Raia wa Comoro kutibiwa Hospitali ya Benjemani Mkapa

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In: Swahili News

Dar es Salaam. Raia wa Visiwa vya Comoro sasa watatibiwa Tanzania kwa huduma za afya walizokuwa wakizifuata Bara la Ulaya na Mashariki ya mbali.

Hayo yamesemwa leo Jumanne, Septemba 3, 2024 na Spika wa Bunge la Comoro, Moustadroine Abdou wakati akizungumza na vyombo vya habari baada ya kutembelea Hospitali ya Benjamin Mkapa (BMH), jijini Dodoma.

“Huduma tulizokuwa tunazifuata Ulaya na Asia kama upandikizaji wa figo kumbe tunaweza kuzipata hapa Tanzania,” amesema Abdou.

Spika huyo wa Visiwa vya Comoro ametembelea idara za magonjwa ya moyo, huduma ya upandikizaji uloto (tiba ya sikoseli), idara ya radiolojia inayotoa huduma za vipimo mbalimbali ikiwamo MRI, kliniki maalumu ya viongozi na wodi ya Rais katika Hospitali ya Benjamin Mkapa.

Kwa upande wake, Naibu Waziri wa Afya, Dk Godwin Mollel amesema ziara hiyo imempa fursa spika huyo kushuhudia mageuzi yaliyofanywa katika sekta ya afya.

“Pia, mradi wa Kituo cha Nuclear Medicine cha Benjamin Mkapa umefikia asilimia 50. Kituo hiki kitakuwa ni Kituo cha Umahiri wa Matibabu ya Saratani katika Afrika. Tutashirikiana na Chuo Kikuu cha Harvard cha Marekani,” amesema Dk Mollel.

Kaimu Mkurugenzi Mtendaji wa BMH, Dk Kessy Shija amesema BMH inahudumia takribani wananchi milioni 14 katika kanda ya kati na mikoa ya jirani.

“BMH tunatoa huduma za afya za ubingwa wa kati na ubingwa wa juu kama upandikizaji wa figo na upandikizaji uloto ambayo ni tiba ya sikoseli,” amesema Dk Shija kwa niaba ya Mkurugenzi Mtendaji Profesa Abel Makubi.

Dk Shija amesema katika ushirikiano huo wa BMH na Visiwa vya Comoro, Hospitali ya Benjamin Mkapa itafanya huduma mkoba (medical outreach) katika visiwa hivyo vilivyopo Kusini Mashariki ya Afrika.

“Ushirikiano pia utahusisha mafunzo kwa wataalamu kutoka Comoro kuja kufanya mafunzo ya vitendo hapa BMH,” amesema Dk Shija.Continue Reading

Tanzania: General Mkunda – Major Investments Strengthen Tpdf

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In: Tanzania Foreign Investment News

Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Jacob Mkunda, emphasised the government’s substantial investments that have significantly boosted the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF), marking a pivotal point in the army’s 60-year journey.

Speaking at a grand event at Uhuru Stadium, where TPDF celebrated its six decades of service, General Mkunda highlighted the role of successive governments, particularly under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, in enhancing military capacity.

The anniversary event showcased the evolution of the TPDF, featuring stateof-the-art equipment and military demonstrations that reflected the transformative impact of these investments on the nation’s defense capabilities.

General Mkunda acknowledged the importance of government support, citing crucial resources that have enabled the military to safeguard national borders effectively.

Equally, General Mkunda praised the leadership of President Samia and her predecessors, stating, “Various equipment utilised by TPDF, some showcased and others yet to be revealed, have been procured through the efforts of successive leaderships, including the sixth phase government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan.”

He expressed deep gratitude to Tanzanians for their unwavering support over the past six decades, noting their patriotism as a driving force behind the military’s dedication.

“When we remember that we have Tanzanians backing us, our morale to perform our duties increases exponentially,” he added.

The event featured an exhibition of TPDF’s diverse arsenal, including armored vehicles and helicopters. Attendees were treated to demonstrations of TPDF’s strategic capabilities, such as the use of dogs in crime fighting and advanced commando tactics.

