena, Chad, where he led the Tanzanian delegation on behalf of Finance Minister Ambassador Khamis Mussa Omar.
Mr Luswetula said the government recognises the critical role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in implementing development projects and improving service delivery, inviting private investors to partner with Tanzania in transforming the water sector.
He said the investment opportunities include the National Water Grid, climate-resilient Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services under the Presidential Water and Sanitation Programme, irrigation systems, digital technologies in the water sector and water source conservation.
Mr Luswetula said the government is continuing to strengthen the investment climate through transparent procedures, predictable policies and good governance to attract long-term investment and achieve the goals of the Tanzania Development Vision 2050.
He said the government remains committed to ensuring all Tanzanians have access to safe and clean water, describing the resource as a key driver of economic transformation that supports agriculture, industrial development, energy generation, urbanisation, public health and climate resilience.
According to Mr Luswetula, the Tanzania Development Vision 2050 and the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Programme, which is expected to be launched soon, will bring together government institutions, development partners, the private sector and communities to expand access to water and sanitation services while promoting digital innovation in the sector.
“We are determined to ensure that every village in the country has access to basic clean water services by 2031. We are therefore implementing a strategic investment programme to connect areas with abundant water resources to water-scarce and underserved communities,” he said.
Meanwhile, the World Bank’s Regional Director for Water in Africa, Mr Saroj Kumar, commended Tanzania for adopting effective strategies to improve the livelihoods of its people. He also praised the country for formulating and implementing the Tanzania Development Vision 2050, which assigns the private sector a 70 per cent role in driving the country’s development.
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Mr Kumar said the World Bank recognises Tanzania’s commitment to improving the welfare of its citizens, noting that the country’s development ambitions are clearly reflected in Vision 2050. The high-level forum brought together African heads of state, finance and water ministers, development partners and experts to discuss practical solutions for improving water security across the continent.
Held under the theme “African Water Forum: From Vision to Action,” the summit is focusing on expanding access to safe water and sanitation, increasing financing for water projects and strengthening resilience to climate change.
Hosted by Chad’s President Mahamat Idriss Deby in collaboration with the World Bank, the meeting explored strategies for mobilising greater public and private investment in water infrastructure, irrigation and climate-resilient projects.
Delegates also discussed ways to strengthen the management of shared river basins, promote regional cooperation and develop National Water Compacts to help countries attract sustainable financing for the sector.