MWE Correspondent
Tanzania is among the countries expected to benefit from funding of up to 20 million US dollars to support projects aimed at addressing the impacts of climate change, under the newly operationalized Loss and Damage Fund established through international environmental agreements.
The funding seeks to help vulnerable nations strengthen resilience and mitigate escalating threats linked to climate change.
Speaking during a special briefing with Tanzanians attending the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) currently underway in Belém, Brazil, the President’s Advisor on Environmental Issues and Chairperson of the African Group of Negotiators (AGN), Dr. Richard Muyungi, confirmed that the fund is set to begin disbursement in 2026.
Dr. Muyungi revealed that an initial allocation of 250 million US dollars has already been set aside to support countries severely affected by climate vulnerabilities. Tanzania has been granted an opportunity to submit major projects eligible for full financing under this global mechanism.
He emphasized that the support will not be in the form of a loan, but a direct grant designed to strengthen environmental, economic and social resilience for countries confronting the harsh realities of environmental disruption.
“We have been given a unique opportunity as one of the priority countries. We can submit two large-scale projects, and both can receive full financing. This is not a loan; it is a grant,” Dr. Muyungi stated.
He further explained that for Tanzania to effectively secure and manage the benefits of the fund, it is essential for the government—through the Office of the Vice President—to appoint a dedicated national focal person responsible for coordinating all procedures associated with accessing the funding.
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Dr. Muyungi encouraged Tanzanian delegates attending the conference to take advantage of the presence of more than 60,000 participants, including representatives from global financial institutions, governments and international organizations. He noted that such platforms provide invaluable opportunities for building strategic partnerships, learning from global best practices and identifying development opportunities.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Vice President’s Office (Environment), Professor Peter Msoffe, said Tanzania’s delegation arrived in Belém with a shared mission and a unified strategy. He stressed that the team is determined to ensure that the country does not leave the global summit without securing tangible climate-related gains.
Professor Msoffe added that Tanzania’s active participation in COP30 demonstrates the nation’s commitment to advancing environmental protection measures, strengthening adaptation strategies and championing Africa’s collective climate agenda on the global stage.
Analysts note that the Loss and Damage Fund represents a significant breakthrough for developing nations who for years have pushed for a dedicated resource mechanism to address irreversible climate impacts. For Tanzania, the expected funding could enhance national adaptation plans, support community resilience programs and accelerate climate-sensitive development priorities across sectors.