To commemorate the 60th anniversary, President Samia officially launched a special book detailing the history and achievements of the TPDF, highlighting the ongoing commitment to national defense.

Again, General Mkunda assured the nation that the TPDF would continue to uphold its duties with the highest level of expertise, reaffirming the military’s commitment to protecting Tanzania’s sovereignty and security. CDF also commended military officers and soldiers for their unwavering professionalism and dedication over the decades.

General Mkunda assured the nation that the military will continue to uphold its duties with the highest level of expertise, adhering to the principles and oaths that define their service.

ALSO READ: Tremendous accomplishments

As TPDF looks back on its six-decade journey, the anniversary serves not only as a celebration of past accomplishments but also as a reaffirmation of the military’s commitment to protecting the sovereignty and security of Tanzania.

Source: allafrica.com

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East Africa: Tanzania, Brazil Bilateral Trade Reach 203bn/-

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In: Tanzania Foreign Investment News

DAR ES SALAAM: THE bilateral trade between Tanzania and Brazil has reached 74.8 million US dollars (203.2bn/-) in a decade, reflecting a steady growth of economic ties between the two countries.

The increased trade volume is equivalent to 13 per cent increase in 12 years compared to the previous record of 66 million US dollars set in 2011.

The Ambassador of Brazil to Tanzania, Mr Gustavo Nogueira, said last Friday during the Brazil-Tanzania business seminar that despite the current figures, there is potential for further expansion of the bilateral trade.

“I’m confident that this trade mission will significantly contribute to furthering our countries’ shared goal of increasing bilateral trade and investment and ensuring mutual prosperity for our businesses and citizens.

“We believe that these countries have the opportunities to share with each other, to grow with each other, to learn from each other in a partnership among equals,” he said.

The main exports from Brazil to Tanzania are poultry meat, heavy construction vehicles and raw sugar while Tanzania exports vinyl polymers and also raw tobacco.

He said due to the Tanzania’s population of 65 million people, Brazil realises how crucial it will be for locals to promote its industrial base, to promote its manufacturing base, to create wealth in order to provide jobs and opportunities for its growing population.

He added that the country’s government efforts to improve the regional transport infrastructure of ports, roads and railways to further benefit from this geographic dividend, is vital for investment.

“These important infrastructure projects will expand trade opportunities not just to East Africa and Southern Africa, but also to Asia, the Arab world and beyond,” Amb Gustavo added.

Minister for Industry and Trade Dr Selemani Jafo said the trade between the two countries remains relatively good, but need some improvement as the trade volume among the two countries remain low.

Last year, Tanzania export to Brazil was valued at 0.1 million US dollars while Brazil’s exports to the country were valued at 64.6 million US dollars.

“These statistics indicate that there is great work to be done to explore the existing potential to increase trade volume among us,” he said.

He underscored the government’s commitment to fostering business growth and enhancing investment opportunities.

ALSO READ: How can EAC enhance intra-trade, investments

Various initiatives to improve the country’s business environment have been conducted by the government including the recent launch of the Electronic Investment Window, a new Trade Policy for 2023 and the formation of the Presidential Commission on Tax Reforms to review and advise on tax issues.

“These initiatives are designed to promote business and improve the investment climate in the country, positioning the private sector as a central player in our economic activities,” he said.

The minister added that there should be a need to expand production beyond traditional ways to the value-added products with higher profit margins and to strengthen the country’s supply chain to ensure consistent product quality and timely delivery.

Source: allafrica.com

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Rufaa ya Mbowe yatupwa siku 910 tangu afutiwe shitaka la ugaidi

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In: Swahili News

Dar es Salaam. Mahakama ya Rufani Tanzania imetupa rufaa iliyokatwa na Freeman Mbowe, ambaye pia ni Mwenyekiti wa Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema), akipinga uamuzi wa Jaji Irvin Mgetta.

