Tanzania: Why Tanzania Surpassing Literacy Rate Target Matters

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MORE civic engagement and access to information have been listed by experts as the benefits that Tanzania is poised to gain as a result surpassing the target of increased literacy

The third National Five-Year Development Plan (FYDP III) 2021/22 – 2025/26, targeted to make 81.6 per cent of the population aged 15 years and above literate. In analysis, the data by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that the target has been surpassed as currently 83 per cent of the population is literate.

In a separate interview with the ‘Daily News,’ the analysts noted that surpassing the target of having a majority of population literate will increase community engagement in various issues such as voting as well as access to information.

Commenting on the matter an Expert in education with the Tanzania Education Network (TenMet), Mr Nicodemus Shauri said having 83 per cent literate people is a significant achievement, indicating a high literacy rate.

He said such an increment has several implications for the country’s education and development, particularly economic growth.

“Literate individuals are more likely to participate in civic activities, such as voting, community decisionmaking, and advocacy, which can lead to more informed and active citizenship,” he asserted.

“Literacy enables individuals to access and understand information, which is crucial in making informed decisions about their health, education and personal development,” he added.

He further said despite the achievement attained, still there were areas that required special attention including bridging the gender gap in literacy rates.

“While literacy rate is high, the quality of education may still be a concern,” he said. His view was seconded by a lecturer at the Tanzania Institute of Accountancy (TIA) -Mwanza Campus, Dr Honest Kimario who said the increase of literacy rate in the country implies Tanzania is effectively implementing global Sustainable Development Goal Number 4 which insists on the Quality Education for all.

“I really appreciate the efforts of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology to ensure the three 3Rs (Reading, Writing and Arithmetic) are under close implementation at the pre-primary and the first two years of primary education,” he pointed out.

Dr Kimario added that the increase of literacy rate to 83 per cent is an outcome of universal free primary education policy of the government which has made it possible for everyone to get education.

“The impact of increased literacy rate is expected to reduce crimes, growth of the economy and generally improve the livelihood of Tanzanians,” he added.

On his part, an educational consultant at HakiElimu, Dr Wilberforce Meena, said although the percentage reached is praiseworthy, more investment for the country’s adult education system is still required.

“To eliminate the existing gap of illiteracy in the country, it is important to increase investment in the adult education system and lifelong learning,” Dr Meena underlined.

In three years of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership the government has significantly increased investment in education.

Tabling the national budget recently in National Assembly in Dodoma, Minister for Finance Dr Mwigulu Nchemba said the government continued to improve primary and secondary education by enhancing human resource, improving infrastructures and curriculum.

Source: allafrica.com

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Tanzania: Government, Traders Seal Beautiful Deal

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In: Tanzania Foreign Investment News

DODOMA — THE government yesterday and the leaders of traders’ association held talks that culminated in agreeing to end the strike and resume business.

The government assured traders of conducive and uninterrupted business environment. The move followed a four-day strike whereas shops remained closed with traders demanding a number of issues to be resolved by the government.

The government side led by Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa was locked in talks with traders’ association leaders since Wednesday in Dodoma.

Chief Government Spokesperson, Mr Thobias Makoba told reporters shortly after the meeting between the government and representatives of traders in Dodoma that the two sides agreed on 15 resolutions and that the strike was called off.

He said the government reiterated its commitment to protect businesses and ensure conducive environment for doing businesses.

He said the government directed the Tanzania Revenue Authority to halt the crackdown of tax defaulters and all exercises related to tax operations until August, this year.

However, traders were directed to continue issuing electronic receipts for any payment made.

He said TRA also was ordered to come up with good and proper purchasing documentation system starting July, this year and follow agreed procedures to avoid disturbing traders.

Mr Makoba added that the government directed the Tanzania Port Authority to allocate more Inland Container Deports (ICDs) to enable smooth release of goods from the port and thus enable deconsolidation system to work as planned.

Moreover, TRA was ordered to educate the public on charges and various imposed levies. He said the public needs to understand changes and reforms on taxes at different levels to simplify collection and payment of taxes.

According to Mr Makoba, the government has pledged to continue allocating areas for petty traders and create good environment for them to operate.

Also, the government will continue with regular review of tax rates to enable traders to do profitable businesses and operate in conducive environments.

TRA, the main actor in the revenue industry, has been directed to finalise the Tanzania Customs Integrated System (TANCIS) module for auto valuation of taxes including VAT returns and tax estimations issue.

Moreover, the Ministry of Finance has been tasked to coordinate the service levy evaluation and come up with the best arrangement to ensure the charges do not affect traders.

Mr Makoba said the government through the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disabilities) will continue enforcing the laws, rules and regulations governing issuance of work permits provided to foreigners who work in the country.

“Stern legal measures will be taken against those who will be found violating the laid down regulations,” said Mr Makoba.

Source: allafrica.com

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Tanzania: Youth Engagement in Agriculture Great Potential

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In: Tanzania Foreign Investment News

DAR ES SALAAM — TANZANIA has great potential to food self-sufficiency, by producing food locally without importing from abroad if the young population is properly involved in the agricultural sector.

Speaking at the launch of the 2024 AYuTe Africa Tanzania Challenge competition in Dar es Salaam yesterday, the Resident Director of Heifer Project International, Mark Tsoxo said that there are more young people in Tanzania and that today’s agriculture needs manpower and innovative technology and the available resources can greatly transform the agricultural sector.

“It’s not that young people don’t like to participate in agriculture, young people like results more than the means to achieve results, so we need creativity to be able to attract young people to agriculture,” he said.

