Somalia and Tanzania to Partner in the War Against Al-Shabaab

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In: Tanzania Foreign Investment News
Somalia and Tanzania to Partner in the War Against Al-Shabaab

The Director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Abdullahi Sanbaloolshe, held an important meeting at the NISA headquarters with his counterpart, the Director of the Tanzania Intelligence and Security Service (TISS), Suleiman Abubakar Mombo, who arrived in Mogadishu on Wednesday for a two-day visit.

During the meeting, the two officials extensively discussed joint efforts to counter threats from groups like Al-Shabaab and strengthen the exchange of crucial security intelligence.

The heads of the intelligence agencies of Somalia and Tanzania, emphasizing the importance of this cooperation, signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at accelerating the role of both agencies in promoting regional stability.

Source: allafrica.com

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Tanzania: President Mohamud Meets With the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tanzania

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In: Tanzania Foreign Investment News
Tanzania: President Mohamud Meets With the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tanzania

The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Mr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, welcomed the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Republic of Tanzania, Mr. Mohamud Thabit Kombo, and his delegation at the Presidential Palace. The delegation is in the country on a work visit.

The President received a message and greetings from the President of Tanzania, Madam Samia Suluhu Hassan. He shared with the delegation the importance of strengthening the relationship and cooperation between the two countries, particularly highlighting the several agreements signed today in Mogadishu.

The meeting between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and the Tanzanian delegation was attended by Somali government ministers, the Somali Ambassador to Tanzania, and senior officials from both sides.

Source: allafrica.com

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Suspension of flights isn’t about insurance, says ZAA

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Dar es Salaam. The Zanzibar Airports Authority (ZAA) has categorically denied claims circulating on social media that KLM and Air France will temporarily suspend their Zanzibar routes due to a $44 tourist travel insurance fee.

In a statement released on Thursday, December 19, 2024, the ZAA clarified that the suspensions are routine seasonal adjustments and not related to any new fees.

“This information is incorrect,” said ZAA Director General, Mr Seif Abdalla Juma. “Both airlines have clarified that the temporary suspensions are routine adjustments based on seasonal demand and are unrelated to any travel insurance requirements.”

Air France will temporarily suspend its Paris-Zanzibar route between 22nd March and 25th May 2025 due to the “green season,” a traditionally quieter period for tourism.

KLM, on the other hand, will pause its Zanzibar service from Amsterdam during the IATA summer season (March to October 2025) and resume operations in the winter season.

Mr Juma urged the public to be cautious about unverified information. “We call upon the public to disregard such misinformation from unreliable sources and instead refer to official airline communications or reputable news outlets for accurate updates on flight operations,” he emphasised.

The clarification comes in the wake of concerns raised by tourism stakeholders after Air France and KLM announced the suspensions. As previously reported, French tourists have become a key market for Zanzibar’s tourism industry, contributing significantly to visitor numbers.

Stakeholders worry that the suspension of direct flights may impact Zanzibar’s appeal, given the convenience and comfort of direct routes.

A tourism professional, Frédérique Duvignacq, noted earlier that “such changes could prompt travellers to consider alternative destinations such as Kenya or South Africa.”

Despite these challenges, the ZAA reassured stakeholders of its commitment to supporting Zanzibar’s tourism sector. The authority also highlighted the importance of addressing misinformation to prevent unnecessary panic.

Both airlines have assured the public that operations will resume as scheduled, with Air France returning in May 2025 and KLM resuming in October 2025. Travellers are encouraged to plan their journeys accordingly.

For accurate updates, the ZAA advises travellers to consult official airline channels or credible sources. “Let us ensure that only factual information is shared to maintain confidence in Zanzibar’s tourism and travel industry,” Mr Juma concludedContinue Reading

Mogadishu, Somalia and Tanzania Sign Historic Agreements to Boost Bilateral Ties

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In: Tanzania Foreign Investment News

Mogadishu, Somalia — In a landmark event on Thursday, Somalia and Tanzania formalized their commitment to enhanced bilateral relations through the signing of multiple agreements in Mogadishu. The pacts address cooperation in defense, tourism, health, aviation, and general diplomacy, promising a new era of collaboration between the two East African neighbors.

