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22 May 2026
Unpaid Care Work Is Work: Tanzania Advances Gender-Transformative and Disability-Inclusive Care Systems
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Speech
20 May 2026
Remarks by the UN Resident Coordinator, Susan Ngongi Namondo, Presentation of Results from the Integrated Mangrove Rehabilitation and Beekeeping Initiative - World Beekeeping Day
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Story
13 May 2026
The glaring injustice of maternal deaths in Africa
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The Sustainable Development Goals in Tanzania
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Tanzania:
Publication
09 January 2026
Key Developments | October-December 2025
The highlights presented in this edition draw from the Key Developments recorded between October and December 2025 and reflect the collective contributions of United Nations agencies, funds, and programmes working in partnership with the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania and other national stakeholders. The content captures selected results achieved during the final quarter of the year, a period marked by transition, system strengthening, and sustained engagement with communities across the country.Organised in alignment with the four strategic priorities of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2022–2027—People, Prosperity, Planet, and Enabling Environment—the highlights showcase how the UN continued to support access to essential services, inclusive economic opportunities, climate resilience, data-driven governance, and institutional capacity-building. Together, these examples illustrate the UN’s ongoing commitment to supporting Tanzania’s national development priorities and advancing progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while reinforcing inclusion, resilience, and the principle of leaving no one behind.
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06 March 2026
Tanzania and partners review progress on digital agriculture initiative
The Government of Tanzania, the United Nations and partners met today to review progress and discuss next steps under the Joint Programme on Data for Digital Agricultural Transformation. The programme is supported by the Joint SDG Fund and led by the Government in collaboration with UNCDF, FAO and IFAD under the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator.The meeting brought together a broad range of institutions from across government, the United Nations and the European Union. In addition to the Ministry of Agriculture, participants included representatives from the Personal Data Protection Commission, the e-Government Authority, the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority, the Ministry of Information, Communication and Information Technology, PO-RALG and the Sugar Board of Tanzania. United Nations participants included representatives from UNCDF, IFAD, FAO, UNDP, WFP and the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, alongside senior representatives from the European Union Delegation and the EU Twinning Programme.Discussions focused on the importance of improving how agricultural data is governed, shared and used across the sector. This is an important part of building systems that can support better decision-making and, over time, help digital services respond more effectively to the needs of smallholder farmers, especially women and youth."Vision 2050 and FYDP IV place digital transformation and data-driven governance at the centre of Tanzania’s development path. This can help turn national priorities into better agricultural services, higher productivity and more inclusive economic opportunities.”— Ms Susan Namondo, UN Resident Coordinator The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Gerald Mweli, emphasized that, "The Government of Tanzania places strong emphasis on strengthening agricultural data governance, improving coordination of digital initiatives, and ensuring that digital innovations effectively reach smallholder farmers who form the backbone of our agricultural sector. We therefore expect this programme to contribute to strengthening national platforms such as the farmer registry, digital advisory services, and data-driven planning mechanisms that will improve efficiency and transparency across the agricultural value chain."The meeting also highlighted the close alignment between the Joint Programme and the European Union’s broader priorities. Ms. Dorota Panczyk-Piqueray, Acting Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation, noted that agriculture and digital transformation are central to the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, including efforts to strengthen supply chains and logistics and expand opportunities for smallholder farmers and small and medium-sized enterprises.Participants also reviewed ongoing work to strengthen the building blocks for better data governance and coordination in the agriculture sector, including support for systems and processes that can improve the quality, use and sharing of agricultural data over time.The meeting provided an opportunity for partners to review progress and discuss priorities for the next phase of implementation. About the Joint SDG FundAll joint programmes of the Joint SDG Fund are led by UN Resident Coordinators and implemented by the agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations development system. With sincere appreciation for the contributions from the European Union and Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and private sector funding partners, the Fund supports transformative efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
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29 January 2026
Turning mud crabs into opportunity for women along Zanzibar’s coast
When visitors arrive at her crab farm in Bumbwini, Mafufuni, Mtuma Hamisi Haji sees it as more than a courtesy call. For her, it is a chance to learn, reflect and improve.“Whenever visitors come, it makes us happy,” she says. “It means we can talk, be corrected, and understand how to do things better.”Mtuma is a mother and an aquafarmer, and a member of Asalaam Alaykum, a local group engaged in aquaculture in Unguja. While group members also farm fish and keep bees, mud crab farming has become a key source of income for Mtuma and many women in her community.On her plot, more than 250 containers are arranged carefully, each holding crabs at different stages of growth. It is a system built gradually — through trial, error and, more recently, structured support. Turning potential into practiceFor years, crab farming in the area was informal. Farmers sold their harvest quickly, often without knowing how prices were determined.