Thursday, December 27, 2007
TANZANIA TOLD TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SULLIVAN SUMMIT
Tanzania has been reminded to exploit the forthcoming Sullivan Summit by mulling strategies for identifying African Diaspora with skills, experience and financial capabilities which could be back-rolled onto the country as information and communication technologies (ICTs) to foster national development. Tanzania has already agreed to host the Summit, an eighth international meeting on tourism organised by the US based foundation Leon H Sullivan to be held in Arusha May next year. This was one of the remarks made on the sidelines of a recent 3rd Global Knowledge Conference at Kuala Lumpur where Ghanaian economics Professor at New York University Yaw Nyarko said such an opportunity could be used to establish contacts and support Diaspora initiatives, as China and India have effectively done, so that they ultimately see the reason to come back home and invest in ICTs, seen as one of the options for speeding up development with human face in Africa. The event will also include the Sullivan Expedition to Mount Kilimanjaro and a cultural festival in Zanzibar, but in the interim, deals could be entered so that the current `brain drain` distress facing Tanzania and Africa at large could be turned into `brain circulation`, preferably in the area of ICTs that was all set to determine Tanzania’s strategic development in future. The Sullivan event is expected to draw over 4,000 participants, mostly tourism and travel trade executives from all over the world. As the conference comes closer, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation intends to create a national coordination committee whose main objective was to sensitise the public on the true importance of the coming event. The meeting will specifically focus on infrastructural development and tourism, the reason analysts say it was proper that the question of ICT infrastructure becomes adequately addressed because that alone will provide wide opportunities to American tourist suppliers and the African tourist product sellers in exchanging business under the African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA) that was initiated by the US government. Leon Sullivan Foundation has been promoting business between Africa and the rich African Americans across the Atlantic to come together and raise resources for development of the African continent. Professor Yaw Nyarko lamented that Africa is spending enormously to educate its people in strategic professions, but unfortunately they end up emigrating to the west in search of greener pastures. Cape Verde was mentioned as worst case scenario where close to 67 per cent of its educated folks are now in the Diaspora, but annual Sullivan Summits could be used to reverse the situation. For instance, he said, Ghanaian Diaspora have established a bank back home, meaning that the Diaspora could as well become an easier avenue for venture capital for ICT4D, as long as Africa strives to develop its ICT-backbone infrastructure, as well as having in place appropriate ICT policies for its rural areas. On her part, Dr. Hyeun-Suk Rhee, the UN’s Director for Asian and Pacific Training Centre for Information and Communication technology for Development (UN-APCICT) was critical of the ongoing western media campaigns that portray Africa as a vulnerable continent always struggling against endless crises like wars and famine. What knowledge society needs to do right now is to expose Africa’s true image, especially its “high quality of culture”, that she said was not well represented. “Picking one case as representing the image of Africa was not proper” she emphasised. The Sullivan Summit, according to observers, could also provide a platform for clearing Africa`s image as a potentially peaceful and rich continent, which alone could trigger more investments into Africa`s back-bone infrastructure and lower the cost of international connectivity, which was now holding back Africa’s access to broadband Internet services. Leon H. Sullivan, an African American who was in the forefront in struggle for blacks rights, was the first black to be General Motors board member. From that time Sullivan has been convening several meetings that brought together Africans and rich African Americans, big businesspeople, investors and black anti racist activists to appeal for their contribution in kind and money to develop the African continent. Leon H Sullivan died in 2001 and then Leon. H. Sullivan Foundation was established in his honour for his efforts to develop Africans and their continent by ensuring the black Americans are contributing much for the development of Africa. Since its establishment, it has enabled 18,000 participants worldwide to go to Africa with the aim of building a bridge between Africa and United States. Though its underground campaigns, the Foundation has been working with US government, different organizations and the blacks leadership to facilitate debt cancellation, worth USD 60 billion, training in banking to 250 Africans.
SOURCE: Guardian
Monday, December 24, 2007
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
TANZANIA TO FOCUS ON WORLD CUP QUALIFICATION
The Brazilian-born head coach of the Taifa stars of Tanzania, Marcio Maximo, has decided to turn his full attention to the World Cup and Nations Cup qualifiers later in the year.This comes on the heel of a shocking 2-1 home loss to Sudan in a CECAFA quarterfinal match played on Monday in Dar-es-Salaam.Speaking with Rwandan daily The New Times, an apparently disappointed Maximo could only describe the defeat as a "shock"."I have nothing to say- we lose as a team and win as a team," he sighed."We created so many chances, missed a penalty, so let us prepare for the World Cup qualifiers. "We have a good team and early preparations are one of the first steps that are going to be ensured now. I am giving them a rest for three weeks before embarking on serious preparations for the 2010 Africa and World Cup qualifiers."I have young but good players and if add the others whom we never considered for CECAFA, this team will be stronger than ever before."The Tanzanians have been drawn in Group One of the 2010 World Cup qualifiers, which also doubles as a qualifier for the African Cup of Nations in Angola in 2010.They will have to contend with the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, whom they have never met before at the senior level, Cape Verde Islands and Mauritius, who they have never beaten in their two previous meetings.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
TUMAINI LA AFRICA MISS WORLD 2007
Miss Tanzania-Richa Adhia(19) Miss Uganda-Monica Kusiime Kasyate (21)
Miss Kenya-Catherine Wainana(22)
Wafuatao hapo juu ni baadhi ya warembo wanaoshidania Mrembo wa dunia wa mwaka 2007
MAREKANI KUIPATIA TANZANIA DOLA MILION 645
Marekani itaipatia Tanzania dola milioni 645 kwa ajili ya kuendeleza sekta za usafirishaji, nishati na maji katika mikoa mbali mbali nchini ili kuondoa umaskini. Wakizungumza na waandishi wa habari jijini Dar es Salaam viongozi wa shirika la Millenium Challenge, tawi la Tanzania litakalotoa fedha hizo, wamesema kwa upande wa sekta ya usafirishaji, jumla ya dola milioni 373 zitatumika kukarabati barabara huko Zanzibar na Tanga na upanuzi wa kiwanja cha ndege cha wilaya ya Mafia mkoani Pwani.
