Tanzania & Norway Forge Ahead with a Groundbreaking Agriculture and Food Security Partnership

Tanzania and Norway Embark on a Pioneering Partnership for Agriculture and Food Security

On February 14, 2024, a landmark ceremony held in Oslo, Norway, at the Climate House, Garden Avenue, became the setting for a historic event in the annals of international cooperation. Tanzania and Norway, celebrating six decades of diplomatic ties, took a monumental step forward by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on agriculture and food security. This MoU, signed in the esteemed presence of President Samia Suluhu Hassan of the United Republic of Tanzania, marks a significant leap in the bilateral relations between the two nations, focusing on mutual commitment towards enhancing Tanzania’s agricultural sector and ensuring food security.

The agreement, inked by Tanzania’s Minister for Agriculture, Hussein Bashe, and Norway’s Minister of International Development, Hon. Anne Beathe Tvinnereim, comes at a poignant moment, commemorating the 50th anniversary of bilateral cooperation in agriculture. This half-century of partnership has been pivotal in shaping Tanzania’s national policies for the agricultural sector, steering towards modernization and transformation aimed at socio-economic upliftment.

President Samia’s visit to Norway, following an invitation by H.M. King Harald and H.M. Queen Sonja after her visit to the Vatican, symbolizes a deepening of ties. Accompanied by a high-level delegation, including senior government officials, members of the Tanzanian business community, and five ministers, this visit underscores a mutual desire to explore new frontiers of cooperation beyond agriculture, touching upon renewable energy, climate action, social security, and public financial management.

In a statement issued by the Director of Presidential Communication, it was announced that the scope of collaboration would extend to involve a wide array of stakeholders, including government institutions, universities, NGOs, and the private sector from both countries. This broad-based approach promises a multifaceted partnership aimed at fostering sustainable development.

Moreover, the visit facilitated fruitful discussions between President Samia and the Prime Minister of Norway, Jonas Gahr Støre, reinforcing the dedication to strengthen bilateral relations further. Emphasis was placed on trade and business cooperation as key areas for future collaboration, enhancing the prosperity and wellbeing of both nations.

This agreement not only celebrates the historical ties between Tanzania and Norway but also heralds a new chapter of intensified collaboration. It sets a global example of how nations can unite to address the pressing challenges of climate change, agricultural development, and food security, paving the way for a sustainable future.

Additionally, the signing of a Collaboration Agreement for the Implementation of a Project aimed at Improving Soil Health between the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) and the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO) signifies a concrete step towards achieving these goals. Witnessed by President Samia, this initiative underscores the practical measures being undertaken to enhance climate resilience and ensure food security for future generations.

This partnership between Tanzania and Norway is at the forefront of t the power of international cooperation in tackling global challenges. It reaffirms both nations’ commitment to sustainable development, showcasing a forward-looking approach to building a prosperous future for their peoples and setting a benchmark for global partnership in agriculture and food security.