“We used to rush to sell,” Mtuma recalls. “Buyers would weigh the crabs and give us money, but we didn’t know the grades or the value. We had no choice.”That began to change under the Agriculture and Fisheries Development Programme (AFDP) 2021–2027, supported by the Government of Tanzania, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and beneficiaries themselves. AFDP aims to strengthen inclusive food systems by improving productivity, building climate resilience and expanding market opportunities — with particular attention to women and youth.Through the programme, Mtuma and her fellow group members received training in improved mud crab farming practices, alongside starter support and basic infrastructure.“We were trained step by step,” she says. “We learned how to prepare the containers, how to observe growth, and how to manage the crabs properly.” Skills, confidence and incomeThe training helped farmers understand quality, timing and handling — knowledge that directly affects income.“Now, we don’t just sell because we are desperate,” Mtuma explains. “We check the crabs. We know which ones are ready and which are not.”For Mtuma, the results are tangible. Crab farming now helps her support her children and meet household and social responsibilities — things that once felt out of reach.“Without this project, I don’t know what I would have done,” she says. “Now, when there is a need, I can stand up and provide.”Her experience reflects a wider shift. Under AFDP, aquafarmers in Unguja and Pemba have been trained in improved mud crab farming techniques, with women making up a significant share of participants. Youth and people with disabilities are also included, reinforcing the programme’s focus on equity and opportunity. Farming together, growing stronger Although each farmer manages her own plot, the work is rooted in cooperation. Members of Asalaam Alaykum share tasks, exchange knowledge and support one another when challenges arise.“This farm is mine,” Mtuma says, “but the learning is shared. We move forward together.”That sense of solidarity has strengthened confidence, particularly among women. Mtuma now welcomes visitors who want to learn about crab farming and is ready to share what she knows.“I didn’t have formal education in this,” she says. “But with the right support, anyone can learn and improve their life.” Looking ahead While progress is clear, challenges remain. Farmers hope for additional technical training, better equipment such as boats and traps, and improved market access to ensure fair and transparent pricing.These needs are well aligned with AFDP’s broader investments in fisheries and aquaculture — from research on mud crab breeding and feed, to strengthening farmer skills and value chains.For Mtuma, the direction is clear. “This project has helped me a lot,” she says. “It has given me a livelihood, dignity and hope for the future.
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29 January 2026
Seaweed Farming as a Pathway to Resilient Livelihoods in Zanzibar
Across the islands of Unguja and Pemba, seaweed farming remains a vital source of income for coastal communities. For many households—particularly women—it is one of the few reliable livelihood options available. However, low prices, climate-related losses and limited opportunities for value addition have long constrained the sector’s potential.Under the Agriculture and Fisheries Development Programme (AFDP), implemented from 2021 to 2027, targeted support is helping seaweed farmers strengthen productivity, improve quality and build resilience. In Zanzibar, AFDP-supported activities reach multiple coastal communities and groups across both Unguja and Pemba, supporting farmers through skills development, improved post-harvest infrastructure and opportunities for value addition, with particular attention to women, youth and persons with disabilities. Strengthening skills and farming practicesCommunity training and outreach have been central to improving seaweed farming practices. Across Unguja and Pemba, farmers have been supported to adopt better planting, handling and post-harvest techniques, helping them reduce losses and improve the overall quality of their seaweed. These trainings have also encouraged farmers to look beyond the sale of raw seaweed and explore new ways of increasing its value.In Unguja, women-led groups such as Furahia Wanawake illustrate how skills development can translate into practical change. Group members describe how learning new processing techniques enabled them to begin producing seaweed-based products, moving from small-scale manual production to more organised and efficient methods. Similar improvements in awareness of quality standards and handling practices have been reported by farmers in Pemba. Improving quality through better drying infrastructure Improved drying infrastructure has played a key role in enhancing seaweed quality and reducing climate-related risks. In both Unguja and Pemba, AFDP-supported solar dryers and rehabilitated drying racks have replaced traditional ground drying methods that exposed seaweed to sand, rain and contamination.In Micheweni, Pemba, farmers explain that before the introduction of safer drying areas, seaweed was often rejected by buyers due to poor quality. With the new drying facilities, farmers are now able to dry seaweed more quickly and hygienically, even during periods of bad weather. As one farmer noted, “Previously we dried seaweed on the ground, and it was often mixed with sand or dirt. Now we dry it in safe areas, and the seaweed is clean and accepted by buyers.” Farmers report that safer and faster drying has reduced losses and increased confidence when selling their harvest. At the same time, experiences across communities highlight the need to continue expanding drying facilities to match the number of active farmers, particularly in densely populated coastal areas. Adding value and building resilience Value addition has emerged as an important pathway for improving incomes and strengthening resilience. By processing seaweed into products such as flour and soaps, farmers—particularly women’s groups—are reducing their dependence on fluctuating raw seaweed prices and creating new income streams.In Unguja, members of the Furahia Wanawake group describe how processing seaweed has transformed their livelihoods. One group member shared, “When we were only farming and selling raw seaweed, the income was very small. After learning how to process it into products, we earn more and can better support our families.” Despite these gains, challenges remain. Climate change continues to affect production through rising temperatures, shifting currents and unpredictable rainfall. Farmers also highlight the need for stronger market linkages, continued training and investment in processing equipment to scale up value addition. Looking aheadExperiences from Unguja and Pemba show that with the right mix of skills development, infrastructure and inclusive support, seaweed farming can become a more resilient and viable livelihood. Under AFDP, these interventions are helping farmers improve quality, reduce losses and expand economic opportunities across multiple communities in Zanzibar.
