Tanzania is stepping up its commitment to sustainable development with a major boost in the capacity of project implementers to apply environmental and social safeguards.
Over 80 officials from government ministries, project teams, environmental agencies, and development partners - including the World Bank - took part in a week-long training in Arusha on the African Development Bank's Updated Integrated Safeguards System (ISS), held from 15-19 September.
Organised by the Bank's Environmental and Social Safeguards and Compliance Department, the sessions focused on real-world application: from risk screening and impact assessments to resettlement planning, stakeholder engagement, and tackling gender-based violence and human rights concerns. Participants also explored ways to strengthen project readiness, cut delays, and boost quality.
"At the African Development Bank, our mission is not only to deliver quality operations but to ensure that every investment generates lasting value for people, communities, and economies," said Duncan Ouma, the Bank's Tanzania country economist, speaking on behalf of the country manager, Patricia Laverley. "A key element of this commitment is to improve the application of environmental and social safeguards to enhance sustainability across Africa."
The programme emphasised stronger monitoring systems and accountability through the Independent Recourse Mechanism.
"This training has given us clarity on how to practically apply the safeguards in our projects," said one participant. "With the new tools, we are better positioned to design projects that deliver long-term value while minimising risks."
The Updated ISS, which became effective in May 2024, sets higher standards for development projects to better protect people and the planet.
Tanzania is one of Bank's largest beneficiaries, with an active portfolio of about $4 billion, 81 percent of which is invested in infrastructure projects such as energy, transport, and water. As Tanzania continues to implement large-scale infrastructure, energy, and agricultural projects, the lessons from the training will be critical in ensuring that these investments contribute to long-term prosperity while protecting communities and natural resources.
The training was not just a technical exercise; it was a crucial investment to ensure Bank projects deliver results that are sustainable, inclusive, and resilient.
A government representative at the closing remarked: "Protecting people and the environment is central to building resilience. What we have learned here will directly improve how we implement projects."
