All News (Page 34)

Tanzania’s geographical location and conflict mediation experience make it well placed to bridge the region’s various peace efforts.

Tanzania is a member of both the East and Southern African regional organisations currently trying to resolve the conflict in east Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Although often regarded as affiliating more with the south, Tanzania could use its history of conflict mediation – and its geographical location – to align the two blocs’ priorities on the crisis.

After the DRC joined the East African Community (EAC) in 2022, the EAC-led Nairobi Process deployed the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) to east DRC. Tanzania participated in the Nairobi Process and helped finance it, but didn’t contribute troops. At the time, it had already sent soldiers and logistical support to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission in Mozambique.

When the DRC declined to extend EACRF’s mandate due to its inability to rein in the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group, SADC stepped in. It deployed the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) in December 2023, giving it an offensive mandate against the insurgents.

Tanzania, along with Malawi and South Africa, committed troops to the mission – reviving concerns that Tanzania aligned more with Southern than East Africa on regional matters. However, the country has stressed its commitment to both SADC and the EAC efforts in the DRC.

Tanzania has long been a pivotal actor in resolving conflicts in the Great Lakes region. It facilitated the Rwandan peace talks, which led to the Arusha Accords that preceded the 1994 genocide. It played a similar role in the Burundi peace process during the 2000s, contributing significantly to another set of agreements (also called the Arusha Accords).

Tanzania was also a leading supporter of Southern African nations during their liberation struggles, serving as a sanctuary and strategic base for key figures in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Angola and South Africa’s independence movements. Tanzania provided them with logistical support and moral backing, highlighting the country’s dedication to the cause of African unity.

However, despite these notable efforts, the perception that Tanzania gravitates more towards the south has grown. Can the country reconcile this view with its role in East Africa’s peace efforts? And can it use its membership of both SADC and the EAC to mediate their different approaches?

While both blocs seek to stabilise east DRC, SADC targets inter-state issues between the DRC and Rwanda, whereas the EAC’s Nairobi Process focuses on the broader conflict involving various armed groups. Although the approaches are complementary, regional organisations need to work together on a long-term solution to the conflict.

In August, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan was appointed Chair of the SADC Troika on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. This position could enhance the country’s role in regional stability, creating a bridge between East and Southern African approaches in east DRC.

In July, Tanzania hosted a retreat of East African Community and foreign affairs ministers in Zanzibar to discuss regional integration and security, including the east DRC crisis. The meeting concluded that a political settlement was the most viable path to lasting peace and security in the region. It recommended convening an EAC heads of state summit to reinvigorate the Nairobi Process, working in tandem with the Luanda Process.

The Luanda Process – led by Angolan President João Lourenço on behalf of the African Union – recently held inter-ministerial dialogues between Rwanda and the DRC. Despite brokering several ceasefires and agreements, the initiative faces significant hurdles, and fighting between M23 and the Congolese army continues. While the Luanda Process works through bilateral mechanisms, a revitalised Nairobi Process could involve more countries.

Tanzania’s decision not to contribute troops to the EACRF was strategic. Foreign ministry officials told ISS Today that a diplomatic fallout with Rwanda in 2013 over proposed negotiations with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) – a Hutu rebel group active in east DRC – informed its decision to remain neutral as DRC-Rwanda tensions grew.

This stance served Tanzania well, improving relations with Rwanda and safeguarding its broader geostrategic interests in the region. After entering the EAC in 2002, the DRC overtook Kenya and Uganda to become Tanzania’s leading export market.

Although SAMIDRC is struggling to show results in east DRC, its three troop-contributing countries were instrumental in the 2013 United Nations Force Intervention Brigade, which helped restore stability by defeating M23. Despite SAMIDRC’s chronic personnel, equipment and funding shortages, Tanzania remains committed to the mission and the importance of regional coalitions in addressing the crisis.

Tanzania’s decision to participate in the SADC mission reflects historical and geopolitical considerations. While acknowledging its long-standing ties and responsibilities within SADC, it’s also mindful of its EAC membership, navigating between its commitments in these two regions.

This dual involvement positions Tanzania as a bridge to harmonise the strategic interests of both EAC and SADC. And the EAC ministerial retreat in July underscored the country’s dedication to fostering this role.

Nicodemus Minde, Researcher, East Africa Peace and Security Governance, ISS Nairobi

Source: allafrica.com

Continue Reading

The act of planting trees offers more than shade and fruit. It symbolizes a deeper mission–restoring soil, preserving water, and, for these students, living in Tanzania’s northern Rorya district, delivering a form of climate justice. The reforestation efforts are in step with Tanzania’s broader plans to fortify its agriculture and water systems against the advancing climate crisis.

MUSOMA, Tanzania, Oct 30 2024 (IPS) – At Gabimori primary school, located at Nyamagaro ward in Tanzania’s northern Rorya district, a 15-year-old Florence Sadiki kneels among polyethylene bags, carefully examining the seedlings she and her classmates have nurtured from tiny sprouts “We’ve planted many trees to make our school look better and to help fight climate change,” she says.