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29 January 2026
Turning mud crabs into opportunity for women along Zanzibar’s coast
When visitors arrive at her crab farm in Bumbwini, Mafufuni, Mtuma Hamisi Haji sees it as more than a courtesy call. For her, it is a chance to learn, reflect and improve.“Whenever visitors come, it makes us happy,” she says. “It means we can talk, be corrected, and understand how to do things better.”Mtuma is a mother and an aquafarmer, and a member of Asalaam Alaykum, a local group engaged in aquaculture in Unguja. While group members also farm fish and keep bees, mud crab farming has become a key source of income for Mtuma and many women in her community.On her plot, more than 250 containers are arranged carefully, each holding crabs at different stages of growth. It is a system built gradually — through trial, error and, more recently, structured support. Turning potential into practiceFor years, crab farming in the area was informal. Farmers sold their harvest quickly, often without knowing how prices were determined.“We used to rush to sell,” Mtuma recalls. “Buyers would weigh the crabs and give us money, but we didn’t know the grades or the value. We had no choice.”That began to change under the Agriculture and Fisheries Development Programme (AFDP) 2021–2027, supported by the Government of Tanzania, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and beneficiaries themselves. AFDP aims to strengthen inclusive food systems by improving productivity, building climate resilience and expanding market opportunities — with particular attention to women and youth.Through the programme, Mtuma and her fellow group members received training in improved mud crab farming practices, alongside starter support and basic infrastructure.“We were trained step by step,” she says. “We learned how to prepare the containers, how to observe growth, and how to manage the crabs properly.” Skills, confidence and incomeThe training helped farmers understand quality, timing and handling — knowledge that directly affects income.“Now, we don’t just sell because we are desperate,” Mtuma explains. “We check the crabs. We know which ones are ready and which are not.”For Mtuma, the results are tangible. Crab farming now helps her support her children and meet household and social responsibilities — things that once felt out of reach.“Without this project, I don’t know what I would have done,” she says. “Now, when there is a need, I can stand up and provide.”Her experience reflects a wider shift. Under AFDP, aquafarmers in Unguja and Pemba have been trained in improved mud crab farming techniques, with women making up a significant share of participants. Youth and people with disabilities are also included, reinforcing the programme’s focus on equity and opportunity. Farming together, growing stronger Although each farmer manages her own plot, the work is rooted in cooperation. Members of Asalaam Alaykum share tasks, exchange knowledge and support one another when challenges arise.“This farm is mine,” Mtuma says, “but the learning is shared. We move forward together.”That sense of solidarity has strengthened confidence, particularly among women. Mtuma now welcomes visitors who want to learn about crab farming and is ready to share what she knows.“I didn’t have formal education in this,” she says. “But with the right support, anyone can learn and improve their life.” Looking ahead While progress is clear, challenges remain. Farmers hope for additional technical training, better equipment such as boats and traps, and improved market access to ensure fair and transparent pricing.These needs are well aligned with AFDP’s broader investments in fisheries and aquaculture — from research on mud crab breeding and feed, to strengthening farmer skills and value chains.For Mtuma, the direction is clear. “This project has helped me a lot,” she says. “It has given me a livelihood, dignity and hope for the future.
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Story
22 May 2026
Unpaid Care Work Is Work: Tanzania Advances Gender-Transformative and Disability-Inclusive Care Systems
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Tanzania in collaboration with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), convened a National Symposium on Unpaid Care Work, Disability Inclusion, and Gender-Transformative Approaches, bringing together government institutions, development partners, civil society organizations, academia, Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), and youth advocates to advance dialogue and coordinated action on inclusive care systems in Tanzania.The symposium was organized under the Global Disability Fund (GDF) Global Programme on Unpaid Care, Disability, and Gender-Transformative Approaches, jointly implemented in the United Republic of Tanzania by UNFPA, UNDP and UN Women. Speaking during the symposium, Mr. Yohana Sekimweri, the Assistant Director, Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Special Groups commended United Nations Tanzania,for generating evidence and fostering national dialogue on unpaid care work and disability inclusion.“These findings provide an important call to action for all stakeholders. Unpaid care work continues to disproportionately affect women and girls, especially those with disabilities, limiting their opportunities and well-being. We must work collectively to strengthen policies, expand social protection systems, and ensure that care responsibilities are recognized as a shared societal responsibility. I commend UN Tanzania, particularly UNFPA, UNDP, and UN Women, for supporting the Government of Tanzania in generating evidence that will help guide inclusive and transformative policy reforms,” said Mr. Sekimweri.The event highlighted the urgent need to recognize, reduce, and redistribute unpaid care work, particularly the disproportionate burden carried by women and girls, including those with disabilities and caregivers of persons with disabilities. Discussions focused on strengthening disability-inclusive and gender-transformative policies and services that enable equal participation in education, employment, leadership, and social life.Delivering opening remarks, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Tanzania, Susan Ngongi Namondo, emphasized that unpaid care work remains one of the most invisible yet essential pillars sustaining families, communities, and economies. She underscored the importance of investing in inclusive care systems and social protection mechanisms to ensure that caregivers and persons with disabilities are not left behind. She further noted that the symposium aligns with the aspirations of Tanzania Development Vision 2050, particularly its focus on inclusive economic growth, human capital development, gender equality, and strengthened social protection systems. By advancing