A critical component of the agreements includes a strategic partnership in defense. This collaboration is intended to bolster counter-terrorism efforts, enhance maritime security in the Indian Ocean, and share intelligence to combat regional threats. Both nations have faced challenges from piracy and insurgent groups, making this cooperation essential for regional peace.

The agreements highlight an initiative to promote tourism, tapping into Tanzania’s established attractions like Zanzibar and Mount Kilimanjaro, and Somalia’s emerging cultural heritage sites. Cultural exchanges are expected to foster mutual understanding and appreciation between the peoples of both countries.

In the health sector, the agreements aim to facilitate medical training, share expertise, and manage public health crises, especially after recent regional pandemics. This could involve joint research projects, sharing of medical resources, and coordinated responses to health emergencies.

One of the most anticipated aspects of the deal is the establishment of direct flights between Mogadishu and Dar es Salaam. This move not only aims to boost trade but also to simplify travel for business, tourism, and personal exchanges. The improvement in air connectivity is expected to serve as a catalyst for economic growth by reducing travel times and costs.

Beyond sector-specific agreements, there’s a broad commitment to cooperation in education, trade, and environmental conservation. This includes scholarships for students, trade facilitation, and joint efforts in climate change mitigation, acknowledging the shared environmental challenges.

The agreements are the culmination of discussions initiated during President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s visit to Dar es Salaam earlier this year. His dialogue with President Samia Suluhu Hassan was marked by a shared vision for the development and stability of East Africa.

The ceremony in Mogadishu was attended by high-ranking officials from both countries, including ministers of foreign affairs, defense, and tourism. The signing was celebrated as a step forward in regional diplomacy, highlighting a commitment to not just bilateral but also broader East African integration.

Local and international observers view these agreements as a significant stride towards economic recovery for Somalia, which has been rebuilding after decades of conflict, and for Tanzania, which seeks to expand its influence and economic partnerships in the region. The agreements are also seen as a blueprint for other African nations looking to strengthen bonds through mutual benefits.

As both countries look ahead, the focus will be on implementation, ensuring that the promise of these agreements translates into tangible benefits for their citizens. This could mean new jobs, improved security, and enhanced cultural ties, setting a positive trajectory for future collaborations in East Africa.

Source: allafrica.com

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Somalia and Tanzania Strengthen Growing Cooperation With Five Key MOUs

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In: Tanzania Foreign Investment News

The Federal Republic of Somalia and the United Republic of Tanzania have signed crucial agreements in Mogadishu which are aimed at strengthening the relations between the two countries.

The two countries signed five important memoranda of understanding (MOUs).

These agreements, covers wide range of sectors including, foreign affairs, health, tourism, defense, and education, highlighting the commitment of both countries to regional cooperation and sustainable development.

The event was chaired by Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Saalax Ahmed Jaamac, reinforcing Somalia’s increasing role in diplomacy and Tanzania’s commitment to joint development.

The following are the key agreements signed by the two countries.

General Foreign Affairs Cooperation

The agreement signed by Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ahmed Macallin Fiqi, and Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Maxamuud Thabit Kombo, establishes a framework for enhanced diplomatic cooperation. The agreement includes regional stability cooperation, knowledge exchange, and the coordination of international efforts to promote peace and development.

Health Cooperation

Somalia’s Minister of Health, Dr. Ali Xaaji Aadan Abubakar, and Tanzania’s Minister of Health, Mr. Godwin Oloyce Mollel, signed an agreement focused on improving the health systems in both countries. The agreement addresses the control of infectious diseases, supporting public health, and strengthening healthcare services for underserved populations.

Tourism Development

Somalia’s Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Mr. Da’ud Aways Jaamac, and Tanzania’s Minister of Tourism and Natural Resources, Dr. Pindi Hazara Chana, signed an agreement aimed at promoting tourism. This agreement will encourage cultural exchange, tourism marketing campaigns, and investment in showcasing the unique heritage of both countries.

Defense and Security Cooperation

Somalia’s Minister of Defense, Mr. Cabdulkadir Maxamed Nuur, and his Tanzanian counterpart officially signed an agreement to strengthen defense cooperation. The agreement focuses on capacity-building, joint training programs, and collaborative efforts to enhance security and regional stability.

