Statement by Ms. Shabnam Mallick, Head of UN Resident Coordinator’s Office - Launch of the Data for Digital Agricultural Transformation Joint Programme

• Mr. Gerald G. Mweli, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture;
• Government Officials present,
• Development partners,
• UN colleagues,
• Private sector partners,

• Distinguished participants,

   

Habari za asubuhi?! (Good morning!)

I am delighted to be here with all of you today on behalf of the United Nations in Tanzania at the launch of the Data for Digital Agricultural Transformation Joint Programme. This new initiative   represents a strategic collaboration between the UN and the Government of Tanzania. Building on our solid track record of enhancing agricultural productivity, empowering rural communities and enhancing their economic resilience in Tanzania, this programme introduces innovative approaches - by harnessing digital technology and fostering partnerships between the private sector and government. 

First, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Mr. Gerald G. Mweli, the Permanent Secretary of the Minister of Agriculture, for being here today for the launch of this joint programme. Your presence underscores the Government's dedication to advancing smart, efficient, and inclusive sustainable development solutions in Tanzania, and its agricultural sector. We deeply appreciate your commitment to this initiative.

I would also like to thank your team at the Ministry of Agriculture for their invaluable support and collaboration throughout the development of this joint programme. Their leadership, alongside the effective coordination of today’s event, is a true testament to the strong partnership between the Government and the United Nations.

Finally, I wish to recognize the contributions of our UN colleagues, including those from UNCDF, FAO, IFAD, and the UN Resident Coordinator's Office. This has truly been a team effort, and your hard work and dedication have been crucial in bringing this programme to life. By leveraging the collective expertise, networks and resources of the UN Development System, together we are laying the foundation for transformative change in Tanzania's agricultural sector through innovative technologies.

This forward-thinking approach was made possible thanks to contributions from the European Union and 16 donor governments through the Joint SDG Fund. 

Distinguished guests,

The Data for Digital Agricultural Transformation Joint Programme is an ambitious initiative, part of a global effort to drive innovation and inclusivity for sustainable development. Over the next three years, this USD 3 million programme will focus on transforming how agricultural data is managed—helping to enhance decision-making, increase productivity, and improve access to markets, with special attention given to women and youth.

The programme, which is co-funded by the European Union, will leverage digital platforms to empower smallholder farmers, providing them with real-time data and agricultural services to improve yields and income opportunities. Through this joint effort with UNCDF, FAO, IFAD, and key Government ministries, we aim to make a lasting impact on rural communities and strengthen Tanzania’s food systems, in line with its National Pathways for Food Systems Transformation.

Distinguished guests,

Today’s launch is just the first step. As we move forward, we aim to catalyze further investments from both the public and private sectors. We are building a digital ecosystem in agriculture that will attract more partners and resources, amplifying the impact of this programme. 

In order to align our efforts with other partners working in this space, we will be holding a joint programme stakeholders meeting next week in Dar es Salaam, where we welcome all partners to come and share their work. This will enable us to explore synergies and coordinate efforts to ensure a collective, impactful approach to digital agricultural transformation in Tanzania.

Distinguished guests,

Before I conclude, I would like to underscore the importance of international partnerships in leveraging digital technologies for global progress and on behalf of the United Nations in Tanzania I would like to take this opportunity thank the European Union for their vital role in making this programme possible. Through their generous support via the Joint SDG Fund’s Digital High-Impact Track, the EU has demonstrated a strong commitment to leveraging digital innovation for sustainable development. Their partnership ensures that we have the resources and expertise needed to turn our shared vision into reality.

Together with the Government of Tanzania, our UN agencies, the European Union and other funding partners, we are committed to achieving the SDGs and creating sustainable solutions that will leave no one behind.

In closing, I would like to once again thank the Ministry of Agriculture, our UN colleagues, and all our partners for their collaboration and hard work. The road ahead is promising, and I am confident that, through our collective efforts, we will accelerate progress on the SDGs and transform Tanzania’s agricultural landscape for the better.

Thank you, and I look forward to the success of this programme.