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Published on 24 August 2026

Tanzania

Through the Cooperation Programme 2026–2029, Switzerland supports Tanzania’s efforts towards inclusive and sustainable development. The programme places particular emphasis on vulnerable groups, gender equality, climate resilience and locally led partnerships across Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.

Several people wearing safety vests install drip irrigation lines in a cultivated field in Tanzania.

Context

Tanzania has achieved sustained economic growth and reached lower-middle-income status in 2020. However, poverty and inequality remain widespread, and the benefits of growth are not shared equally. Rapid urbanisation, a growing young population, and an economy still dependent on agriculture are driving increased demand for employment opportunities, health services and infrastructure development. Climate-related floods and droughts are adding pressure, especially on vulnerable communities. The Cooperation Programme 2026–2029 supports Tanzania’s ambition for inclusive, climate-resilient and sustainable development, while encouraging stronger domestic financing and effective institutions.

Stronger systems and institutions

Switzerland supports the development of stronger systems and institutions as a basis for inclusive development. In the health sector, it builds on its long-standing engagement by promoting scientific exchange and research to improve health services, particularly for vulnerable populations. The programme also explores opportunities to apply Swiss expertise in new areas of cooperation. Beyond health, Switzerland helps to improve public financial management to increase domestic financing through training, technical support and mentoring.  It also strengthens the technical and procedural capacities of anti-corruption agencies and invests in digital data systems and policymaking based on reliable data and research.

Improve livelihoods and civic space

Switzerland promotes inclusive and sustainable development by putting citizens, particularly vulnerable groups, at the centre of its engagement. It supports economic inclusion by strengthening social protection systems, promoting inclusive market development and investing in vocational skills and youth empowerment. The programme also fosters a more enabling business environment and supports social enterprises through innovative financing, networking opportunities and catalytic capital. In parallel, Switzerland promotes an enabling civic space where citizens have access to reliable information and can participate in informed and inclusive decision-making. Particular attention is given to women, young people and marginalised communities. Support for civil society, local arts and cultural initiatives further contributes to participation, social cohesion and a more inclusive society.

Across all its interventions, Switzerland promotes human rights, gender equality, and climate resilience, strengthening institutions that foster social cohesion, build trust between citizens and the state, and enhance long-term resilience.

Approach and key partners

Switzerland implements its cooperation programme in Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar through a flexible, locally anchored and results-oriented approach. It adapts its support to changing national priorities. The programme brings together public institutions, civil society, media, community-based organisations and private sector actors. Tanzanian authorities remain central to policy dialogue and implementation, while cooperation with local organisations is strengthened to promote locally led solutions. Switzerland also broadens its cooperation with private sector actors to foster innovation and sustainable economic transformation. Partnerships are chosen according to their expertise, relevance and potential contribution to lasting results.

Stories

Two women are pouring water from a bucket over plants that are placed in containers on a wooden plank.

13 November 2024

Skills development for Tanzania’s vulnerable youth

Through its project SET the SDC contributes to skills development for vulnerable youth in Tanzania so that they can find gainful employment.

Two people are sitting on a sofa, another person is sitting on a chair laughing. They are in a recording studio with “Niambie” written on a large TV in the background.

11 November 2024

Celebrating 10 years of Niambie, Tanzania’s youth-focused radio show

Switzerland has supported media in Tanzania for ten years. Among the supported media is Niambie, a youth-focused radio show produced by BBC Media Action.

A group of women are sitting in light green chairs listening to a woman who is standing. In the foreground garments, lettuce and a bag of stones are laid out on a table.

23 October 2024

Tanzanian women’s small businesses are lifting them out of poverty

Despite its growing economy many Tanzanians remain in extreme poverty. Women and the youth are particularly vulnerable. The social insurance programme TASAF aims to bring people – particularly women – together for their economic empowerment. In Dar es Salaam two groups of women have bundled their energy and created sustainable small businesses. As a result, they have escaped extreme poverty and are able to stand on their own two feet.

A man takes a portrait photo with his mobile phone of a woman, who is standing in front of an orange wall.

13 August 2021

openIMIS: the open source software that facilitates access to healthcare

openIMIS is an open source program that connects patient, provider and payer data to improve access to healthcare. How the SDC supported this project.

Some children hold up a large blue mosquito net.

25 April 2021

The fight against malaria: lessons learned in Tanzania to benefit the world at large

Switzerland is committed to ridding the world of malaria by 2030. We take a closer look at the SDC's cooperation programmes in Tanzania.

Contact

DSC / Eastern and Southern Africa
Eichenweg 5
3003 Bern