Tanzania: Summit of the Future – Tanzania Hypes Clean Cooking

NEW YORK: PRIME Minister Kassim Majaliwa represented President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan at the opening ceremony of the Summit of the Future as part of the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79) at the UN headquarters in New York, on Sunday.

This year’s UNGA is a crucial milestone in the global effort to accelerate progress towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with Tanzania expected to raise awareness about its clean cooking initiative among nations worldwide.

At last year’s UNGA78, Vice-President Dr Philip Mpango emphasised the importance of dialogue in resolving conflicts to foster global solidarity and accelerate the implementation of the SDGs.

He called for urgent collective efforts to combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing mitigation and adaptation measures.

Dr Mpango highlighted the alarming findings of the latest Assessment Report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, indicating that the world is off-track to meet the 1.5-degree Celsius limit established in the Paris Agreement–a legally binding international treaty adopted at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) on December 12, 2015.

The 79th UNGA comes at a pivotal moment for Tanzania, which is implementing tangible initiatives for climate restoration, including the National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy.

This ten-year plan, launched by President Samia in May, is set to cost 4.6tri/- and aims to increase clean cooking energy usage from the current 10 per cent to 80 per cent by 2034.

Notably, during COP28 in Dubai, President Dr Samia launched the Africa Women Clean Cooking Support Programme (AWCCSP), advocating for clean cooking across the continent.

She emphasised that clean cooking energy is vital for climate change mitigation and inclusive sustainable development in Africa.

At UNGA79, Prime Minister Majaliwa is expected to highlight Tanzania’s efforts in reducing carbon emissions and protecting the environment through the adoption of clean cooking practices.

ALSO READ: Tanzania pushes for Microfinance support in clean cooking initiative

He attended the opening ceremony alongside Heads of Government from approximately 193 countries and was scheduled to convey greetings from the Tanzanian government.

The summit’s agenda includes discussions on trade, energy, economic development, the environment and issues concerning youth and children, as well as the impact of climate change.

Before the opening ceremony, Mr Majaliwa met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres to discuss cooperation between Tanzania and the UN. They addressed various topics related to defence, security and socio-political development.

In a media briefing after his discussion with Guterres, Mr Majaliwa stated that they focused on improving citizens’ living standards by enhancing the availability of social services.

He also mentioned that Guterres commended Tanzania’s historical role in supporting the liberation of several African nations, particularly those in the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

“Currently, our country continues to provide security support to several SADC and EAC nations,” Mr Majaliwa noted. He expressed gratitude for Guterres’s acknowledgment of Tanzania’s contributions to peace and security on the continent.

Furthermore, Mr Majaliwa informed the UN Secretary-General about the upcoming local elections in Tanzania, scheduled for November, as well as the general election next year. He assured Guterres of the government’s commitment to ensuring that all citizens can participate in the democratic process.

In promoting regional peace, Guterres praised Tanzania’s efforts in restoring stability in Burundi, particularly its role in receiving refugees during past conflicts. He expressed satisfaction with the ongoing political stability in Burundi and encouraged the repatriation of refugees to their home country.

On the eve of UNGA79, Former Energy and Minerals Minister Professor Sospeter Muhongo, now a Member of Parliament for Musoma Rural, expressed optimism that Tanzania would advance its interests in executing the Clean Cooking Energy Strategy.

“I believe all nations will recognise Tanzania’s tireless efforts to transition to clean cooking, as this transformative strategy is aligned with the global SDGs,” Professor Muhongo told the Daily News.

International Relations Analyst Mr Medard Wilfred, based at St Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), emphasised that Tanzania’s clean cooking initiatives would attract global attention. He noted that the strategy is essential for protecting the ozone layer from the adverse effects of unclean cooking energy sources like firewood and charcoal.

Mr Wilfred added that the country’s clean cooking initiative aligns with the government’s economic diplomacy, which is crucial for fostering bilateral partnerships with other nations to invest in renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. The transition to clean cooking energy involves replacing unclean sources like firewood and charcoal with eco-friendly alternatives such as gas and electricity.

Source: allafrica.com

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Tanzania arrests opposition leaders to thwart protest

By REUTERS

Tanzanian police arrested two opposition leaders again on Monday, their party and police said, to stop anti-government protests in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam.

The main opposition party Chadema’s chairman Freeman Mbowe was detained on the street, while his deputy Tundu Lissu was taken from his home amid plans to demonstrate against alleged killings and abductions of government critics.