Hukumu hiyo ya jopo la majaji wa Mahakama ya Rufani Tanzania, imetolewa zikiwa zimepita siku 910 tangu Mbowe na wenzake watatu wafutiwe mashitaka ya ugaidi na Mahakama Kuu Machi 4, 2022.

Hukumu hiyo imetolewa Agosti 30, 2024 na jopo la majaji Lugano Mwandambo, Issa Maige na Amour Khamis, ambao walikubaliana na uamuzi wa Jaji Mgetta wa Septemba 23, 2021 wa kutupa pingamizi la Mbowe.

Kiini cha rufaa hiyo ni kesi ya ugaidi ya mwaka 2021 ambayo Mbowe na wenzake watatu walishitakiwa kwa makosa mawili, moja la kula njema ya kutenda kosa la ugaidi, na la pili ni kutoa fedha kwa lengo la kufadhili vitendo vya ugaidi.

Hata hivyo, Machi 4, 2022, Mkurugenzi wa Mashitaka nchini (DPP), alimfutia Mbowe na wenzake Halfan Hassan, Adamu Kusekwa na Mohamed Ling’wenya, mashitaka ya uhujumu uchumi na kuwaachia huru.

Msingi wa rufaa hiyo siyo uamuzi wa Jaji Joachim Tiganga wa Mahakama Kuu Divisheni ya Makosa ya Rushwa na Uhujumu Uchumi kuifuta kesi hiyo, bali uamuzi mdogo wa Jaji Mgetta katika shauri hilo, wakati kesi ikiwa hatua za mwanzo.

Mbowe alikata rufaa dhidi ya uamuzi wa Jaji Mgetta aliyetupa pingamizi lake, moja akidai polisi hawakumfikisha mahakamani ndani ya saa 48, alipokamatwa na kushitakiwa kwa makosa ya ugaidi na wenzake watatu.

Hoja ya pili ya Mbowe ni wajibu rufaa katika rufaa hiyo ambao ni DPP, Inspekta Jenerali wa Polisi (IGP) na Mwanasheria Mkuu wa Serikali (AG), kutompatia hati ya mashitaka na fursa ya kupata wakili wa kumtetea kortini.

Pingamizi lilivyokuwa

Kwa mujibu wa kumbukumbu za Mahakama Kuu kuhusu pingamizi la Mbowe ambazo majaji wa Mahakama ya Rufani wamezirejea, Mbowe alidai Julai 21, 2021 kwa amri ya IGP alikamatwa na Polisi akiwa jijini Mwanza.

Julai 26, 2021 ikiwa ni baada ya kupita siku sita tangu alipokamatwa alifikishwa katika Mahakama ya Hakimu Mkazi Kisutu jijini Dar es Salaam kwa makosa mawili ambayo ni kula njama ya kutenda kosa la ugaidi na kufadhili vitendo vya ugaidi.

Akishuku haki zake za msingi zimekiukwa, Mbowe aliwasilisha maombi Mahakama Kuu akiegemea ibara ya 30(3) na (4) ya Katiba ya Tanzania akitaka Mahakama itamke DPP, IGP na Mahakama ya Hakimu Mkazi walikiuka haki zake za msingi.

Katika hoja ya kwanza, Mbowe aliwashutumu DPP na IGP kwa kushindwa kumfikisha kortini ndani ya saa 48 na kwamba, licha ya kukamatwa Julai 21, 2021, wajibu rufaa walimfikisha kortini Julai 26, 2021 ambayo ni siku sita.

Kutokana na kitendo hicho, mrufani (Mbowe) anadai akiwa mahabusu, wajibu rufaa walimtendea vitendo visivyo vya kibinadamu na kufikia hatua ya kulazwa kwenye sakafu ya zege na kutolewa maneno au kauli za unyanyasaji.

Katika hoja ya pili, Mbowe alilaumu Mahakama ya Hakimu Mkazi kwa kukiuka vifungu vya 29(2) na (3) vya Sheria ya Uhujumu Uchumi na kifungu cha 131 cha Sheria ya Mwenendo wa Makosa ya Jinai (CPA) kama kilivyofanyiwa marejeo 2019.