disability-inclusive and gender-transformative approaches, the symposium reinforced the importance of building a resilient and equitable society where women, girls, youth, and persons with disabilities can fully contribute to and benefit from the country’s sustainable development agenda.Under the Joint Programme important first of a kind assessments and studies were conducted examining the intersection between unpaid care work, disability inclusion, and gender-based violence (GBV) in Tanzania, providing important evidence for the future programming and planning. These included assessments on the needs and experiences of care recipients and caregivers, analyses of national care and support policies, and qualitative research exploring how unpaid care responsibilities contribute to increased vulnerability to violence, poverty, and social exclusion.Speaking during the symposium, disability rights advocate Neema Mwasangi welcomed the findings of the report and called for stronger investments in accessible and inclusive care systems.“For many families and caregivers, especially women and girls with disabilities, unpaid care work is a daily reality that often goes unseen and unsupported. This report gives visibility to our lived experiences and provides evidence that can drive meaningful policy change. We appreciate the efforts of UNFPA, UNDP, and UN Women for ensuring that the voices of persons with disabilities are heard and reflected in national discussions,” she said.Evidence presented during the symposium showed that women in Tanzania spend approximately three times more time on unpaid care and domestic work than men, significantly limiting their access to economic opportunities, education, and participation in public life. The burden is even greater in households affected by disability, where caregiving often requires continuous and specialized support in the absence of accessible healthcare, education, respite care, and social services.The symposium also highlighted Tanzania’s commitments under international and regional frameworks, including the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5 on Gender Equality and Goal 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth.Participants called for stronger multi-sectoral collaboration to integrate care and support services into national policies, budgets, and development planning. Recommendations included expanding social protection programmes, investing in accessible childcare and respite services, strengthening legal and policy frameworks, promoting redistribution of care responsibilities within households and communities, and amplifying the voices and representation of caregivers and persons with disabilities in decision-making processes.The symposium concluded with a renewed commitment among stakeholders to transform research findings and pilot initiatives into concrete policy reforms and coordinated action. By recognizing care as a shared societal responsibility, the initiative seeks to reduce unpaid care burdens, advance gender equality, strengthen disability inclusion, and create a more inclusive future for all Tanzanians.
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13 May 2026
The glaring injustice of maternal deaths in Africa
We have the knowledge and resources to end preventable maternal mortality – today. So why are women still dying while giving birth? Because for too many women, a safe birth still depends on a chain of simple, but life-or-death contingencies: whether a family can find transport to skilled care, whether a midwife is on duty, whether the clinic cupboards are stocked. If any links in this chain falter, the consequences can be catastrophic. A woman named Mercy recently saw this first-hand: She traveled to a clinic in Zambia’s capital, Lusaka. She experienced a routine labour and a safe delivery. She held her baby in her arms. And then, without warning, she began to bleed profusely. That condition, post-partum haemorrhage, is the world’s most common cause of maternal death, but there are many others, from dangerously high blood pressure to infections. Every day, on average, more than 700 women die from causes linked to pregnancy and childbirth. And in Africa, these risks are multiplied to a staggering degree. On this continent, a 15-year-old girl has a 1 in 57 chance of dying while pregnant or during childbirth; for a girl in Australia, that risk is 1 in 21,000. Africa accounts for 70 per cent of all maternal deaths globally. That isn’t a health gap, it’s a moral chasm. Just 7 African countries are on track to meet the global goal on reducing maternal death. This is not a failure of science or clinical know-how. It is a failure of systems, and a failure to sustain high-level commitments. Beyond aid: A new public health orderThe truth is that, with timely access to quality supplies and healthcare, most maternal deaths are avoidable. A woman does not die because we cannot save her; she dies because the ambulance has no fuel. Because the supplier was not paid on time. Because supplies are sitting in a warehouse instead of a clinic. Because the medicines are expired. Because staff training has been delayed.The links in Mercy’s chain of contingencies were, thankfully, unbroken. Her clinic in Lusaka was part of the UNFPA-supported SafeBirth Africa initiative, where midwives are equipped with the tools and skills to quickly diagnose the severity of post-partum bleeding and initiate life-saving treatment.Every woman on the continent deserves to benefit from that kind of care. And it is possible with the African Union’s New Public Health Order, which shifts the continent away from donor-led procurement and towards a unified, African-led agenda. That means coordinated disease control led by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and regulations harmonized by the Africa Medicines Agency. It means the production of quality-assured medicines by Africa’s own dynamic pharmaceutical manufacturers and a strengthened African health market championed by the African Union Development Agency. It means the creation of robust intra-African supply chains, and partnerships with the UN and others to ensure monitoring and accountability. The global battle against maternal mortality will be won or lost in Africa. We have the research, the technical expertise and the roadmap. What we need now is to unite behind Africa’s public health leadership.Africa’s future is the future of the worldThis is the world’s youngest region, with nearly one third of the population between the ages of 10 and 24. Their future – and the world’s future – depends on Africa’s ability to address these systemic failures now. We do that not just by disseminating health commodities and building supply chains but by understanding mothers and their children as the inseparable link from one generation to the next. When a mother is able to give birth