Sadiki is part of an inspiring grassroots movement in the east African country where students, teachers, and community members team up to fight environmental degradation through reforestation. In Rorya district, nestled on the shores of Lake Victoria, rampant deforestation driven by charcoal production has left the land barren. But the efforts of school environmental clubs, supported by the Lake Community Program (LACOP), are working to repair the damage.

The reality in Rorya is grim. Erratic rainfall and prolonged droughts have changed swathes of once-fertile land into dry savannas, a trend that has only accelerated since the initiative began in 2022. Spearheaded by the global charity World Neighbors and the Lake Community Development Foundation (LACODEFO), this initiative empowers students to plant trees and learn the entire process of growing them.

“We’re teaching students to set up their own nurseries,” says Idrisa Lema, the project officer. “It’s not enough to hand out seedlings. They need to learn the whole process–choosing drought-resistant species, improving soil with organic manure, and using techniques like mulching.” This holistic approach promotes sustainability and equips students with transferable skills that can help them for the rest of their lives.

In the past two years, the students have successfully planted 2,800 trees across five villages, a remarkable achievement that has already begun to bear fruit. Some once-dry water springs are starting to flow again. Yet challenges remain, particularly in Nyamagaro and neighboring Kyangasaga villages, where erratic rainfall and drought continue to hinder progress.

“Watering the trees is tough,” admits Alex Lwitiko, an environmental teacher at Rorya Girls’ School. “We’ve had to be strict with the students–otherwise, the trees wouldn’t survive.”

To adapt, students have switched to innovative solutions like bottle irrigation and even drilled water wells to support their young trees. “We focus on drought-resistant species and organic farming methods to give the trees the best chance,” Lwitiko says, emphasizing the program’s commitment to teaching sustainability.

Sadiki herself has learned to adapt. “I know how to graft trees and grow them in tough conditions now,” she says. “These trees are our future. They fight climate change, provide shade, and even improve soil fertility.”

In Tanzania, the impact of climate change is becoming increasingly severe. The country aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 to 35 percent by 2030, a goal outlined in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Despite its low carbon footprint–just 0.22 tons per capita compared to the global average of 7.58–Tanzania is reeling from climate-related disasters. Droughts, floods, and erratic weather patterns disrupt agriculture, drying up water sources and threatening economic stability.

For the rural poor, especially those who rely on farming–the backbone of the economy, making up 28 percent of GDP–the stakes are higher. But in places like Nyagisya and Rorya Girls Secondary Schools, students have taken up the fight. Through tree planting, they have become unlikely climate crusaders, tackling environmental degradation while improving food security and boosting local livelihoods.

The act of planting trees offers more than shade and fruit. It symbolizes a deeper mission–restoring soil, preserving water, and, for these students, delivering a form of climate justice. The reforestation efforts are in step with Tanzania’s broader plans to fortify its agriculture and water systems against the advancing climate crisis.

As these student-led initiatives flourish, they mirror Tanzania’s urgent call for global support. With limited resources, the country is striving to fulfill its commitments yet it recognizes that the battle against climate change is a collective endeavor that requires unity on a global scale.

Despite the promising efforts in Tanzania, significant challenges remain. One of the main hurdles is the unpredictability of funding. Tree-planting initiatives and climate adaptation programs require sustained financial support, but resources are often limited, local analysts say.

Without consistent funding, scaling up projects and maintaining long-term impact becomes difficult.

While students have embraced environmental stewardship, not all local households are on board. In some areas, livestock continues to graze on young saplings, undoing the hard work of reforestation. Additionally, cultural and economic pressures, such as the reliance on charcoal for income and firewood for cooking, contribute to ongoing deforestation, making conservation efforts harder.

Erratic rainfall and worsening drought conditions present another barrier. Water scarcity makes it harder to nurture newly planted trees, despite innovative solutions. These conditions also strain local agriculture, which many families depend on, increasing the urgency of balancing conservation with survival needs.

While Tanzania has ambitious climate goals, the gap between policy and practical implementation remains wide, particularly in rural areas where the effects of climate change are felt most acutely.

At Gabimori Primary School, students have embraced their role as environmental stewards. “They’ve seen how conservation affects their daily lives,” says teacher Witinga Mattambo. “They now understand the link between the trees and the food they eat.”

The impact is vivid for students like Sadiki. “I never realized trees were this important,” she says. “They bring rain and improve our environment.”

For Lema, this is only the beginning. By fostering leadership skills and engaging the broader community, the program is building a new generation of Tanzanians dedicated to environmental protection. “We’ve even seen parents get involved,” Lwitiko says. “They’re starting to plant trees in their own yards.”

Still, the program faces hurdles. Some households allow their livestock to graze on young saplings, undoing the hard work of the students. “It’s frustrating,” admits Lwitiko, “but we’re making progress, step by step.”

Lema has ambitious plans to expand the initiative.