Alijenga msingi wa pingamizi hilo kuwa wajibu rufaa hawakumpa nakala ya hati ya mashitaka na hakupata uwakilishi wa wakili alipofikishwa mahakamani mbele ya Mahakama ya Hakimu Mkazi Kisutu.

Katika kiapo cha majibu, wajibu rufaa walikana kukiuka haki za msingi za mrufani na wakaenda mbali zaidi na kuwasilisha notisi ya pingamizi la awali wakihoji uhalali wa maombi, wakisema kesi ya msingi ilikuwa kortini.

Jaji Mgetta aliyesikiliza pingamizi hilo, alikubaliana na wajibu rufaa akisema wakati huo kulikuwa na mwenendo wa shauri la jinai mahakamani, Mbowe akishitakiwa kwa makosa ambayo ndiyo kiini cha amri ambazo anaziomba.

“Nina mtazamo kuwa muombaji angeweza kutumia fursa ya kuibua madai hayo huko (Mahakama ya Hakimu Mkazi Kisutu),” alisema.

Jaji Mgetta alisema Mbowe anafanya mahakama iingilie mchakato wa kesi ya jinai inayoendelea.

“Kwa hiyo katika mazingira hayo, nimeridhika kuwa Mahakama hii haina mamlaka ya kushughulikia madai yaliyowasilishwa na muombaji (Mbowe) ambaye angeweza kuwasilisha madai yake katika Mahakama inayosikiliza (Kisutu)”

Kutokana na hoja hizo, Jaji Mgetta alitupa pingamizi la Mbowe ambaye hakuridhika akaamua kukata rufaa Mahakama ya Rufani, akiiomba ibatilishe na kufuta amri ya Jaji Mgetta na kuiamuru Mahakama Kuu isikilize pingamizi.

Wakili Kibatala, wanasheria

Wakati shauri la rufaa lilipoitwa mbele ya jopo la majaji watatu kwa ajili ya kusikilizwa, Mbowe aliwakilishwa na wakili Peter Kibatala, wajibu maombi wakiwakilishwa na mawakili wa Serikali, Daniel Nyakiha na Getrude Songo.

Katika hoja zake, Kibatala alieleza kwa kuwa nafuu inayoombwa na mteja wake inahusu Katiba, isingewezekana ishughulikiwe na Mahakama ya Hakimu Mkazi Kisutu ambayo mamlaka yake ni kuangalia hatia ya mshitakiwa.

Wakili Kibatala alisisitiza kuwa, mamlaka ya kusikiliza suala la kikatiba limewekwa pekee kwa Mahakama Kuu ambayo itakaa kwa madhumuni hayo na ni jambo lisilowezekana kwa suala la kikatiba kushughulikiwa na mahakama ya jinai.

Akijibu hoja hiyo, wakili Nyakiha alisema kwa kuwa malalamiko ya mrufani katika Mahakama Kuu ni kuhusiana na madai ya ukiukwaji wa taratibu katika utoaji haki, basi lingepaswa kushughulikiwa kwa mapitio ya mahakama.

Wakili Kibatala katika hoja ya kujazilia alisema nafuu inayoombwa na mteja wake kwa uasili wake, haiwezi kushughulikiwa kwa njia ya mapitio ya mahakama na kwamba, hoja mbele yao ni ya kikatiba ya matendo ya DPP na IGP.

Hukumu ya majaji

Kwa kuanzia, majaji waliosikiliza rufaa hiyo walianza kwa kuelezea Ibara ya 30(3) ya Katiba ambayo inatoa haki kwa mtu yeyote anayedai kifungu chochote cha ibara ya 13 hadi 29 ya Katiba imevunjwa, atawasilisha maombi Mahakama Kuu.