SOURCE: ITV
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
TANZANIA 2008 ECONOMIC GROWTH SEEN 7.7%-MIN
LONDON (Reuters) - The Tanzanian economy is expected to grow 7.7 percent next year and inflation will ease to around 5 percent by the middle of 2008, Juma Ngasongwa, Minister of Planning, Economy and Empowerment said on Tuesday.
"The economy has recovered from shocks, although oil prices remain high," Ngasongwa said during an investment conference in London.
Ngasongwa said gross domestic product would increase by 7.3 percent in 2007, which compares with 6.2 percent in the previous year when a severe drought hit agriculture.
He said inflation had risen to 7.2 percent in October due to rising fuel prices, but forecast price growth easing to 5.9 percent at the end of 2007, and then falling further.
"Inflation...is expected to decline and reach the 5 percent target in June 2008," he said.
Ngasongwa also said Tanzania, which has had its own stock exchange for the past 10 years, was involved in talks about a regional stock market.
"We are in discussions in East Africa, we are looking into the possibility of an East Africa stock exchange."
Kenya and Uganda last year signed an agreement to merge their stock exchanges within two years.
Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are members of the East African Community, which also includes Burundi and Rwanda.
Rwanda also wants its stock market to be part of an East African regional exchange, vice governor of the National Bank of Rwanda Consolate Rusagara told Reuters on the sidelines of the conference.
"African markets are not liquid, some of these markets are too small to operate on their own," she said.
Rwanda's first stock exchange will be operational in the first quarter of 2008, the bourse's executive director, Robert Mathu, told Reuters this week.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
HIVI NDIO MAMBO YALIVYOKUWA SIKU YA USIKU WA MWAFRICA ULIONDALIWA NA WENZETU WAMAREKANI
Mtunzi na mwandishi wa shahili hili ni mTanzania mwenzetu
Ndugu Freddy Mwisomba.
1) Tunaanza na salamu, Kwa wote mliofika,
Tunachukua jukumu, Kuwapa habari njema,
Sisi tuliopo huku, Ni wana wa Tanzania.
Nchi yetu Tanzania,Twawakaribisha wote.
2) Nchi yetu Tanzania,Ni nchi yenye Amani
Watu wake wakulima, Pia na wafanyakazi
Watoto wana furaha, Tamaduni zake safi.
Nchi yetu Tanzania, Twawakaribisha wote.
3) Watu wote mliopo, Mnaujua mlima,
Mlima Kilimanjaro, Upo kwetu Tanzania
Wasimama kama nguzo, Imara ya Africa.
Nchi yetu Tanzania,Twawakaribisha wote.
4) Ziwa kubwa Africa, Ni ziwa Victoria
Lipo kwetu Tanzania, Kenya pia na Uganda
Ni kivutio kikubwa, Wote mje kukiona
Nchi yetu Tanzania, Twawakaribisha wote.
5) Mbuga zetu za wanyama, Zapendwa na watalii,
Mikumi pia Manyara, Simba, Faru watawala,
Wapatikana Wanyama, Adimu kwenye dunia,
Nchi yetu Tanzania, Twawakaribisha wote.
6) Mira za Watanzania, Zimejengwa kwa busara,
Mdundiko Bongo fleva, Ngoma zetu tunacheza
Mbalimbali makabila, Kiswahili twazungumza
Nchi yetu Tanzania, Twawakaribisha wote.
7) Twapendana na wenzetu, Wakenya na Waganda
Biashara kwenda juu, Maendeleo makubwa,
Ushirikiano huu, Unaendelea sana,
Nchi yetu Tanzania, Twawakaribisha wote
8) Si kama Tunajigamba, Ila Twasema ukweli
Mungu ametujalia,Nchi yetu ya Amani,
Aridhi yenye rutuba, Mazao yanashamiri
Nchi yetu Tanzania, Twawakaribisha wote.
9) Matatizo pia yapo, Kama vile maleria,
Gonjwa latupiga kumbo, Twahitaji kuliua,
Tutaja liweka kambo, Wote mkisaidia,
Nchi yetu Tanzania, Twawakaribisha wote.