safely, her children can thrive – a process that starts even before her child is born, when she is able to access family planning, antenatal care and safe delivery services. It continues into the life of the child, as she is able to access healthcare, education, and an unfolding universe of possibilities. But those services do not appear by wish alone. Health sovereignty, the genuine ability of a nation to decide and deliver care for its own people, requires financing sovereignty. Maternal mortality is not only a health service delivery issue, but also a matter of budgetary fiscal space and careful public financial management.As much as this is a moral and social argument, it is also an economic one: When a mother dies, her potential contribution to the economy, her labour, her innovation, her enterprise dies with her. The cost of inaction is staggering and quantifiable: A recent Lancet Commission showed that failure to invest in maternal and child health could lead to productivity losses amounting to $3.8 trillion by 2035. On the other hand, every dollar invested in family planning can yield up to $27 in economic benefits, and broader investments in maternal health deliver substantial returns. We see clearly that the failure to act is the most expensive choice of all. If we are serious about building healthy generations and a sustainable future for the continent, we must ensure that childbirth is a safe, empowering experience that secures the future for every woman and her family. Co-authors:
H.E. Ambassador Amma Twum Amoah, African Union Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social DevelopmentH.E. Ms. Nardos Bekele-Thomas, CEO of the African Union Development Agency, AUDA-NEPADMr. Claver Gatete, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary, Economic Commission for AfricaMs. Diene Keita, Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund
H.E. Ambassador Amma Twum Amoah, African Union Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social DevelopmentH.E. Ms. Nardos Bekele-Thomas, CEO of the African Union Development Agency, AUDA-NEPADMr. Claver Gatete, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary, Economic Commission for AfricaMs. Diene Keita, Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund
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01 April 2026
Zanzibar reviews progress on Norway-supported Joint Programme and complementary seaweed initiative
The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, the United Nations and development partners met in Zanzibar this week to review progress on two joint programmes supporting vulnerable communities in Kaskazini Unguja and Kaskazini Pemba, with the Zanzibar Joint Programme (ZJP) at the centre of discussions.Supported by a USD 3.5 million contribution from the Royal Norwegian Embassy through the Tanzania SDG Acceleration Fund, the ZJP is helping advance food systems transformation, climate resilience, human capital development, and efforts to end violence against women and children in northern Zanzibar. Launched in 2025, the programme is a joint initiative of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar and the United Nations, implemented through the collective engagement of 12 UN organizations working closely with Government ministries and local partners. The meeting brought together senior Government officials, heads of UN organizations, development partners and other stakeholders, including UN Resident Coordinator Susan Ngongi Namondo and the Ambassador of Spain to Tanzania, Ms. Paloma Serra Robles. Discussions focused on progress to date and on how to make coordination simpler and more effective as implementation moves forward.Partners also reviewed progress on the complementary Joint Programme on Transforming Seaweed Farming through Integrated Financial Solutions, which builds on the ZJP’s food systems pillar by addressing financing and market bottlenecks in the seaweed value chain. Together, the two programmes combine community-level support with longer-term work on finance, markets and systems strengthening.Opening the meeting, Dr Afua Mohamed, Acting Executive Secretary of the Zanzibar Planning Commission, stressed the importance of using the review to inform the next phase of implementation and resource mobilization. “Understanding what aspects of these programmes are most effective, scalable, and impactful will guide us as we seek to expand successful models and attract more development financing,” she said.Dr Afua also acknowledged the role of current partners in getting both programmes off the ground. “We remain grateful to the Royal Norwegian Embassy and the UN Joint SDG Fund for financing the first phase of this Joint program and to their commitment to reducing poverty, strengthening resilience, and advancing inclusive development in Zanzibar,” she said. For her part, Susan Ngongi Namondo emphasized the need to look beyond funding alone when assessing the value of the two initiatives. “These Joint Programmes should be understood not primarily as funding instruments—even as we acknowledge the funding is important - but we need to see the JPs as platforms for building Government capability and resilience,” she said. She noted that the recent field visit to Pemba showed not only project outputs, but also Government-led systems being strengthened — with communities adopting climate-resilient livelihoods, women and local producers becoming more active economic agents, and local institutions increasingly able to coordinate and sustain interventions.The discussion drew on a growing body of results from the ZJP. Under its food systems pillar, the programme has trained 471 farmers in climate-smart agriculture and banana production, trained 158 farmers in seaweed and sea cucumber production, and supported 26 farmer groups and four cooperatives. Under the climate pillar, it has constructed six rainwater harvesting systems reaching around 22,000 people, advanced gender-responsive land-use planning reaching 10,963 community members, and trained 100 Community Health Workers and District Nutrition Officers, reaching 1,772 caregivers. Under the protection pillar, large-scale community outreach has reached 53,676 people, while four multisectoral District Child Protection Plans have been completed.Participants also discussed practical ways to improve coordination so that support is more joined up across institutions and levels of implementation. This includes making better use of existing Government mechanisms, improving collaboration across sectors, and ensuring that today’s investments help build stronger national systems for the future.The meeting reaffirmed a shared commitment to supporting locally led solutions that improve livelihoods, strengthen resilience and expand opportunity for the people of Zanzibar, especially women and young people in northern Unguja and Pemba.
