Ex Oriente Lux 2023

160 Sharapova Aleksandra University of Turku, Centre for East Asian Studies Indian water projects in Tanzania India shares a longstanding development partnership with Tanzania rooted in historical, economic and cultural connections. India stands among the top five investment sources in Tanzania, actively participating in crucial sectors such as water, health, capacity building, scholarships, information and communications technology, etc. The Export-Import Bank of India has extended LoC worth US$ 1.1 billion for various projects, particularly in the water sector. Nearly half of Tanzania’s population faces a water crisis, encompassing not only a lack of basic access to safe water, but also challenges in sanitation and hygiene. India’s water projects in Tanzania aim to provide safe drinking water to 6 million residents across 24 towns. Notable projects include a water pipeline from Lake Victoria to towns of Tabora, Igunga and Nzega in western Tanzania (completed in 2021), ongoing improvement of the water supply system in Zanzibar, and the Kibamba water tank project in Dar-es-Salaam. Beyond humanitarian considerations, investing in water projects makes good business sense. In Tanzania, the agricultural sector relies critically on long-term sustained access to water resources. Ensuring the right quality and quantity of water is crucial for farming, the well-being of the workforce, and overall productivity. No wonder that the high demand for water and sanitation in Tanzania creates a dynamic market for water-related products, including storage tanks, pipes, and rain harvesting facilities. Thus, Indian involvement in the water sector not only generates employment, boosts local economy, but also enhances the quality of life, yields positive results, and serves as a valuable investment for reputation. Additionally, it contributes to increased agricultural productivity, and nuts, vegetables, beans, and soya rank among the top-10 Indian imports from Tanzania.