Wakirejea kesi ya mchungaji Christopher Mtikila dhidi ya AG, walisema nafuu inaweza kutolewa katika shauri linalohusu haki za msingi na wajibu upo katika Ibara ya 30(4(5) ya Katiba ambayo imefafanuliwa katika kifungu cha 31(1) cha Sheria ya Haki za Msingi na utekelezaji wa wajibu au kwa kifupi Bradea.

Kifungu hicho kinaeleza wakati wa kufanya maamuzi ya shauri lolote na kama Mahakama Kuu inafikia hitimisho haki za msingi, uhuru na wajibu ulizuiwa kinyume cha sheria, ina mamlaka ya kutoa amri yoyote ili kulinda haki hizo.

Hata hivyo, majaji walisema kifungu cha 8(2) cha Bradea, kinaeleza maombi kuhusu kukiukwa kwa Ibara ya Katiba chini ya sehemu ya II haiwezi kusimama pale mtu huyo anapokuwa na fursa ya kushughulikia ukiukwaji huo wa Katiba.

Majaji walisema, ieleweke kwamba madai ya mrufani yanahusiana na kukiukwa kwa taratibu za sheria ya uhujumu uchumi na CPA ambayo yanataka kulindwa kwa haki za msingi ambazo zimetamkwa na ibara ya 13 ya Katiba.

Kwa mtizamo wa majaji na kwa lengo la kupima jukwaa sahihi la kushughulikia hoja hizo, ni vyema kutofautisha kati ya matendo ambayo ni batili kisheria na yale ambayo yanahusu ukiukwaji wa Katiba ya Tanzania moja kwa moja.

“Tunasema hivyo kwa sababu katika nchi kama ya kwetu ambayo inaongozwa kwa utawala wa sheria na Katiba, kitendo chochote cha vyombo vya Serikali lazima kiwe na msingi katika Katiba,” inaeleza hukumu ya majaji hao na kuongeza:

“Ikiwa hii inachukuliwa halisi, inaweza kumaanisha kuwa kila ukiukwaji wa sheria unasababisha mapitio ya katiba ili kuchukua hatua na hii itafanya mamlaka ya mapitio ya Katiba kuwa sawa tu na mamlaka za jumla za mahakama.”

Majaji walisema dhamira ya watunga sheria ilikuwa ni mamlaka ya mapitio ya Katiba ni mamlaka maalumu kwa ajili ya masuala ya Katiba tu na kufafanua kuwa matendo yanayolalamikiwa yanadaiwa kutokea kabla na baada ya kufikishwa kortini.

“Kwa hiyo ni wazi matendo hayo ambayo yanadaiwa kufanyika kabla ya mrufani kupelekwa mahakamani na yanaweza kuwa tayari yalimuathiri na yangeweza yasishughulikiwe na mahakama ya jinai,” wameeleza.

“Vyovyote iwavyo, kwa kuwa kinacholalamikiwa kutendeka kinakatazwa na sheria, kama kitathibitishwa, basi ni matumizi mabaya ya mamlaka kiasi kwamba yanakiuka sheria ambayo yanaweza kushughulikiwa na mapitio ya mahakama,” wameeleza majaji katika hukumu.

Kwa mujibu wa majaji hao, lengo hilo la mapitio ya kimahakama ni kusimamia watunga sheria na watawala pale wanapozidisha matumizi ya mamlaka yao yaliyoainishwa kwa mujibu wa sheria zilizotungwa na Bunge.

Walisema madai ya mrufani ni ya kunyimwa nakala ya hati ya mashitaka na kutokupewa fursa ya kutafuta wakili, madai ambayo yangeweza kushughulikiwa na sheria za kawaida hivyo Jaji Mgetta alikuwa sahihi kutupa pingamizi la Mbowe.Continue Reading

Britam half-year net profit hits Sh2bn on higher investment income

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In: Tanzania Foreign Investment News, Top News

Insurer and financial services provider Britam posted a 22.5 percent jump in net earnings for the half-year ended June 2024, to Sh2 billion, buoyed by increased investment income.

The rise in half-year net profit from Sh1.64 billion posted in a similar period last year came on the back of net investment income rising 2.5 times to Sh13.27 billion from Sh5.3 billion.