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31 March 2026
Pemba field visit spotlights early Zanzibar Joint Programme results
The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, the United Nations and partners this week visited project sites in Pemba to see how the Zanzibar Joint Programme (ZJP) is beginning to deliver practical results for communities in northern Zanzibar.Launched in 2025, the ZJP is a joint initiative of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar and the United Nations, supported by a USD 3.5 million contribution from the Royal Norwegian Embassy through the Tanzania SDG Acceleration Fund. The programme focuses on four interconnected pillars: food systems transformation, climate adaptation, human capital strengthening, and efforts to end violence against women and children in Kaskazini Unguja and Kaskazini Pemba.The field visit was joined by the UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Susan Ngongi Namondo, senior Government officials, development partners and the Ambassador of Spain to Tanzania, Ms. Paloma Serra Robles, who visited sites in Micheweni and Wete to see how integrated support is translating into visible community-level results.The visit began in Makangale, Micheweni, where the delegation joined women seaweed farmers for the handover of a boat, equipment, a solar-powered drying facility and a community storage facility. These investments are helping reduce post-harvest losses, improve product quality and strengthen opportunities for value addition in one of Zanzibar’s most important livelihood sectors.Seaweed remains a major focus of the programme’s food systems pillar. Recent results include two modern seaweed storage facilities and two solar drying units, creating 16 tonnes of storage capacity and benefiting 57 farmers, 90 per cent of them women. Across the wider food systems pillar, the programme has also trained 158 seaweed and sea cucumber farmers in Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture, trained 471 farmers in climate-smart agriculture and banana production, and supported 26 farmer groups and four cooperatives to strengthen business management and market engagement. The delegation then visited a care centre in Tumbe, where women and the wider community are accessing childcare, digital literacy, food processing skills and information on preventing and reporting violence. The centre is also supporting women to learn more efficient and sustainable briquette-making techniques that can save time on cooking and create products for sale. These efforts reflect the programme’s integrated approach to women’s empowerment, care systems and protection. Results to date include support to 15 women- and youth-led startups, benefiting 300 people, and training for 212 stakeholders to integrate gender-responsive care solutions into climate-resilient livelihoods. At Kinyikani Health Facility, the delegation visited a rainwater harvesting system designed to improve water availability for health services in a context where freshwater resources are under growing pressure. Under the programme, 16 health facilities have been assessed for water demand, six climate-resilient rainwater harvesting systems have been constructed, and around 22,000 beneficiaries have been reached through climate-resilient WASH investments.The final stop was Micheweni A Primary School, where students are being trained on what constitutes gender-based violence, the different forms it can take and how to report it. This forms part of broader programme efforts to strengthen prevention and protection systems for women and children. So far, community outreach involving faith leaders, traditional leaders and male engagement groups has reached 53,676 people, while school outreach in Pemba has directly engaged 635 people and indirectly reached 6,132 others.Reflecting on the visit, UN Resident Coordinator Susan Ngongi Namondo said the field visit showed that the programme is delivering more than visible project outputs. “What we saw is not only project outputs, but also Government-led systems being strengthened — communities adopting climate-resilient livelihoods with clearer market linkages, women and local producers becoming more active economic agents, and local institutions increasingly able to coordinate, deliver and sustain interventions. This is the direction we must now accelerate,” she said. "We are grateful to the Royal Norwegian Embassy and all partners for their continued support," she added.The field mission to Pemba showed that results are beginning to emerge not only through infrastructure and services, but also through stronger local systems, greater community participation and more opportunities for women and young people. By linking support across livelihoods, resilience, protection and local services in the same communities, the Zanzibar Joint Programme is helping turn integrated development into visible, practical change for people in Pemba and Unguja.
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27 March 2026
Strengthening Local Capacity and Expanding Access to Fortified Foods in Kigoma
In June 2025, the World Food Programme (WFP), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Kigoma Region Secretariat, delivered a comprehensive fortification training under the Kigoma Joint Programme Phase II (KJP II), supported by the Governments of Ireland and Norway. The training brought together 25 small-scale millers and 38 government officers from all eight councils in Kigoma. Participants received both theoretical and practical instruction on food fortification, including good manufacturing practices, the nutritional benefits of fortified foods, dosage control, premix handling, and adherence to quality and safety standards. To enable immediate implementation, WFP provided five dosifiers and 100 kg of premix, allowing trained millers to begin production right away and helping government officers enhance routine supervision. Awareness efforts extended beyond the training venues. Fortification education reached communities through radio programs, health facilities, schools, and Village Health and Nutrition Days, supported by distribution of posters and leaflets that explained the importance of fortified foods for children and families.A strong pillar of this progress has been the commitment of the Government of Tanzania. The Ministry of Health procured 20 additional dosifiers, while Local Government Authorities allocated funds for premix procurement and renovation of milling machines in public schools. At the same time, the private sector invested in upgrading mill structures, demonstrating shared ownership and long-term commitment.Today, public schools and surrounding communities have consistent access to fortified maize flour. More than 2800 school children benefit through more nutritious school meals, families can access safer and fortified foods locally, and millers operate with improved equipment and greater efficiency.Kigoma’s experience shows that sustainability grows from strong partnerships that combine capacity building, strategic investment, government leadership, private sector participation, and continued community awareness. As a result, fortification has become an integral and lasting part of the region’s food system.