10) Mwisho Twawakaribisha, Wawekezaji Nchini
Watalii mje ona, Nchi yetu hii nzuri,
Wote mliofika hapa, Muijue nchi hii,
Nchi yetu Tanzania, Twawakaribisha wote.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
GOVT ENDS TANESCO'S MONOPOLY
Posted by nchiume under Energy
New York
September 18th, 2007
Minister of Trade, Industry and Marketing, Hon. Basil Mramba, made what he termed as “the first official public announcement” that the Tanzanian Government will now allow private energy companies to distibute power in the country.
Speaking at the 2nd annual Tanzania Investment Forum in New York, Minister Mramba said that the move will effectively end TANESCO’s long held monopoly in power distribution. “From now on, any qualified company will be able to apply for licence to generate and sell electricity to the market”. Minister Mramba added that what remains is the official passage of the law which is currenty being prepared. The added that the amendment is expected to be tabled in the Bunge sometime this year in November at the earliest or by April of 2008.
Since early 1990’s, private power companies in the country have been generating their own electricity using gas and diesel fired turbines but were required by law to sell only to TANESCO, the Government owned power utility company. In recent years, few exemptions where given to mining and gas companies to generate and distribute power for their own use to support local operations. Today’s announcement, however, will open the field to more players from inside and outside the country to add power to the National grid and supplement TANESCO’s role of distributing electricity to urban and rural consumers. In recent years, due to various reasons such as economic and population growth as well as structural problems, TANESCO had been unable to cope with the rising demand for electricity in the market. For this reason, the liberalization of power distribution had been lobbied for a long time by the businesses and consumers alike as one of the panaceas to the power crisis in the country.
In other major news today, the board of directors of Millenium Challenge Corporation have approved a $698 million Millennium Challenge Compact to Tanzania to reduce poverty, stimulate economic growth, and increase household incomes through targeted infrastructure investments in transport, energy, and water.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
ROSE MUHANDO TOGETHER WITH KANSAS CITY TANZANIANS AFTER SUNDAY SERVICE
IMF COMMENDS TANZANIA'S ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE 2007
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has commended the economic performance of Tanzania, saying it continues to be strong. Speaking to reporters in Dar es Salaam yesterday, an official from the IMF economic department, Roger Nord, said the improvement was fueled by a rebound in the agricultural sector and improved electricity supply. He also attributed the performance to the economic growth which stood at 6 percent in 2006/07. `The economic growth is on track. It is likely to exceed 7 percent in 2007/08,` he said. Nord led a four-man IMF delegation currently in the country to conduct the second review under the policy support instrument. Nord, however, said that the country was still facing two challenges, which include returning inflation to its downward trend. Inflation now stands at 10 per cent. He said the Bank of Tanzania intention to meet its target of reducing inflation was critical toward reducing high interest rates, supporting productive investment, growth and reducing poverty. `In this regard, we welcome the Bank of Tanzania’s efforts to strengthen monetary policy implementation`, he said. He said the second challenge was to ensure that the ambitious targets for revenue and expenditure in the 2007/08 budget were attained. The official said the added revenue rightly reflected the key priorities of the government to further increase social spending, while significantly scaling up infrastructural investment. Revenue performance in the first quarter of 2007/08 had been strong. Nord commended the TRA for strengthening tax administration. He said the mission supported efforts to improve further public financial management with the twin objectives of raising the efficiency of public spending while strengthening accountability. For her part, Minister for Finance Zakhia Meghji said the main factors that had led to increased government revenue were the on-going economic reforms. “We reformed TRA, tighten tax loopholes and widened the tax base,”she said.
SOURCE: Guardian
TANZANIA CONSUL UNVEILS $100 MILLION PROJECT
Published 10/05/2007 - 9:30 p.m. GMT
MINNEAPOLIS – An ambitious $100 million project dubbed “World Trade Center Great Lakes & Kilimanjaro International” is to be built in Northern Tanzania, an official said. Kjell Bergh, Tanzania’s Minnesota-based consul for trade and investment promotion, said three Tanzanian investors were involved in the project and would partner with the Tanzanian government.Speaking at the Pan African Trade and Investment Summit, a three-day conference at the University of Minnesota, Bergh said 5,000 acres of land had been set aside for the project. It will have a University complex, a conference center, hotel complex, a golf course and an enterprise-processing center for exports.About investment opportunities in Tanzania, the consul said since independence in 1961, Tanzania had gone from one of the 20 poorest countries in the world to one of the most promising. Quoting a recent African Competitiveness Report issued by Harvard University, “Tanzania topped the improvement index.” “A recent World Bank/IMF study showed the country as the most improved in terms of business climate,” Bergh said. The country’s committed investment in education has enabled the number of Universities in Tanzania to jump from one at independence to more than 20 today.“The creation of the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange has helped revitalize the Tanzanian economy, generating fresh capital for established and emerging firms,” Bergh said. “Between 1990 and 2005, approximately $10.2 billion in foreign direct investment helped create 3,531 projects, creating more than 500,000 direct and indirect jobs”.In March, the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies and the UN Conference on Trade and Development named the Tanzania Investment Center, the one-stop investment processing facility, the best in the world. The center assists investors in dealing with all government agencies and cutting red tape.In terms of foreign investment, $ 475 million was invested in Tanzania in 2006, mainly in the mining and tourism sectors. Direct foreign investment is projected to increase to $550 million.Investors are assured of the safety of their investments, as Tanzania is a member of Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency and International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes. The country further enjoys a peaceful and stable democratic form of government.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
