TWELVE envoys from the European Union yesterday visited Plant Biodefenders Ltd, a natural pesticide manufacturing plant in Moshi, Kilimanjaro Region, to get grassroots impact on operating the EU’s Global Gateway strategy.

Ambassador Christine Grau, head of the EU delegation in Tanzania, said during the visit that it is a unique opportunity to witness the positive impact EU projects are bringing to farmers, agripreneurs, institutions and local innovators.

“It also allows us to hear directly from those driving change,” she said, the second time that EU envoys visit a particular region to find out what is happening on the ground, The visits are follow-ups to launching the strategic initiative, applicable for all aid recipient states, designed to enhance digital infrastructure, sustainable energy and economic development.

Online sources affirm that the EU's Global Gateway is a 2021 strategy to invest up to €300bn in global infrastructure and systems by 2027 to create smart, clean and secure links in digital, energy and transport sectors, while strengthening health, education and research in various countries.

The initiative uses a Team Europe approach by combining resources from the EU member states and the private sector, to foster sustainable development, boost EU competitiveness and offer an alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative by promoting partnerships based on democratic values and high standards rather than dependencies. 

The programme is meant to accelerate growth, improve public services and strengthen climate resilience, coordinating efforts among EU institutions and member states to deliver sustainable and inclusive development.

It targets key sectors like transportation, healthcare, education, research and energy, while emphasizing environmental sustainability and climate adaptation, the envoy noted, highlighting that the program is designed to promote inclusive growth.

It focuses on climate-friendly practices and the improvement of livelihoods, particularly for farmers and agripreneurs who are central to Tanzania’s economy, she said, underlining that the initiative provides support to local innovators, ensuring that development projects reach communities most in need while creating economic opportunities for youth and women.

Dr. Never Mwambela, the company’s CEO, explained the significance of cultivating high-value crops such as avocado, coffee, cotton and tobacco, given the growing demand in European markets for produce that is free from harmful chemical residues.

“This partnership ensures that our farmers can access larger markets, earn higher income and use safer chemicals, protecting their health in the process,” he stated, elaborating that the initiative not only improves market access but also promotes sustainable agricultural practices that benefit the environment and the community.

Ambassador Grau asserted that the initiative is aligned with EU goals of climate action and sustainable development, helping with the transition to greener energy solutions and resilient infrastructures. Capacity building, technology transfer and knowledge sharing are central components of the programme, she emphasized.

The Global Gateway initiative reflects the EU’s long-term commitment to supporting economic transformation by improving infrastructure, enhancing human capital and promoting environmentally sustainable practices. It is expected to create job opportunities, boost agricultural productivity and strengthen regional trade, she specified.

“This initiative exemplifies how international partnerships can drive sustainable development. By investing in infrastructure, innovation and climate-friendly solutions, we are creating a foundation for long-term growth that benefits communities, businesses and the environment,” she further noted.

Through collaborations with local enterprises like Plant Biodefenders, the EU Global Gateway initiative seeks to empower Tanzanian farmers, stimulate private-sector development and foster resilience in the face of climate challenges, ultimately contributing to the nation’s socioeconomic progress, she added.