Rights campaigners say President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government is targeting opponents ahead of local elections in December and a national vote in 2025.

Police said 14 people were arrested including Mbowe and Lissu for defying a prohibition on the protests.

There was no immediate comment from Hassan’s government, though it has previously said it defends democracy and does not tolerate brutality.

Chadema said on social media platform X that Mbowe was arrested in the Magomeni area of the city when he arrived to lead a peaceful protest. A convoy of 11 vehicles picked up Lissu and left without saying where he was going, it added.

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The pair were also briefly arrested, along with hundreds of supporters, last month.

Lissu survived being shot 16 times during an assassination attempt in 2016.

Earlier this month another senior Chema member was abducted from a bus, his body later found with signs he had been beaten and had acid poured on his face.

Read: Ally Kibao, abducted Tanzanian opposition leader found dead

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Tanzania: What to Learn From Tz’s Commitment to Environmental Protection, Climate Action

Mwanza — TANZANIA’S readiness to collaborate with other nations on environmental protection signals hope for global efforts to combat climate change and its social and economic impacts.

Recently, Tanzania participated in an international conference in Kigali, Rwanda, focused on environmental justice, which gathered judges and magistrates from the Commonwealth. This underscores Tanzania’s dedication to addressing global environmental challenges.

The conference, themed “Environmental Rights,” was organised by the Commonwealth in partnership with the Rwandan judiciary.

Participants discussed legal frameworks and institutional approaches to enhance environmental justice and the role of courts in safeguarding these rights.

The event fostered the exchange of experiences and the establishment of lasting professional relationships.

Dr Philip Mpango, Vice President of Tanzania, opened the 24th forum and the 35th meeting of the Permanent Financial Committee of the United Nations Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

He emphasised the importance of equity in climate change discussions and highlighted Tanzania’s ongoing efforts to integrate gender considerations into climate policies.

The conference, attended by over 200 delegates from 80 countries, focused on “Accelerating Climate Action through Gender-Based Financing.” It examined how gender-sensitive funds can be utilised to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in addressing loss and damage caused by climate change.

Tanzania has actively encouraged the inclusion of gender issues in its policies, ensuring equal access to economic opportunities for both women and men. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, along with Tanzania Forest Services (TFS), participated in discussions about regional collaboration to combat climate change effects, particularly in the Congo Basin.

The Congo Basin Climate Commission (CBCC), which includes several member countries, aims to strengthen cooperative strategies for environmental protection. Dr Pindi Chana, Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, stated that this collaboration is vital for conserving biodiversity and natural resources.

The meeting also highlighted the role of the Congo Basin Blue Fund and the Development Bank of Central African States (BDEAC) in implementing international environmental agreements. Member countries are encouraged to submit projects to ensure effective environmental protection.

Dr Chana noted that as the global population grows, it’s increasingly important for countries to unite and share experiences in international climate discussions. The commission plans to enhance tourism and climate action through various partnerships, including collaborations with NGOs.

Prof Dos Santos Silayo, TFS Conservation Commissioner, emphasised Tanzania’s strategic role in the commission, advocating for cooperation to strengthen forest and wildlife resource sustainability.

Tanzania has also taken significant measures to address ozone layer depletion, preventing 216 tons of harmful chemicals from causing further damage, in line with the Montreal Protocol. Dr Ashatu Kijaji, Minister of State for the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment), highlighted ongoing efforts to eliminate these chemicals by 2030.

The impacts of climate change in Tanzania include ozone layer deterioration, which leads to health issues like skin cancer and cataracts, as well as agricultural challenges. Recent El Niño rains have caused severe infrastructure damage, prompting government investment of over 830 billion shillings for repairs.

Tanzania faces challenges such as fatalities from heavy rains and drought-induced famine, underscoring the need for collective action. The national slogan, “Unity is Power,” calls on all Tanzanians and global citizens to engage in efforts to protect our planet from ongoing environmental damage.

Source: allafrica.com

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Tanzania: TBS to Develops AI Standards Amid Expert Concerns

DAR ES SALAAM: The Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) is taking proactive steps to develop standards aimed at addressing safety and security concerns related to Artificial Intelligence (AI), even though a tech expert warns that it is beyond control.

Despite these efforts, a tech expert has cautioned that the challenges associated with AI may be beyond full control and emphasised the need for awareness on responsible usage.

TBS Engineer Mohamed Kaila, speaking on behalf of his engineering colleagues after the Engineers’ Day, recently, said that AI represents the future of global technological advancement.