SERIKARI YA TANZANIA YAPANIA URAIA WA NCHI MBILI
WAZIRI wa Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa, Bw. Bernard Membe, amesema serikali itahakikisha sheria ya uraia wa nchi mbili inapitishwa kwa manufaa ya Watanzania na taifa na si vinginevyo.Akizungumza na baadhi ya Watanzania waliokutana naye mjini New York(Mary Mitchell, Mobhare Matinyi,Namtasha Ikaweba, Shaaban Mseba, Augustino Malinda, Yasin Njayagha,Miraji Malewa,na Deogratias Rutabana) wiki iliyopita katika hoteli ya Grand Hyatt, Waziri Membe alisema lengo la serikali ni kuwasaidia Watanzania na si kugawa uraia wa Tanzania kwa wageni wenye uraia wa nchi zao.Alisema haingii akilini ni kwa nini Mtanzania wa kuzaliwa anyang’anywe uraia wa Tanzania kwa kuwa amechukua uraia wa nchi nyingine kutafuta faida za kielimu, ajira au hata matibabu.“Ni kwa nini tumuadhibu huyu Mtanzania wa kuzaliwa kwa kuwa tu amechukua uraia wa nchi nyingine ili apate elimu ama ajira na kusaidia ndugu zake waliobaki Tanzania?” alihoji Waziri Membe.Waziri alisisitiza kuwa sheria hiyo itakapopitishwa haitatoa mwanya kwa kila mtu kuuvamia uraia wa Tanzania bali itawalinda Watanzania wanaotaka kuchukua uraia wa nchi za nje kwa manufaa yao na taifa kwa ujumla.Akitoa mfano mmojawapo bila kutaja majina ya wahusika, Waziri Membe alisema anaifahamu familia moja ya Watanzania ambayo ililazimika kuchukua uraia wa Kanada kwa sababu za matibabu, na kwamba kuwanyang’anya uraia watu hawa ni kuwaadhibu bila kujali uhai wao.Alieleza kuwa familia hiyo ina watoto wawili ambao matibabu yao hugharimu dola 2,000 kwa kila mmoja kwa mwezi, na kwamba kwa kuchukua uraia wa Kanada, matibabu hayo yanakuwa bure. Alihoji je, ni haki kuwanyang’anya uraia wao wa Tanzania?Akitoa mfano wa manufaa yanayopatikana Ghana, Waziri Membe aliwaambia Watanzania hao kwamba ni muhimu kwa Tanzania kutumia raia wake walioko nje kwa manufaa ya taifa na siyo kuwabagua.“Mwaka jana pekee wananchi wa Ghana walioko nje waliingiza dola bilioni 2.5 kwa njia mbalimbali halali,” na akaongeza: “Taifa dogo kama Komoro, mwaka jana lilipata dola milioni 89 kutoka kwa wananchi wake walioko Ufaransa pekee.Akifafanua zaidi, Waziri Membe alisema wakati akiwa Naibu Waziri wa Mambo ya Ndani kwa kipindi kisichofikia miaka miwili, Tanzania ilitoa uraia kwa wageni 101 na kushangaa ni kwa nini Watanzania wa kuzaliwa wapoteze uraia wao.Waziri Membe aliwataka Watanzania kujenga umoja thabiti na kuwahakikishia kwamba serikali itakuwa pamoja nao ili kuleta maendeleo kwa taifa, na kwamba mawazo kuwa usalama wa taifa utakuwa hatarini si la jambo kuhofia iwapo sheria itatungwa vizuri.Tanzania ina raia wake waliosambaa nchi mbalimbali duniani huku idadi kubwa ikiwa katika nchi za Kiarabu za Ghuba ambako wakati serikali ikiongeza ofisi moja ya Ubalozi nchini Oman miaka michache iliyopita ilikadiria kuwa kuna Watanzania laki tano.Nchi nyingine ambazo Watanzania wanakadiriwa kuwa wengi ni za Marekani Kaskazini na Ulaya Magharibi ambako wako kwa maelfu, ambao wengi wao hukabiliwa pia na utata wa uraia wa watoto wao wanaozaliwa ugenini.Mjadala wa suala la uraia wa nchi mbili umekuwa ukiendelea nchini katika siku za karibuni ambako kumeibuka kambi za wanaopinga kwa madai ya kulinda maslahi ya nchi na wanaounga mkono kwa madai hayo hayo ya kulinda maslahi ya nchi.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA SPEECH TO THE UNITED NATIONS
Your Excellency Srgjan Kerim, President of the United Nations General Assembly;Your Excellency Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations;Excellencies Heads of State and Government;Distinguished Representatives;Ladies and Gentlemen.Let me begin by congratulating you, Dr. Kerim, for your well deserved election as President of the 62nd Session of the General Assembly. You cancount on Tanzania’s full support and cooperation as you discharge your mandate. I also commend your predecessor, Madam Shaikha Haya Rashed Al Khalifa, for having skillfully presided over the 61st session.We congratulate Mr. Ban Ki-moon for his unanimous election as the eighth Secretary General of the United Nations, which reflects his distinguished diplomatic track record, integrity and commitment to international diplomacy.I also thank him for the honour and trust he has bestowed upon my country, by appointing an accomplished Tanzanian academic and diplomat to the post of UN Deputy Secretary General. I take this opportunity to once again congratulate Dr. Asha-Rose Migiro, for her appointment to this high office. I trust that such a combination of diligence and devoted leadership will steer this important institution towards greater heights of success.Climate ChangeMr. President;I highly commend the Secretary General for his decision to convene the High Level Event on Climate Change four days ago. The meeting gave us an opportunity to discuss the state of health of our common planet. It also gave us the opportunity to renew our commitment to take the necessary steps to correct the mistakes we have done.The recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has confirmed that warming of the earth’s climate system is indisputable and is attributable to, by and large, human activities.Africa and many Small Island States contribute the least to the greenhouse gases that cause this phenomenon; yet, significant impact of climate change is evident on our countries. Most countries are experiencing severe floods, frequent and prolonged droughts, reduced water supply, decline in crop yields, rising sea levels, and an increase in water borne diseases. These