Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — Norway has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Tanzania’s agricultural sector through two new strategic partnerships. On February 4, 2025, the Royal Norwegian Embassy (RNE), the Agriculture Transformation Office (ATO), and AGRA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance agricultural development in the country. This agreement aims to support ATO in implementing Flagship 7 (Agricultural Masters Plan), which focuses on creating an enabling environment for replicating the SAGCOT model in three additional Agricultural Growth Corridors, namely Mtwara, Central and Northern Corridors. Norway has pledged $15 million to support ATO’s efforts as part of this initiative.
During the same ceremony, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Hon. David Silinde, officially launched RNE’s support to the SAGCOT Centre, the institution mandated by H.E. President Samia Suluhu Hassan to lead the replication of SAGCOT’s lessons to other agricultural corridors across Tanzania. The funding from RNE will enable the SAGCOT Centre to deepen its interventions within the SAGCOT Corridor while also advancing the Agricultural Growth Corridors of Tanzania (AGCOT) initiative.
Norway Strengthens Partnership with Tanzania to Advance the SAGCOT Model to AGCOT
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — Norway has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Tanzania’s agricultural sector through two new strategic partnerships. On February 4, 2025, the Royal Norwegian Embassy (RNE), the Agriculture Transformation Office (ATO), and AGRA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance agricultural development in the country. This agreement aims to support ATO in implementing Flagship 7 (Agricultural Masters Plan), which focuses on creating an enabling environment for replicating the SAGCOT model in three additional Agricultural Growth Corridors, namely Mtwara, Central and Northern Corridors. Norway has pledged $15 million to support ATO’s efforts as part of this initiative.
During the same ceremony, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Hon. David Silinde, officially launched RNE’s support to the SAGCOT Centre, the institution mandated by H.E. President Samia Suluhu Hassan to lead the replication of SAGCOT’s lessons to other agricultural corridors across Tanzania. The funding from RNE will enable the SAGCOT Centre to deepen its interventions within the SAGCOT Corridor while also advancing the Agricultural Growth Corridors of Tanzania (AGCOT) initiative.
This initiative is aligned with Her Excellency President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan’s 2023 directive to the SAGCOT Centre CEO, emphasizing the importance of expanding the SAGCOT model nationwide. The President issued the directive to the SAGCOT CEO as a member of Tanzania’s Presidential Advisory Council for Food and Agriculture.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Hon. David Silinde commended the collaboration, highlighting Tanzania’s achievement of 128% food self-sufficiency in the 2023–2024 fiscal year. However, he emphasized that further efforts are needed to strengthen the sector. The newly launched initiatives will focus on removing regulatory barriers, attracting private investment, and scaling up the AGCOT model to drive sustainable agricultural transformation in Tanzania.
“Tanzania is committed to transforming agriculture to ensure food security, reduce poverty, and drive economic growth,” said Hon. Silinde. “With Norway’s support, these projects will play a key role in achieving our goals.”
💬 “This partnership drives food security, poverty reduction, and inclusive growth.” – Hon. David Silinde, Deputy Agriculture Minister
💬 “Together, we’re unlocking agriculture’s potential to create jobs and uplift communities.” – H.E. Tone Tinnes, Norwegian Ambassador
💬 “Our geographical position can make Tanzania a gateway into Africa and open us up to one of the dynamic growth areas of the world.” – Geoffrey Kirenga, CEO, SAGCOT
💬 “Our geographical position can make Tanzania a gateway into Africa and open us up to one of the dynamic growth areas of the world.” – Geoffrey Kirenga, CEO, SAGCOT
💬 “AGRA is dedicated to equipping Tanzania’s smallholder farmers with essential resources and support, aiming to cultivate a resilient and sustainable agricultural sector.” – Vianey Rweyendela, AGRA Country Director.