“We are confident in the growth and performance trend that Britam has achieved, supported by its subsidiaries in Kenya and the region. Our business is expanding its revenue base while effectively managing costs,” Britam Chief Executive Officer Tom Gitogo said.

“Our customer-centric approach is fueling growth in our customer base and product uptake, particularly through micro-insurance, partnerships, and digital channels.”

The investment income growth was fueled by interest and dividend income rising 34 percent to Sh9.1 billion, which the insurer attributed to growth in revenue and the gains from the realignment of the group’s investment portfolio.

Britam also booked a Sh3.79 billion gain on financial assets at a fair value, compared with a Sh1.8 billion loss posted in a similar period last year.

The increased investment income helped offset the 12.7 percent decline in net insurance service result to Sh2.13 billion in the wake of claims paid out rising at a faster pace than that of premiums received.

Britam said insurance revenue, which is money from written premiums, increased to Sh17.8 billion from Sh16.6 billion, primarily driven by growth in the Kenya insurance business and regional general insurance businesses, which contributed 30 percent of the revenue.

The group has a presence in seven countries in Africa namely Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, Mozambique, and Malawi.

Britam’s insurance service expense hit Sh13.6 billion from Sh11.3 billion, while net insurance finance expenses rose 2.6 times to Sh12.3 billion during the same period.

“Net insurance finance expenses increased mainly due to growth in interest cost for the deposit administration business driven by better investment performance. This has also been impacted by a decline in the yield curve, which has led to an increase in the insurance contract liabilities. The increase has been offset by a matching increase in fair value gain on assets,” said Britam.

Britam’s growth in profit is in line with that of other Nairobi Securities Exchange-listed insurers, which have seen a rise in profits.

Jubilee Holdings net profit in the six months increased by 22.7 percent to Sh2.5 billion on increased income from insurance, helping the insurer maintain Sh2 per share interim dividend.

CIC Insurance Group posted a 0.64 percent rise in net profit to Sh709.99 million in the same period as net earnings of Liberty Kenya nearly tripled to Sh632 million from Sh213 million, while Sanlam Kenya emerged from a loss to post a Sh282.2 million net profit.

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Tanzania: Samia Suluhu Hassan Confers Medals As TPDF Marks 60th Anniversary

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In: Tanzania Foreign Investment News

PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has awarded medals to 15 military officers and soldiers for their distinguished service during the celebration to mark the 60th anniversary of the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF).

The medals were conferred yesterday during a brief ceremony at Magogoni State House in Dar es Salaam.

Among the award recipients were General Jacob Mkunda, Lieutenant General Salum Haji Othman, Major General Amri Salim Mwami, Major General Fadhili Omari Nondo and Rear Admiral Amiri Ramadhan Hassan.

Other honorees included Major General Jackson Mwasoba, Brigadier General Achila Kagombola, Brigadier General Erick Mlewa, Colonel Kizito Mswada, Colonel Mussa Hamimu Ally, Major Laji Temba, Lieutenant Navy Silvia Lolo, Senior Officer First Class Reginard Kadimba, Corporal Judith Ndekela and Private Selemani Mngoni.

The medals symbolise recognition of the officers’ exceptional service and dedication within the TPDF.

The 60th anniversary of the TPDF not only commemorates its history but also reinforces the critical role of a strong defence force in safeguarding Tanzania’s future.

The ceremony was attended by senior military officials and distinguished guests, including former President Jakaya Kikwete, Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Mwinyi, Vice-President Dr Philip Mpango, former Zanzibar President Amani Abeid Karume, Zanzibar Second Vice-President Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, Chief Justice Professor Ibrahim Juma and Deputy Speaker Mussa Zungu.

ALSO READ: Samia orders TR to assess institutions and companies

In another ceremony on Wednesday, President Samia handed over training aircraft and transport buses to the TPDF during an event at the Military Transport Unit in Dar es Salaam as part of the ongoing anniversary celebrations.