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Press Release
24 November 2025
MESSAGE ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
People with disabilities are transforming societies — leading innovation, influencing policy, and mobilizing for justice. Yet too often, they are denied a seat at the decision-making table.The Doha Political Declaration, adopted at last month’s World Summit for Social Development, reaffirms a critical truth: there can be no sustainable development without the inclusion of people with disabilities.People with disabilities drive progress that benefits us all. Their leadership has improved disaster preparedness, expanded inclusive education and employment, and ensured humanitarian responses reach those most at risk.Many innovations that shape our daily lives — from text messaging to voice-activated technology — began as solutions developed by and for people with disabilities. Yet systemic barriers persist: discrimination, poverty, and inaccessible services continue to limit the participation of the over one billion people with disabilities worldwide.On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, let us commit to working side-by-side with persons with disabilities in all their diversity, as equal partners.When inclusion is real, everyone benefits. Together, we can build more accessible, resilient societies where all of us thrive.
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Press Release
31 October 2025
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on the United Republic of Tanzania
The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the situation in the United Republic of Tanzania following the general elections of 29 October, including reports of deaths and injuries during demonstrations. He deplores the loss of life and extends his condolences to the families of the victims.He underscores the critical importance of safeguarding fundamental rights, notably the right of peaceful assembly and to freedom of expression including access to information. He calls for a thorough and impartial investigation into all allegations of excessive use of force.The Secretary-General is also deeply troubled by reports of enforced disappearances and detentions in the lead-up to the elections. He urges the authorities to ensure due process for all those detained, ensure their safety and security, and conduct thorough and impartial investigations into all allegations of human rights violations in line with international human rights standards.The Secretary-General calls on all stakeholders to exercise restraint, reject violence and engage in inclusive and constructive dialogue to address grievances and prevent further escalation. The United Nations stands ready to support efforts aimed at fostering dialogue, strengthening democratic governance and promoting sustainable peace in Tanzania. Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General New York, 31 October 2025
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Press Release
20 June 2025
European Union and UNHCR sign TZS 9.2 billion (EUR 3 million) agreement to strengthen protection and assistance to Congolese refugees and asylum seekers in Tanzania
The European Union (EU) and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, have signed a new partnership agreement to continue providing protection and humanitarian assistance to Congolese refugees and asylum seekers residing in Nyarugusu Camp, as well as the new arrivals who are temporarily hosted at the Transit Centre in Kigoma Region, Tanzania. Through a contribution of TZS 9.2 billion (EUR 3 million), the EU will support UNHCR’s efforts to deliver timely, lifesaving, and protection-sensitive assistance and services in health, WASH, shelter, and education, including specialized services to persons with specific needs fleeing violence from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). “The global increase in crises has led to an unprecedented number of refugees in urgent need of support around the world. That is why today I am proud to announce the signing of a 9.2 billion TZS (EUR 3 million), contract with UNHCR here in Tanzania. This crucial agreement will directly benefit refugees in Tanzania, ensuring their protection, enabling them to lead dignified lives, and supporting their access to livelihoods. As the European Union, we remain firmly committed to humanitarian values and international solidarity. We must continue working together to address these global challenges and uphold the rights and dignity of every individual seeking refuge,” says Ambassador Christine Grau, EU Ambassador to Tanzania and the East African Community.In 2025, UNHCR, in collaboration with national and international partners, continues to support the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania in receiving new arrivals in the Kigoma Region. From January to June this year, over 3,000 refugees have been received in Kigoma. UNHCR and partners continue to provide services to 85,105 Congolese refugees residing in Nyarugusu Camp. These individuals are provided with immediate life-saving assistance, including safe shelter, food, health services, clean water and sanitation facilities, and other essential support. Given the dire circumstances under which many refugees flee, often with only clothes on their backs and a few belongings, access to health, shelter, clean water, hygiene, and sanitation facilities is critical. These services not only reduce mortality and morbidity but also uphold the dignity, protection, and overall well-being of asylum seekers and refugees.“Standing with Congolese refugees and asylum seekers in Tanzania is not just our responsibility – it is a reflection of our shared humanity. Through the steadfast support of partners like the EU, we are not only meeting urgent needs, but investing in dignity, resilience, and the foundations of lasting peace for families who deserve hope and a future,” says Zulqarnain Hussain Anjum, UNHCR Representative a.i. in Tanzania.UNHCR requires an estimated USD 14 million (TZS 37.8 billion) to respond to the DRC emergency in Tanzania, including USD 5 million (TZS 13.5 billion) for preparedness, and appeals now more than ever for more humanitarian and international community support. As of 31 May 2025, Tanzania hosts over 230,000 refugees, mainly from Burundi and the DRC. ENDFor additional information: EU Delegation in Tanzania: Joseph Minde, Press and Information Officer, Joseph.MINDE@eeas.europa.eu UNHCR in Tanzania: Bahia Egeh, External Relations Officer, egehb@unhcr.org
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Press Release
28 May 2025
UN Headquarters to Mark International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers on 29 May