“This year’s celebration is unique as we are highlighting our preparations to ensure the quality of all items used in engineering projects, including those not traditionally associated with engineering,” said Eng Kaila.

This year’s Engineers’ Day theme was centred around AI and TBS engineers have proactively begun developing standards to manage the associated safety and security concerns.

He reaffirmed the bureau’s commitment to ensuring consumer safety by developing robust standards.

ALSO READ: TBS: Elevating standards for global competitiveness

Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology’s (DIT), Department of Computer Studies Lecturer, Dr Joseph Nyansiro told Daily News yesterday that around the world, governments and standards organisations are recognising the need to establish regulatory frameworks for the ethical use and safety of AI.

“Currently,” Dr Nyansiro said, “Tanzania faces certain limitations in the AI space.

“[Since] AI systems are built on complex mathematical models and algorithms, and it is inherently challenging to create a one-size-fits-all standard that can address the wide range of industries and applications where AI is used”.

Additionally, Dr Nyansiro, and IT expert said, the country lacks the specialised laboratories and technical expertise needed to develop these complex AI technologies.

“At present, we are primarily consumers of AI solutions, most of which originate from other countries,” the IT expert said.

However, he said, TBS is trying to take a significant step that aligns with a growing global trend.

Though the development of the country’s comprehensive standards and regulations specific to AI creation and deployment may not be feasible in the near term.

He suggested twofold most practical approach for TBS and Tanzania as a whole as first, the country should focus on drafting guidelines that promote the ethical use of AI technologies within its borders.

And, second, the country could collaborate with global AI regulatory bodies, such as the International Organisation for Standardization (ISO) or the European Union, to ensure that international standards account for the country’s unique social and economic context.

“By adopting and customising these global frameworks, Tanzania can better safeguard its interests while remaining aligned with international best practices,” Dr Nyansiro advised.

Dr Nyansiro called up innovation regulatory bodies including TBS and others tech stakeholders to focus on the consumers’ side by ensuring that people use the AI ethically without damaging human dignity.

In this context, he advocated for a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about the responsible use of AI, rather than solely focusing on regulating innovations that are entirely foreign-based.

The ongoing development of AI standards is part of TBS’s broader commitment to advancing technology while safeguarding public interests.

By addressing emerging challenges and fostering collaboration, TBS aims to support the safe and effective integration of AI technologies into various sectors.

Overall, AI safety and security standards are essential for balancing innovation with ethical considerations and risk management, ensuring that AI technologies benefit society while minimising potential harms.

Source: allafrica.com

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Tanzania: USA Commends Tanzania for Leveraging ICT to Drive Development

DAR ES SALAAM — The United States Ambassador to Tanzania, Dr Michael Battle, has praised the country for capitalising on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to promote social and economic development.

Speaking at a gala organised in Dar es Salaam to announce the top three winners of the US-Tanzania Tech Challenge on Thursday night, the diplomat emphasised the importance of ICT, stating that “everything is online.”

The envoy encouraged the winners to leverage their ICT skills and use digital platforms to inform the public about available online resources for the betterment of the country.

“This is the possibility in front of you, a dream I challenge you to pursue. Don’t settle for small dreams. If you have small dreams, find someone with big dreams to motivate you, and together you can change the world. Aim to transform the world; you have the power to make that change,” he said.

On his part, Innovation and Technology Manager Dr. Gerald Kafuku noted that the government is increasingly investing in this sector to support ICT innovators and unlock economic opportunities.

He highlighted that the Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) is collaborating with development partners to support young innovators, with the goal of driving positive changes across various sectors.

Over 100 participants showcased their innovative ICT projects in the Tech Challenge, with eight advancing to the finals.

Jamii Forums emerged as the winner, receiving $100,000, while Smart Foundry came in second with $80,000, and LaunchPad Tanzania took third place, walking away with $70,000.

Source: allafrica.com

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Help! I have a Sh50,000 job, don’t pay rent and have nothing to show for it

I have not paid rent since August 2021, and I have nothing to show for it. I live alone in my sister’s house. Work opportunities have been rare and sometimes I go more than two months without work.

In March, I got a short-term contract that paid Sh35,000. I worked for two months. I got another job in June that paid Sh34,000 for one month. In July, I didn’t have a job. In August, I got a job that paid me Sh50,000. Out of the Sh50,000, I would receive a daily allowance of Sh1,000.