Education Cooperation

Somalia and Tanzania also signed an agreement focusing on educational cooperation, which emphasizes knowledge exchange in education, scholarships, and joint programs to strengthen educational systems in both countries. The agreement aims to encourage youth engagement in knowledge-sharing and skills development, contributing to sustainable growth in both nations.

Leaders’ Remarks

Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Saalax Ahmed Jaamac, praised the agreements, stating that they reflect the shared ambitions of both nations:

“These agreements are a testament to the strong relationship between Somalia and Tanzania. They lay the foundation for economic progress, regional stability, and the prosperity of our people.”

Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ahmed Macallin Fiqi, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Somalia’s commitment to regional cooperation:

“The signing of these agreements demonstrates Somalia’s dedication to regional cooperation. This partnership will bring tangible benefits to both countries and foster stronger relationships across the Horn of Africa.”

Tanzania’s esteemed Minister, Mr. Maxamuud Thabit Kombo, also expressed his optimism about the cooperation:

“Today marks an important milestone in the relationship between Somalia and Tanzania. These agreements will open doors for effective cooperation and joint development in critical areas.”

Strengthening Diplomatic Relations

The signing ceremony highlights Somalia’s growing role in regional diplomatic leadership, under the leadership of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and Tanzania’s active role in fostering East African cooperation. These agreements reflect a shared vision for long-term development, security, and cultural exchange.

Source: allafrica.com

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Taha leads initiative to cut post-harvest losses in Zanzibar

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Pemba. In an effort to enhance Zanzibar’s horticultural industry, the Tanzania Horticultural Association (Taha) has extended a project targeted at reducing post-harvest losses.

The initiative, dubbed “Feed the Future Tanzania, Tuhifadhi Chakula” (Let’s Save Food) project, under financial support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), intends to reduce post-harvest loss.

Designed to bridge gaps across various value chains, the project targets more than 10,000 horticultural stakeholders in Zanzibar over the next four years.

This endeavour seeks to alleviate the challenges that have long plagued the sub-sector, notably the crippling losses experienced after harvest due to inadequate management technologies.

Official statistics reveal that Tanzanian horticultural farmers face staggering post-harvest losses of up to 40 percent. This translates into an economic loss of approximately $1.7 billion annually, as recorded between 2012 and 2016.

A field day event held in Pemba served as a vital platform for this mission; hundreds of farmers gathered to gain insights and firsthand experience with the latest post-harvest management technologies (PHMT).

The event highlighted practical training sessions led by various actors and industry experts, focusing on essential aspects such as food handling, storage, and value addition processes for both farmers and processors. The deputy chief of party for the Feed the Future Tanzania, Tuhifadhi Chakula project, Mr. Kelvin Remen, emphasised the importance of these sessions during his address.

He underscored that in October 2024, Taha organised a series of stakeholder interactions to identify critical needs and challenges.

“These interactions revealed significant gaps in the availability, accessibility, and affordability of PHMT options,” said Mr Remen.

Among the pressing issues were the lack of capital and knowledge regarding harvest technologies, storage techniques, processing methods, and packaging materials, he explained. In response to the findings, Taha organised the Pemba farmers’ field day held yesterday to serve as a collaborative platform.

“By bringing together key players in the PHMT field, the event aimed to showcase innovative solutions that can tackle post-harvest inefficiencies,” noted Mr Remen.

This initiative not only provides hope for improved practices but also sets a foundation for sustainable growth and resilience within Zanzibar’s horticultural community.

“With this forward-thinking approach, the project promises to deliver transformative impacts on the ground, ensuring that Zanzibar’s horticultural farmers truly have a reason to smile,” he said.

Officiating at the farmers’ field day, Officer in charge of the ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, Natural Resources, and Livestock Indris Abdullah said the day focused on best practices for harvesting, handling, and preservation, along with adding value to crops after harvest.

“I’m grateful that farmers also will exchange experiences and knowledge and discuss challenges they face in ensuring crop loss is minimized. It’s part of training through exposure visits, and more importantly, it aims to create a strong network of horticulture farmers in Pemba,” Mr Abdullah said.

He praised Taha for providing services in a professional manner and productive agricultural guidance, post-harvest crop management and preservation, food security, market research, and linking farmers to markets; nutrition: connecting value chain stakeholders with financial institutions; and advocacy and lobbying services to create an enabling environment for conducting horticulture business.Continue Reading