impacts of climate change can affect African countries’ ability to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Climate change threatens to undo the results of decades of development efforts.In Tanzania, for certain, the impact of global warming is real and visible. There has been a steady increase in temperature for the past 30 years, adversely affecting almost all sectors of the economy.Severe droughts have been recurrent in the past few years. Water levels in Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika have dropped significantly. There has been a dramatic recession of 7 km of Lake Rukwa in the Western part of the country in the past 50 years. About 80 per cent of the glacier on Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest in Africa, has been lost since 1912.We have prepared a National Adaptation Program of Action. There is a national programme of planting over 200 million tree seedlings per annum besides having reserved 24 percent of our territory for national parks and 38 percent for forest reserves.We trust that countries like Tanzania, which have reserved such large tracts of land for protection of wildlife and forests, including an ambitious tree planting programme for global good, would be adequately compensated for their significant contribution to carbon sequestration.We have prepared a National Adaptation Program of Action (NAPA) and undertaken an indepth analysis of the impact of climate change on agriculture, health, water as well as a technological needs assessment for adaptation and poverty reduction.Tanzania hopes that the Climate Change Adaptation Fund would be successfully negotiated and concluded together with other proposed innovative sources of financing discussed during the High Level Event earlier this week.Mr. President;Since the causes and consequences of climate change are global, international cooperation and partnership in addressing them is imperative. Tanzania supports the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), which assists developing countries to achieve sustainable development and requires developed countries to fulfill their commitments under the Kyoto Protocol.So far Africa has the least number of CDM projects. Of the over 800 projects around the world, Africa has about 20 projects only. This inequitable distribution is of concern to us and must be resolved in order for it to contribute meaningfully to the sustainable development of Africa.I wish to emphasize that international collective action is critical in developing an effective response to global warming. Indeed a review process to consider further commitment of the Parties under the Kyoto Protocol beyond 2012 is urgent and necessary. Tanzania promises to participate actively at the Bali Summit.UN Reforms/One UNMr. President;Tanzania welcomes the recent milestones in the UN reform process namely the establishment of the Peace Building Commission, the Human Rights Council and the Central Emergency Relief Fund. We attach great importance to these new initiatives and we want to contribute to their success.In its report of November 2006 entitled, “Delivering as One”, the UN Panel on System-wide Coherence made valuable recommendations, including the establishment of a “One UN” system at the country level. For, we in Tanzania, believe that the development coordination agenda is best served when we have at the country level one programme, one budgetary framework, one leader, and one office.Tanzania is pleased to be among the eight “One UN” pilot countries. The One UN Programme is for us a logical development from the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF), a framework that is fully aligned with our national priorities. The efficiencies in aid delivery expected through “One UN” will certainly contribute to enhancing our capacity to attain the MDGs.I call upon member states to give our organization, the United Nations, the resources it needs to implement this pilot project. The project should not fail for lack of resources. I also urge the Bretton Woods Institutions to take a keener interest in this initiative and join in the efforts to realize its objectives.The need to make the UN Security Council more representative is an age old demand of all of us. Time has come to walk the talk. We need to move from rhetoric to action. Now is the time. Tanzania assures the entire UN membership our whole-hearted support and cooperation in this process.Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)Mr. President;We are now halfway through the time-line of 2015 set for achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Yet we are not half-way in realizing the targets as spelt out at the Millennium Summit of 2000. We are in this unfortunate state of affairs because the additional resources expected and promised by the developed countries have not come forth. I urge this august General Assembly to renew its appeal to the developed nations to deliver on their promise.In this regard, we welcome the initiative mentored by the Norwegian Prime Minister Mr. Jens Stoltenberg to launch a global campaign to mobilize resources for achieving the MDG 4 on reducing infant mortality rates and MDG 5 on reducing maternal mortality rates. Tanzania supports the effort and we are happy to be associated with it. I appeal to all of us to support the initiative. It is our hope that, developed nations will support the campaign by providing the required resources.On the same vein, we commend Secretary General Ban Ki-moon for establishing the African MDG Steering Group. Africa is excited about it. We trust that it will give new impetus in assisting Africa attain all MDGs.We also welcome the historic decision taken by the President of the General Assembly to convene a special summit of leaders to discuss the MDGs during this session. We support this wise decision of our President for we believe it will provide the needed momentum for the timely achievement of the MDGs in Africa.Regional Issues: AfricaMr. President;Tanzania has played, and will continue to play, its historic role in the search for peace, security, stability and development in Great Lakes region. I thank the United Nations and the Group of Friends of the Great Lakes for their support to the processes of the International Conference on the Great