After one month, I had received a total of Sh25,000 daily allowance. I managed to save Sh5,300 from the Sh1,000 daily allowance. We travel a lot and out of the Sh1,000 per day, I take around Sh500 to get a decent lodge without bedbugs, then about Sh200 for food. The rest is for airtime and family. As I didn’t start work on August 1, the salary was slashed by five days. I have a debt. I repay Sh2,200 and I send my parents Sh2,000.

My sister is moving in this November so I will soon start paying rent. I have been using the 50/30/20 model to save and have managed to keep Sh62,000 in an MMF (money market fund). I was using a different MMF as my emergency fund, but I have now depleted that account.

I always keep track of my money, but I don’t see where I wasted it. I have a daughter in Grade Three and paying for her school fees is a challenge. How can I invest my Sh60,000 savings? I am looking for short-term returns of at least three months that I can use for growth. We are on a two-week break, and I don’t know how long my current job will run. I might not even be recalled.

Dominic Karanja, a financial and investments consultant

You need to determine why you are struggling to manage your finances despite having a job and trying to save. You can apply the ‘5 Whys’ technique to dig deeper into the root cause of your financial challenges.

The technique focuses on asking why a problem is occurring and then repeating “why?” four more times until you find the root cause.

From my analysis, it seems that the root cause of your financial challenges is a lack of stable, long-term employment, which could be partly due to gaps in skills or qualifications.

Addressing this root cause could involve investing in skills development or education that aligns with stable job opportunities.

It is commendable that you have identified your challenges, which include unstable income, high cost of living, debt and limited savings.

Your income has been inconsistent, with periods of unemployment and low-paying jobs.

Your daily expenses for accommodation, food, and transport are significant and consume a large portion of your income. You have existing debts and school fees to take care of.

Your savings have been depleted, and you’re struggling to build up an emergency fund.

Although you have not provided a breakdown of all your expenses, such as the amount of your child’s school fees, I would urge you to carefully track all your expenses to identify areas where you can cut back.

Consult a financial advisor to discuss debt management strategies, such as debt consolidation or repayment plans. The financial advisor can also provide personalised guidance on budgeting and saving.

Even in tough times, try to build up an emergency fund. Be cautious about borrowing additional debt unless it’s for essential needs.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family or professionals for help and advice. Assisting your parents is a good idea but you need to do it within your means. Have a candid discussion with all your dependents so that they can understand your precarious financial situation.

Consider having additional income streams to supplement your income. Explore opportunities like selling items online or providing services that match your skills.

There are various investment options that you can utilise to invest the amount of money that you are holding now. However, it’s important to consider your risk profile and the timeframe of your investment. It is good that you already have some experience with money market funds (MMFs).

The MMF ensures a return on your investment while protecting your capital. You can also grow your portfolio by making regular contributions, and the funds are readily available if you need to make a withdrawal.

By saving the Sh60,000 in an MMF at a 14 percent per annum rate, net of tax and management fees, you will have at least Sh69,000 within one year. Given your need for short-term returns and safety, the MMF might be the most suitable option for you to invest the funds.

A fixed deposit account is also an option as it can offer a safe and guaranteed return on your savings, although the returns are low.

Treasury bills and bonds and commercial papers are other investment options you can consider in the short to medium term.

You need a minimum of Sh100,000 and Sh50,000 to invest in Treasury bills and Treasury bonds respectively. However, for the infrastructure bond you require a minimum of Sh100,000.

You can invest in a 91-day Treasury bill, which is safe and typically offers higher returns than MMFs, but you will need to increase the amount you have so that you can meet the minimum amount threshold.

The average interest rate of the latest 91-day Treasury bill was 15.7502 percent and the latest infrastructure bond tap sale issue had a coupon rate of 14.3990 percent.

If you are a risk taker and don’t mind holding your money in long-term investment, you can consider investing in stocks.

If you’re open to entrepreneurship, you could consider a small-scale venture that doesn’t require a huge upfront cost but can turn profits within three months.

You need to consider joining a Sacco because they offer savings, loans, and investment products. I would encourage you to always remember to capitalise your Sacco dividends to deposits to help increase your borrowing power and earning of high dividends in the subsequent years.

Saccos are a good source of development loans because they can advance you a loan amount that is three time your savings.

However, your income sources need to be enough to afford the monthly loan instalments.

If you have any money problems, send us an email at [email protected] and leave your number for contact. Money questions will be answered on this column

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