Tanzania is one of Africa’s fastest growing economies, however, widespread poverty persists. Almost half of its population is living on less than $1.90 per day. High population growth and low productivity in labor-intensive sectors like agriculture, which employs 75 percent of the population, limit broad-based economic growth. While Tanzania’s natural resources are an asset to the country, helping to support the livelihoods of many individuals, unsustainable use of these resources threatens to perpetuate the cycle of poverty.

USAID helps empower Tanzanian women and youth who are essential to the country’s continued development but are among the most marginalized citizens. Women’s salaries, for example, are on average 63 percent lower than those paid to men, while female-owned businesses make 2.4 times less profit. Youth under age 15 make up 45 percent of Tanzania’s population of 55 million. Increasing access to economic and educational opportunities for young people will go a long way in helping ensure prosperity for all.

The U.S. Government is Tanzania’s largest bilateral donor. USAID collaborates with the people of Tanzania to achieve the nation’s development goals as outlined in the USAID Tanzania Country Development Cooperation Strategy.