Tanzania and IFAD Discuss Agriculture and Blue Economy Cooperation
Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba and IFAD Vice-President Gérardine Mukeshimana discussed agricultural development, fisheries and the blue economy, highlighting support for rural livelihoods and employment opportunities for women and young people.
The Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, has met with the Vice-President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Dr Gérardine Mukeshimana, for discussions on agriculture, fisheries and the blue economy.
The talks took place yesterday, Tuesday, 20 October 2026, on the sidelines of the Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue, which opened on 20 October 2026 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, United States.
During their discussions, the Prime Minister thanked Dr Mukeshimana for IFAD’s financial support for deep-sea fisheries under the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, as well as blue economy development through Zanzibar’s Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries.
“These projects are important and receive high priority because they help create employment opportunities for women and young people,” he said.
For her part, Dr Mukeshimana commended the Government of Tanzania for its continued role as a reliable source of food for neighbouring countries.
“I personally commend you for continuing to serve as a reliable centre of food production in Africa. You are doing tremendous work in supplying food to neighbouring countries,” she said.
Dr Mukeshimana also praised Dr Nchemba’s experience in government, stating: “Tanzania is very fortunate to have a Prime Minister who previously served as Minister of Agriculture and subsequently as Minister of Finance. Not every country has had such an opportunity. Tanzania is truly blessed.”
She said IFAD would continue to finance projects aimed at eradicating hunger and poverty by investing in rural communities, facilitating their participation in markets and strengthening the climate resilience of their livelihoods.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Dr Ngwaru Maghembe; the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, David Silinde; Tanzania’s Ambassador to the United States, Elsie Kanza; and other government officials.