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Analysts are optimistic that Tanzania stands to gain significantly from its relationship with China following the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, recently.

However, they emphasise the need for the country to enhance its production of value-added products and develop a skilled workforce to meet market demands.

According to experts, a skilled local workforce is crucial for managing major development projects, such as the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA), in collaboration with Chinese experts.

Their comments come in the wake of FOCAC, where President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the renovation of TAZARA, aimed at accelerating trade and regional integration.

Significantly, President Xi pledged over 50 billion US dollars (about 136tri/-) in aid and loans to support Africa’s modernisation efforts, including infrastructure and agricultural upgrades over the next three years. This commitment is in addition to China’s zero-tariff policy designed to boost trade volume with the continent.

During her week-long visit to Beijing, President Samia met with leading Chinese tech companies, including the China Academy of Space Corporation (CASC), China Electronics Corporation, Transsion Group, Weihua Group, China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) and Acme Consultant Engineers PTE Limited and invited them to invest in Tanzania.

Economic Diplomacy Expert Professor Kitojo Wetengere of the University of Arusha believes Tanzania can leverage China’s 1.4 billion population by exporting value-added products such as coffee and avocados.

He argues that exporting value-added crops will enable local producers to earn higher profits and create job opportunities at home, compared to trading raw goods, which are less profitable.

“We need the Chinese market, but to serve it effectively, we must produce enough value-added products,” Prof Wetengere said.

He praised the government’s commitment to attracting Chinese investment and urged for the introduction of relevant technologies in areas like irrigation and solar power. He also called for contracts with Chinese firms to adhere to a win-win principle.

International Relations Analyst Mr Medard Wilfred, who also serves as the Public Relations and Marketing Officer at the Saint Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), commended President Samia for securing the infrastructure deal with China for TAZARA’s renovation.

He noted that the upgraded railway would enhance trade between Tanzania and Zambia and stimulate operations at the Dar es Salaam Port, benefiting both short-term and long-term regional trade.

Mr Wilfred urged the Ministry of State, Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disabilities) to collaborate with universities to create a database of the Tanzanian workforce and their specific skills, such as software development, to assist Chinese tech investors in finding local employees.

He anticipates an increase in Foreign Direct Investment (FDIs) from China, particularly in the manufacturing sector, due to the promotion efforts by President Samia.

Economist Professor Humphrey Moshi, the Founding Director of the Centre for Chinese Studies at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), highlighted the importance of modernising Tanzania’s agriculture from rain-fed to irrigated farming with China’s support.

He noted that Tanzania, with its abundant water bodies, could easily transition to irrigation if assisted by China’s technology. He emphasised that agricultural modernisation will boost industrialisation and food security, and he advocated for the industrial sector’s contribution to GDP to reach at least 25 per cent from the current 8 per cent.

Professor Moshi expressed eagerness to see China introduce its latest railway technology to TAZARA, reflecting on the significant advancements since the railway’s initial construction in 1975.

He also proposed building the Karume-Nyerere Bridge as a new monument of friendship between Tanzania and China.

Business Expert Dr Sylvester Jotta from Mwanza told the ‘Daily News’ that the forum could significantly boost Tanzania’s exports to China by promoting agricultural modernisation and agro-value addition.

ALSO READ: FOCAC summit writes more splendid chapters of China-Africa relations

He highlighted that President Samia’s visit addressed the trade deficit and offered a chance to strategise new trade paths based on comparative advantages.

Currently, China’s exports to Tanzania exceed Tanzania’s exports to China, despite China being a leading trading partner for Tanzania.

China Exports to Tanzania was 8.09 billion US dollars during 2023, while Tanzania exports to China was 427.89 million US dollars during 2023, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade.

Economist and Investment Banker Dr Hildebrand Shayo noted that since its inception in 2000, FOCAC has been a cornerstone of Africa-China relations.

He anticipates that the forum will continue to foster mutually beneficial and sustainable cooperation in modernising agriculture, industrialisation and revitalising transport infrastructure.

Source: allafrica.com

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DODOMA — President Samia Suluhu Hassan has approved three bills into law, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa disclosed to lawmakers in Dodoma on Friday.

Adjoining the 12th Parliamentary meeting in the capital city, the Premier said the Head of State approved the Financial Bill No. 6 of 2024 and the Appropriation Bill No. 5 of 2024 into law.

“In this Parliament, members had the opportunity to discuss various bills brought before the Parliament and read them a second and third time,” the Premier noted.

Additionally, the Premier stated that in the recently concluded Parliament meeting, the law-making body received two bills which were read for the first time.

He mentioned these bills as the Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC) Bill of 2024 and the Written Laws Miscellaneous Amendments No. 3 Bill of 2024.

However, Mr Majaliwa also mentioned eight other bills that were discussed and passed by the lawmakers:

· The Law School of Tanzania Amendment Bill 2024

· The Airports Law Bill of 2024

· The Social Security Amendment Bill of 2024

· The Child Protection Laws and Civilian Amendments Bill of 2024

· The Prevention and Combating of Corruption Amendment Bill of 2024

· The Fair Competition Amendment Bill of 2024

· The Written Laws Miscellaneous Amendment Bill of 2024

· The Written Laws Miscellaneous Amendments No. 2 Bill of 2024.

“The Parliament has done a great job debating these bills and facilitating the enactment of laws that have passed through all procedures.

During the debates, we witnessed lawmakers giving opinions, offering advice, and making amendments to the proposed laws in the submitted bills,” the Prime Minister noted after outlining the bills.

Source: allafrica.com

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DODOMA: As the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) has forecasted below-average short seasonal rains “Vuli” in many parts of the country, the government has announced measures to ensure food security.

Addressing Parliament in Dodoma on Friday, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa stated that the government plans to continue providing subsidies for quality, drought-resistant seeds to local farmers as one of the measures to mitigate the challenge.

Based on TMA’s latest report, the Prime Minister also advised farmers to take all necessary precautions by planting crops that mature in a short period to minimize potential losses.

ALSO READ: TMA: Brace for another five-day heavy rains

“The National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) will continue purchasing and storing food crops so that these can be used to address food shortages in areas that may face scarcity,” he stated.

The TMA report indicates that Vuli rains will be below average in various regions, including Manyara, Geita, Simiyu, Kagera, Mwanza, Mara, northern Kigoma, Morogoro, Arusha, and Kilimanjaro. These areas are expected to experience prolonged dry spells and uneven rainfall distribution.

Source: allafrica.com

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