Lakes. As we all know, at the Nairobi Conference held in December, 2006, an historic Pact on Peace, Security, Stability and Development in the Great Lakes Region was signed. A new era of hope, collective security and cooperation for development was ushered in. For sure, if the letter and spirit of the Pact are implemented, the Great Lakes Region will be a completely new place from the one we are used to know.We are happy that member states have committed to ratify the Pact by the end of this year. This will enable the Pact to come into force. We look forward to continued support from the UN, friends of the Great Lakes and the international community at large as we endeavour to get durable peace, stability and sustainable development.Mr. President;Burundi and DRCWe are happy with the tremendous progress made in Burundi. Peace has been restored and life has come back to normal. Tanzania will continue to work with the region and South Africa to ensure the full operationalization of the peace agreement signed between the Burundi government and the FNL-Palipehutu.We are concerned with the fluidity of the situation in North Kivu. We hope wisdom will prevail on the parties concerned to give peace a chance. The people of the DRC deserve it. We in Tanzania promise to play whatever part may be required of us.With restored peace in Burundi and many parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), it is incumbent upon us in the international community to encourage and assist refugees to go back to their respective countries. This is what the Tripartite Commissions involving Tanzania, UNHCR and the respective countries of Burundi and DRC have been doing. Our joint Commissions have been encouraging repatriation of refugees on voluntary basis and we have been assisting those who came forward. The results are encouraging but things could be better. A word of encouragement from this organization could make a difference.Mr. President;Tanzania believes that the return of refugees to their country of origin is a sovereign right which should not be denied. It is also the ultimate testimony and guarantor of the peace so attained. It is not fair, it is not right for people to continue to live in refugee camps after peace has been restored in their countries of origin.Situation in DarfurMr. President;The current progress with regard to Darfur gives us hope. The adoption of Security Council Resolution 1769 to deploy a hybrid force of peacekeepers from the African Union and the United Nations, and the renewed political dialogue among the parties to the conflict, holds promise for the stalled peace process and the humanitarian crisis that unfortunately persists there.Tanzania applauds the unique partnership which has evolved between the African Union and the United Nations. We stand ready to contribute troops to the hybrid force.SomaliaMr. President;We are encouraged by recent developments with regard to internal political dialogue in Somalia. We are equally happy with the attention given to Somalia by the Security Council and the United Nations Secretary General. We welcome the recent Security Council resolution 1772 (2007) which supports the political process in Somalia and the role of AMISON. As member of the Somali Contact Group, Tanzania promises to continue to be pro-active and offers to contribute in the training of the Somali military.Western SaharaMr. President;The United Nations should remain seized with the issue of Western Sahara. Tanzania reaffirms its support for the inalienable right of the people of Saharawi to decide and choose the way forward. We urge the United Nations to intensify its efforts to find an honourable and just solution to this longstanding decolonization issue.The Middle EastThe crisis inside the Palestinian territories is a matter of great concern to us. Tanzania remains supportive of efforts aimed at creating two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side, at peace with each other. This presents, in our view, the best hope for sustainable peace in the region. We applaud and welcome the renewed international interest and effort in line with the relevant UN resolutions.Lebanese SituationThe Lebanese government and peoples need and deserve the continued support of the UN and all of us in the international community as they reconstruct and stabilize their country. In this regard, Tanzania is glad to be a party to the efforts being expended by the United Nations, through our modest contribution to the Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). We are ready to increase our contribution whenever required to do so.
Conclusion
Mr. President;In conclusion, Mr. President, Tanzania reaffirms its belief in and commitment to multilateralism and the United Nations. You can count on Tanzania’s continued support to this organization and the ideals it stands for.I thank you.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA JAKAYA MRISHO KIKWETE
President of the united republic of Tanzania together with the prime minister of the United Kingdom President of the united republic of Tanzania together with Bill Gates
President of the united republic of Tanzania together with the leaders of Tanzanians Diaspora in USA Inc.(TADI)Tukio la kukumbukwa lilitokea siku ya Jumapili 23,2007 mjini New York katika hoteli ya Grand Hyatt ambapo Rais Jakaya Kikwete,alikutana naWatanzania nane kuzungumzia uundwaji wa chombo kitakachowaunganisha Watanzania wote walioko Marekani na baadaye duniani kote katika juhudi za kupigania maslahi ya Tanzania. Kutoka kushoto ni Mary Mitchell, Mobhare Matinyi, Deogratias Rutabana,Namtasha Ikaweba, Shaaban Mseba, Augustino Malinda na Yasin Njayagha.Aliyekingwa na Rais ni Waziri wa Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano waKimataifa, Bernard Membe. Mtanzania mwingine, Miraji Malewa kwa bahati mbaya alikingwa na mwenzake aliye kushoto kabisa mwa picha. Kufuatia wito huo wa Rais Kikwete tangu mwaka jana, ndoto ya siku nyingi ya Watanzania hao ilipata msukumo na hatimaye kuundwa uongozi wa muda wa Tanzanians Diaspora in USA INC.(TADI) na kupata baraka zote za serikali ya Jamhuri wa Muungano waTanzania. Tanzania ni moja ya nchi za Afrika zenye wananchi wake wengi nchini Marekani ambapo kwa takwimu zisizo rasmi, imepitwa na nchi nne tu za Nigeria, Ethiopia, Ghana na Kenya.