In 1948, a historic decision was made to deploy military observers to the Middle East to supervise the implementation of the Israel-Arab Armistice Agreements, establishing what became the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization. Since that time, more than two million peacekeepers have served in 71 operations around the world. Today, approximately 68,000 women and men serve as military, police, and civilian personnel in 11 conflict zones across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. A total of 119 countries currently contribute uniformed personnel.Tanzania is the 10th largest contributor of uniformed personnel to UN Peacekeeping. It currently deploys 1,548 military and police personnel, including 183 women, to the UN’s peacekeeping operations in Abyei, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lebanon, and South Sudan.During ceremonies at United Nations Headquarters, Secretary-General António Guterres will lay a wreath to honour the more than 4,400 UN peacekeepers who have lost their lives since 1948. He will also preside over a ceremony in the Trusteeship Council Chamber, where Dag Hammarskjöld Medals will be awarded posthumously to 57 military, police, and civilian peacekeepers who lost their lives serving under the UN flag last year. Among those to be honoured posthumously with the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal is Corporal Juma Ngai Kagose of Tanzania, who served with the UN Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).The Secretary General will also present the 2024 Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award to Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme from Ghana, and the UN Woman Police Officer of the Year Award to Superintendent Zainab Gbla of Sierra Leone. Both awardees currently serve with the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).This year’s theme for the Day is “The Future of Peacekeeping.” The theme underscores what the ‘Pact for the Future’ adopted last year at the United Nations, including a commitment to adapt peacekeeping to a changing world, as expressed through Member States’ pledges to fill capability gaps and help UN peacekeeping respond to emerging challenges and new realities. This commitment was reiterated at the recent Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin.In his message, United Nations Secretary General António Guterres stated: “Today, peacekeepers face increasingly complex situations in an increasingly complex world... Now more than ever, the world needs the United Nations—and the United Nations needs peacekeeping that is fully equipped for today’s realities and tomorrow’s challenges.”“Today, we honour their service,” Mr. Guterres continued. “We draw inspiration from their resilience, dedication, and courage. And we remember all the brave women and men who made the ultimate sacrifice for peace. We will never forget them and we will carry their work forward.”Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, added: “Our personnel are our most important capability. The sacrifices made by our peacekeepers call for more than remembrance; they demand action. Throughout its history, peacekeeping has always adapted to ever-changing contexts to achieve results. The future of peacekeeping hinges on our collective commitment to continue to adapt and invest—so we can continue delivering hope and protection where it’s needed most.”The International Day of UN Peacekeepers was established by the UN General Assembly in 2002 to pay tribute to all men and women serving in peacekeeping and to honour the memory of those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace. # # # For media inquiries and further information, please contact: Department of Global Communications: Douglas Coffman: coffmand@un.org 1(917) 361-9923
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Press Release
25 October 2024
UN, Govt Launch Data for Digital Agricultural Transformation Joint Programme
The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania and the United Nations officially launched a joint programme on (2024-27) that aims to harness digital technologies to transform Tanzania’s agricultural sector, improving productivity and resilience for rural communities, particularly women and youth. This USD 3 million initiative, which is supported by the European Union (EU) through the United Nations Joint SDG Fund, will implement digital platforms to provide real-time agricultural data, support smallholder farmers with better access to information, improve market access and enhance decision-making. The joint programme, under the overall leadership of the Ministry of Agriculture and the UN Resident Coordinator in Tanzania, will initially be rolled out in the regions of Dodoma, Kigoma, Ruvuma, and Manyara, targeting communities most in need of agricultural support, creating sustainable digital solutions, improving agricultural infrastructure, and fostering collaboration across sectors to transform agriculture. UNCDF (the lead UN agency for the programme), FAO, and IFAD will work closely with the Ministry of Agriculture, other key Government organizations and other stakeholders, to collectively drive the programme's success and achieve its objectives.
Highlighting the importance of leveraging partnerships to address agricultural challenges through innovative solutions, Head of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, Ms. Shabnam Mallick, stated: "This joint programme demonstrates the strength of the partnership between the United Nations and the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania. Together, with the generous support of the European Union and other contributors to the Joint SDG Fund, we are working towards empowering communities and decision-makers with the data and technologies needed to accelerate the sustainable development of the agricultural sector." Background Information:The Data for Digital Agricultural Transformation Joint Programme is funded by the United Nations Joint SDG Fund under the Digital High-Impact Track. It is a partnership between the Government of Tanzania and UN agencies, with the goal of accelerating the use of digital innovation to address agricultural challenges, boost productivity, and promote inclusive economic growth.This Joint Programme is made possible thanks to the generous contributions to the Joint SDG Fund from the European Union and the Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Their support is driving a transformative movement towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
Highlighting the importance of leveraging partnerships to address agricultural challenges through innovative solutions, Head of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, Ms. Shabnam Mallick, stated: "This joint programme demonstrates the strength of the partnership between the United Nations and the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania. Together, with the generous support of the European Union and other contributors to the Joint SDG Fund, we are working towards empowering communities and decision-makers with the data and technologies needed to accelerate the sustainable development of the agricultural sector." Background Information:The Data for Digital Agricultural Transformation Joint Programme is funded by the United Nations Joint SDG Fund under the Digital High-Impact Track. It is a partnership between the Government of Tanzania and UN agencies, with the goal of accelerating the use of digital innovation to address agricultural challenges, boost productivity, and promote inclusive economic growth.This Joint Programme is made possible thanks to the generous contributions to the Joint SDG Fund from the European Union and the Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Their support is driving a transformative movement towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
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02 September 2025
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02 September 2025
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