“We’re training students to pass on their knowledge,” he says. “As they move on, they’ll teach younger students, and we’ll spread this effort to other schools.” But scaling the program will require more funding.

“We’re working on securing more resources and partnering with local governments to enforce tree-planting bylaws,” Lema explains. There are also plans to set up household tree nurseries, allowing families to earn extra income while contributing to conservation.

For Sadiki, the program’s impact is lasting.

“We have the duty to plant trees and protect our environment. It’s something we’ll carry with us for the rest of our lives.”

IPS UN Bureau Report

Follow @IPSNewsUNBureau

Source: allafrica.com

Continue Reading

THE Bank of Tanzania (BoT) has advised citizens to refrain from taking loans solely to address short-term financial challenges, warning that such practices can lead to unsustainable debt burdens.

This comes amid growing concerns about the rise of personal borrowing, especially from digital lenders, which often leaves borrowers struggling with high-interest rates and unfavourable repayment terms.

The Bank of Tanzania (BoT) Senior Official, Mr Deogratias Mnyamani, said that many people take loans to meet immediate needs without fully understanding loan terms.

“There is still a major gap in financial literacy, with many Tanzanians borrowing to address short-term challenges but not considering all loan conditions.

“Many of them are simply borrowing to solve a problem at hand, but their repayment relies on faith and hope,” Mr Mnyamani said yesterday in an interview.

BoT’s latest monthly economic review shows that in August personal loans–primarily credit extended for small and medium enterprises (SMEs)–remained the largest component of credit to the private sector, at 36.4 per cent, followed by trade, at 12.8 per cent and agriculture, at 11.8 per cent. The total private sector loan portfolio was over 34tri/-.

He added that before borrowing, one should ensure they are satisfied with the terms and conditions to assess whether they can repay, rather than borrowing simply because they are in need.

Financial literacy, especially money borrowing, remains a challenge for many citizens. Therefore, the central bank has committed to continuing its efforts to provide financial education to increase public awareness.

In response to these challenges, BoT said it is on a verge of launching a national financial education campaign to help raise awareness about responsible borrowing.

“We believe this campaign will have a bigger impact in creating awareness to the public to enable them have informed decisions when it comes to borrowing,” he said.

Through increased financial literacy and tighter regulation of lenders, BoT aims to ensure borrowers are protected from predatory practices while promoting sustainable financial management among Tanzanians.

Last month, the central bank issued a new guidance note on digital lenders under tier 2 microfinance service providers, aimed at strengthening the supervision of digital lending operations in the country.

The regulator issued the guidance because digital lending grows in popularity, the need for a robust regulatory framework has become increasingly apparent.

“This aims to ensure compliance with financial consumer protection regulations, which include transparency, pricing, debt collection practices, protection of personal data and customer privacy,” the statement shows.

The commitment underscores the importance of safeguarding consumer interests in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.

Source: allafrica.com

Continue Reading

OVER 500 participants are expected to attend the investment dialogue forum in Dar es Salaam scheduled for tomorrow.

The forum will focus on informing foreign investors about the latest regulatory and tax reforms adopted by the government to facilitate investments in the country.

Briefing the media on Monday, the Director of Investment Promotion at the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC), Mr. John Mnali said; “Through the dialogue forum, we aim to inform foreign investors on the various investment reforms, including tax incentives, that have been implemented by the government across all economic sectors.”

He added that the meeting will serve as a platform for investors to voice their challenges and receive tangible solutions and clarification from the TIC, in collaboration with other government agencies under the TIC’s one stop facilitation Centre, including the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) and the Business Registration and Licensing Agency (BRELA).

“The meeting will significantly connect foreign investors with TIC experts and representatives from the One Stop Facilitation Centre’s founding agencies, who have been invited for discussions and consultations aimed at enhancing investment,” he said.

The forum is co-organised by TIC and the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA).

ALSO READ: TIC, TRA team up to enhance investment

TRA’s Manager for Taxpayers Education, Mr. Paul Walalaze said the revenue authority will use the forum to update investors on recent tax reforms and payment systems.

“It is essential for investors to understand all tax incentive reforms being implemented by the government during the ongoing Financial Year 2024/2025,” Mr. Walalaze explained.

He explained that investments are vital source of revenue for the TRA, which is subsequently used to fund various development projects.

He commended the government, under President Samia Suluhu Hassan for making significant investment reforms, including the adoption of the new Investment Act, 2022.

“It is very important to note that since becoming operational, this act has attracted a notable influx of Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) and Domestic Investments (DIs),” he said.

Reports from TIC indicate that in the last Financial Year 2023/2024, a total of 707 projects were registered in the country, worth 7 billion US dollars (approximately 19tri/-), compared to 369 projects valued at 5.4 billion US dollars (14tri/-) recorded in the 2022/2023 Financial Year–representing a 91 per cent increase in investments. Approximately 43 per cent of all recorded projects were Foreign Direct Investm

Source: allafrica.com

Continue Reading