The European Union (EU) has further reinforced its partnership with Zanzibar by signing two pivotal agreements aimed at advancing sustainable development, marine conservation, and gender equality. The signing ceremony was attended by Zanzibar’s Minister for Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, along with Rita Laranjinha, Managing Director for Africa at the European External Action Service (EEAS), and Hans Stausboll, Acting Director for Africa at the European Commission, as well as senior government officials and development partners.
These agreements highlight the EU’s strategic commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development. Key components include increased funding for the Bahari Yetu (“Our Ocean”) Project under the EU’s Team Europe Initiative for the Blue Economy, and a renewed focus on the Gender Transformative Action Programme in Zanzibar.
The first agreement, valued at 32 billion TZS (€11 million), focuses on the Bahari Yetu Project, which aims to address vital issues such as marine resource protection, sustainable fishing practices, and plastic pollution management. Implemented by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), this project will empower local communities by generating sustainable economic opportunities while safeguarding Zanzibar’s marine biodiversity.
The second agreement provides an additional 8.8 billion TZS (€3 million) to expand the EU’s Gender Transformative Action Programme in Zanzibar. This initiative, executed by UN Women and the relevant gender ministry, seeks to eliminate barriers to women’s rights and enhance women’s leadership roles across both the public and private sectors. A new emphasis will be placed on promoting girls’ education, particularly at the tertiary level.
Speaking on behalf of the EU, Ms. Laranjinha stated, “These agreements demonstrate the EU’s unwavering commitment to Zanzibar’s long-term development, from fostering sustainable marine practices to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment.”
Mr. Stausboll added, “This partnership is an example of the EU’s broader mission to deliver tangible, long-term benefits for all Zanzibaris, contributing to shared prosperity, sustainability, and social inclusion.”
Laranjinha and Stausboll’s visit to Zanzibar is part of their broader engagement in Tanzania, including a bilateral discussion with President Mwinyi prior to the signing ceremony. These agreements align with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, which emphasizes high-quality, sustainable investments that meet the needs of partner countries and ensure long-term positive impacts.
On December 10, Laranjinha and Stausboll will participate in the EU-Government of Tanzania Partnership Dialogue, further solidifying the EU’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Tanzania and strengthening shared priorities.