Pia vingozi mbali mabali kutoka Tanzania wakiwemo mawazili na barozi walipata mda wa kujumuika na waazilishi wa TADI,kama unavyojionea katika picha.
Viongozi na waazilishi wa Tanzanians diaspora in USA Inc.(Tadi) ni wafuatao:
Yassin Njayagha-Rais
Deogratias Rutabana-Makamu wa Rais
Augustino Malinda-Katibu Mkuu
Shaban Mseba-Katibu Mkuu Msaidizi
Jacquline Abebe-Mweka Azina
Mayor Mlima-Mweka hazina msaidizi
Wakurugenzi wa Bodi:
Miraji Malewa
Mobhare Matinyi
Mary Mitchell
Namtasha Buntinyi
Bernard Mgawe
David Mushi
Michael Chiume
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
WHY INVEST IN TANZANIA
Tanzania offers a well-balanced and competitive package of fiscal incentives in comparison with other African countries. Aiming at providing competitive fiscal regime on foreign trade, Tanzania has signed double taxation treaties with Denmark, India, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia and Finland. Countries with which negotiations are continuing include South Africa, Republic of Korea, Zimbabwe, United Arab Emirates, Russia, Seychelles, Mauritius, Egypt, Yugoslavia and Oman.Investments in Tanzania are guaranteed against nationalisation and expropriation. Tanzania is a signatory of several multilateral and bilateral agreements on protection and promotion of foreign investment. Among other international agreements and membership, Tanzania is a member of Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) and International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).
2-ABUDANT NATURAL RESOURCES
Tanzania’s untapped natural resources offer a wide range of investment opportunities; arable land, minerals and natural tourist attractions are all awaiting potential investors. Tanzania is internationally renowned for its abundance of wildlife attractions and unexploited mineral reserves. These sectors (Mining and Tourism) are the leading recipient of foreign investment flow and are tipped to become the “growth sectors” of the economy.
3-STABLE INVESTMENT POLICY AND “ONE STOP FACILITATIVE CENTRE”
Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC)The pro investment attitude by Government is clearly demonstrated by the innovative investment legislation, the increasing number of foreign direct investments in the country and economic and structural reforms that have led to substantial progress in establishing a functioning market economy. Institutional support for priority investment projects is readily available from the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) and other Government institutions.TIC is the focal point for investors. It is a first point of call for potential investors. It is an efficient and effective investment promotion agency, a “one stop facilitative centre for all investors”, engaging in the business of marketing Tanzania as an investment destination. In order to strengthen and expedite facilitation services, 7 senior officers from Government or its executive agencies have been permanently stationed at TIC to serve investors under the general direction of the TIC Executive Director. Presently these officers include those from:
Lands Department
Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA)
Immigration Department
Labour Division
Directorate of Trade
4-BUSINESS REGISTRATION & LICENSING AGENCY(BRELA)
In response to Scholars and consultants recommendation, TIC is currently undertake targeted promotion of investments internally and abroad based on thorough research. Market research-driven investment promotion tends to be more efficient in cutting costs of promotion and achieving more desirable investment outcome
5-STABLE MACROECONOMIC PERFORMANCE AND FISCAL REGIME
Tanzania had been carrying out successful economic and structural reforms, which have improved economic performance and sustained growth. These achievements are based on solid foundations of political and economic reform undertaken by the Government since 1986, placing Tanzania in a position where a prolonged period of high GDP growth rates is expected. In addition, Tanzania has a stable fiscal regime with sustainable level of inflation. Under its economic recovery program, Tanzania increased revenue streams and substantially reduced spending. Continuous decline in the rate of inflation is mainly the result of prudent fiscal and monetary policies. However, Tanzania has to reduce further the cost of doing business to stimulate supply response at micro-level. This is important in order to complement the current achievements on macroeconomic and political stability by greater efforts to improve the investment climate.
6-PRIVATE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT DURING THE PAST DECADE
Tanzania has distinguished itself as one of the few African countries that have radically transformed their economies. Successes of these reforms are reflected in the country’s strong macroeconomic fundamentals with consistently increasing growth rates, consistent falling inflation and increasing inflow of FDI. One of the factors that contributed to this success is the country’s unwavering commitment to build a strong private sector. This achievement is a result of a number of measures to reform the business environment by improving transparency of the investment process and encouraging stakeholder participation. A number of institutions and forums have been put in place to ensure a broader participation of different stakeholders including representatives of the private sector, trade unions, professional associations, media, and Government departments and other representatives of civil society. Existing institutions with stakeholder participation in the investment process include: Tanzania National Business Council; Investor’s Roundtables; Special Reform Task Forces; Investment Seminars; Board membership in TIC and other Government Agencies.The Tanzania National Business Council 50% government and 50% Private Sector is the lead dialogue institution where government interact with diverse stakeholder representatives from the private sector for dialogue on strategic issues related to the investment process and business environment in Tanzania. The Council is chaired by the President of Tanzania. The President’s commitment to transparency manifests itself in the workings of the roundtables such as the local Investor’s Round Table (LIRT), International Investor’s Roundtable (IIRT) and the Chief Executive Officers (CEO) Roundtable where the President meets private sector representatives on a regular basis to discuss specific issues aimed at improving Tanzania’s business competitiveness.