During the conclusion of a military field exercise last Saturday in the Coast Region, President Samia pledged to continue strengthening the TPDF with highly trained personnel and modern equipment, emphasising the importance of building a professional and motivated military.

“A stronger military will be achieved through genuine commitment, dedication and a robust economy,” she was quoted as saying, urging the military to uphold discipline, loyalty, and courage as key values of the TPDF.

The President also lauded the TPDF for its exemplary service both within Tanzania and globally, praising its professionalism and discipline.

In her remarks, President Samia thanked the Chinese government for its collaboration during the recent field exercises, which included naval and land drills.

During the event held in the Coast Region, the Head of State also highlighted the Peace Ark hospital ship, which provided medical services to nearly 8,000 citizens, underscoring the importance of such partnerships in enhancing military readiness.

This joint exercise allowed the TPDF to share experiences and strategies in combating terrorism, illegal fishing, piracy, human trafficking and drug smuggling.

It marked the fourth joint exercise between Tanzania and China, following similar drills held in 2014, 2019/2020 and last September.

This year’s exercise was unique, as it involved all branches of the TPDF – air force, navy and ground forces – whereas previous drills had focused on specific units.

Source: allafrica.com

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Tanzania: U.S. Set to Extend African Railway Project Through Tanzania

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In: Tanzania Foreign Investment News

Nairobi, Kenya — The U.S. government says it is set to expand the Lobito Corridor – a railway project that runs from Angola to Zambia through the Democratic Republic of the Congo – all the way to the Indian Ocean through Tanzania. The railway would connect African countries to global markets and enhance regional trade and economic growth, supporters say.

Speaking to reporters online Wednesday, Helaina Matza, the U.S. acting special coordinator for the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, spoke about progress made on upgrading and extending the Lobito Corridor.

Matza, who just finished a weeklong trip to the DRC and Tanzania, said the trip focused on “relaunching our partnership with the DRC and engaging with the Tanzanian government and private sector on next steps towards extending the economic corridor to the Indian Ocean. As President [Joe] Biden has said from day one of the launch of this flagship effort, this corridor has never just been about building infrastructure. It’s about offering high-quality, sustainable infrastructure projects that deliver lasting economic growth.”

The U.S. government, with the support of the European Union, African financial institutions, and the governments of Angola, the DRC and Zambia, is working to rebuild and revive the Benguela railway line that the countries used to export materials and minerals even before independence.

The project will be financed by $250 million supplied by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation.

U.S. officials say the improved railway line is meant to enhance export possibilities for Angola, the DRC and Zambia. The partly refurbished railway has already carried shipments of Congolese copper to Angola’s Lobito port for shipment to the city of Baltimore on the U.S. East Coast.

Erastus Mwencha, former deputy chairperson of the African Union Commission, said transport systems like the Lobito Corridor can help improve trade among African countries.

“One of the reasons intra-Africa trade is low is because of poor transport networks,” Mwencha said, adding that goods can sometimes be brought from Europe to Africa at more competitive rates than goods being moved from one African country to another.

But Mwencha is worried that the ports and railways used to export Africa’s raw materials remain largely the same as they were during colonial times, and that Africa is also still operating on a colonial-era business model.

“Are we going to follow the colonial model of just bringing these raw materials and minerals and exporting them, or are we going to add value?” he said. “To me, that’s the more important aspect.”

Studies show that a poor transportation network in Africa adds 30 percent to 40 percent to the cost of goods traded among African countries, hampering the development of the private sector.

Matza said the Lobito project would benefit not only the U.S. but also African countries and would facilitate business on the continent.

“When you bring trade routes down from 45 days to 36 hours,” she said, “it opens up a whole new world for markets, and that’s what we’re testing here today: How can we help new agribusiness develop? What are the right places to think about cold storage, warehousing, logistics? What local food producers can we help support along the way?”

In addition to refurbishing existing lines, the project envisions adding 1,300 kilometers of railway from Zambia to Tanzania. The project is slated to be finished by 2029.

Source: allafrica.com

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