7-INFRASTRACTURE FACILITIES
Infrastructure is one of the key investment drivers of which Tanzania is struggling to improve. There is a sustained programme for building good quality roads. Two railway networks connect 14 out of 20 cities and the neighbouring country of Zambia. There are also international and domestic airports linking Tanzania to the world. The three major ports of Dar es Salaam, Tanga and Mtwara function as hubs for traffic emanating from, and destined to land locked neighbouring countries of Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, Zambia, Malawi, and Democratic Republic of Congo.However, Tanzania has to make further improvement in the investment climate, especially in the provision of infrastructure including competitive public utilities and taxation area (multiplicity of taxes especially at local government level) and.
8-PEACE AND STABILITY
Tanzania is free of ideological confrontations, ethnic problems and labour disputes. It is a centre of economic and political stability in Sub Saharan Africa. Multi party democracy adopted in 1992 has not disturbed the peaceful political climate of the country. The political scene is characterised by parliamentary democracy and public consensus on key social and economic priorities.
9-LABOUR SKILLS AND AVAILABILITY
Access to skilled labour is a key priority for companies competing in African economies. The Government has made a long-term commitment to develop a pool of well-trained and educated specialists. The Government has increased its education budget significantly compared to the previous budget. Thus Tanzania has to further improve human capabilities and encourage technology transfer as a precondition for enhancing productivity of investment and attaining the desired level of competitiveness
Monday, September 3, 2007
KIPANYA
PAMBANO LA MPIRA WA MIGUU KATI YA TANZANIA NA UGANDA
Tanzania ilifanikiwa kuifunga Uganda goli moja kwa bila(1-0)
TANZANIA YAOMBWA KUZINGATIA USHAULI WA MAREKANI
CUF ? Chama cha Wananchi, tunaamini ya kuwa Serikali yetu itaupokea ushauri huo wa Balozi wa Marekani na kuufanyia kazi,` ilisema taarifa hiyo na kuongeza: `Hatuna budi kuzingatia kuwa Balozi Retzer alikuwa akiishi hapa hapa nchini kama balozi na kufanya kazi na serikali ya Tanzania kwa kipindi chote alichokuwepo.`
SOURCE: Nipashe
US TO SUPPORT TANZANIA BECOME MALARIA FREE
THE US government has reassured Tanzania of continued cooperation and support in efforts to wipe out malaria in the country and reduce new HIVAids infections. The reassurance was given by the outgoing US Ambassador to Tanzania, Mr Michael Retzer, when he went to bid farewell to President Jakaya Kikwete at State House in Dar es Salaam yesterday. Mr Retzer said if Zanzibar is on the brink of succeeding in eliminating the disease then Tanzania Mainland can achieve the same and eventually make the whole country free of malaria. “Although America finances programmes of wiping out Malaria in Tanzania Mainland and the Isles, there is still a need for other development partners to be involved in order for the efforts to be successful”, he said. On HIV/Aids, he told the president that his government was willing to train more people on taking tests for the virus by using easier technology that involves taking blood from fingertips instead of blood veins. President Kikwete also received the outgoing Egyptian Ambassador, Mr Saabry M. Saabry, who had gone to bid him farewell. Mr Kikwete told the outgoing ambassador that Tanzania needs Egyptian businessmen to come and invest in meat packaging. He also said the country still needs experts to enhance and improve irrigation farming as well as expertise in rainwater harvesting and preserving.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
TANZANIA INFORMATION AND HISTORY
Tanganyika, a British-controlled UN trust territory, gained independence in 1961; and Zanzibar, a British protectorate with an Arab population, became independent in 1963. Tanganyika and Zanzibar united to form Tanzania in 1964. Until resigning as president in 1985, independence leader Julius K. Nyerere guided two decades of socialism—adapted to the ujamaa policy of village farming. A multiparty system was established in 1992 after a constitutional amendment.
Some 80 percent of Tanzanians farm or fish at subsistence levels; in many areas tse-tse fly infestation hampers successful animal husbandry. Deteriorating roads and railways and high energy costs are major problems. The Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park are rich in wildlife, although poaching endangers some species. Tourism remains important. Dar es Salaam is the administrative capital, but Dodoma is the designated future capital and current home to Tanzania's legislature
ECONOMY
Industry: agricultural processing (sugar, beer, cigarettes, sisal twine), diamond and gold mining, oil refining.Agriculture: coffee, sisal, tea, cotton; cattle.
Exports: gold, coffee, cashew nuts, manufactures, cotton.
Meeting at the Ifakara Health Research and Development Center, Ifakara, Tanzania. Tanzaria's major cause of death among adults and children is Malaria
July 14, —World Bank President Wolfowitz is greeted by Minister of Finance Zakhia Meghji, the first Tanzanian woman to hold this position. During his visit to Tanzania, Mr. Wolfowitz said that the country has made impressive progress over the past ten years with steady growth, political stability and peace.