The AYuTe Tanzania Challenge was officially launched last year by Heifer International in collaboration with Sahara Ventures to help innovative young people in agriculture get opportunities for capital, training and meeting with investors.

He emphasised that modern agriculture requires the use of technology and with the AYuTe campaign, which is an acronym for Agriculture, Youth, Technology, they want young people to help make the agricultural sector vibrant and competitive to also create jobs.

Tsoxo also said that the foundation is at the forefront of environmental protection in its activities and stressed that the purpose of the fund is to eliminate hunger, reduce poverty and protect the environment.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Sahara Ventures, Jumanne Mtambalike said that while working with the foundation they have been able to help Tanzanian youths, especially those engaging in agricultural activities by using innovative technology to bring their solutions to the market and thus create jobs.

Mtambalike said that more than 65 per cent of the jobs that come from Africa are in the agricultural sector and that the sector has contributed 32 per cent of the GDP in Africa.

“Therefore, in collaboration with the foundation, we believe that the work we are doing is very important work in empowering young people and creating those opportunities,” said Mtambalike.

On his part, the Project Manager of AYuTe Challenge Tanzania, Emmanuel Senzighe, said that the winner of this year’s competition will receive 28m/-, the first runner-up 21m/-, and the second runner-up 14m/-.

The AYuTe Challenge Tanzania competition was officially launched last year by the Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, Abdallah Ulega, who emphasised that technology can be a springboard to attract many young people to participate in agricultural activities such as breeding and fishing.

Minister Ulega encouraged the use of technology in agriculture as it is the beginning of making many young people excited about the sector

Source: allafrica.com

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Tanzania: Resettlement Brings Renewed Hope for Congolese Refugee Family in Tanzania

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In: Tanzania Foreign Investment News

After 28 years in Tanzania’s Nyarugusu refugee camp, Ekyamba Alonda, 49, his wife Yohali and ten children, stand on the brink of resettlement to the United States of America, embodying a story of struggle, transformation, and the hope of a fresh start.

In 1996, deadly violence broke out in Ekyamba’s hometown in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), forcing his family and he to flee for their lives.

“We witnessed unspeakable horrors,” recalls Ekyamba Alonda the father of the family. “The moment I saw my uncle being shot right before our eyes is when I realized our only chance for survival was to leave,” he said.

Their journey to safety was fraught with peril, as they trekked through deep forests for two weeks until they reached safety at the shores of Lake Tanganyika. From there, they found passage into Tanzania, finding refuge in Nyarugusu refugee camp.

Settling in the camp, the Ekyambas found a semblance of normalcy amidst the uncertainty.

“The camp became our home. It is where we raised our ten children, where we found a community that shared our pain and our hopes,” said Yohali.

A new lease to life

After years of a rigorous submission process, the Ekyamba family finally received the news that they had been selected for resettlement in the United States of America in December 2023, bringing renewed hope for a better future. The resettlement process is comprehensive including identification, referral, interviews, and assessments, all aimed at preparing refugees like the Ekyamba family for a new life.

Congolese refugee families are boarding the bus from the Transit Center in Kasulu town to Kasulu airstrip as they begin their resettlement journey abroad.

© UNHCR/Sishuo Zhu Congolese refugee families depart from Kasulu airstrip to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, as they begin their resettlement journey abroad.

© UNHCR/Sishuo Zhu Previous Next “When we received the news, it felt like we had just been given a new lease to life, a new beginning,” said Ekyamba. “With nonstop fighting in the DRC, returning home was impossible. And how can we when we have lost our land and livelihoods? The many years we have lived in the camp have also disconnected us from our roots; it would never have been the same,” he added.

“This opportunity to be resettled in the US gives me hope that my children can have a better education, and a chance for me to support my family as a breadwinner once again. For this opportunity, I am immensely grateful,” said Ekyamba.

Two of Ekyamba’s children together with his granddaughter have since departed.

“Dressed in their best, surrounded by friends and family, we watched as they boarded the bus. The camp erupted in cheers and tears – a farewell that etched itself in their hearts. This moment marked the end of their life in the camp and the beginning of their journey towards a new horizon,” remembered Ekyamba.

“Our hope is to build a secure future for our children.”Ekyamba Alonda, Congolese refugee

For UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, enhancing long term solutions to end cycles of displacement for people forced to flee is a key priority. Whether through supporting refugees to voluntarily and safely return back to their home countries, integrating them in the countries they have sought refuge or resettling refugees to a third country, UNHCR remains committed to ending the plight of forcibly displaced people in a sustainable manner. In 2023, UNHCR in Tanzania supported the resettlement of nearly 8,000 refugees mainly to Australia, Canada, France, and the United States.

For the Ekyambas, the journey ahead is filled with both excitement and apprehension.

“Our hope is to build a secure future for our children in the U.S and I hope they can benefit a bit from their talent for sport to build themselves a better future,” explains Ekyamba, “But adapting to a new culture and legal system will be challenging.” Nonetheless, the Ekyambas are determined to depart with courage and optimism.

Between 2012 and 2023, over 30,000 Congolese refugees have found new beginnings after being resettled from Tanzania. Yet a significant challenge looms. Currently, UNHCR has only received 15 percent of funds needed for the refugee response in Tanzania. Specifically on resettlement, 40 percent remains unfunded.

UNHCR continues to urgently appeal for stronger donor support for the refugee response in Tanzania, and help refugees build a future filled with dignity, opportunity, and hope.

Source: allafrica.com

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Tanzania’s Her Initiative Gets Sh27.7mn for Women’s Empowerment

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Tanzania’s Her Initiative Gets Sh27.7mn for Women’s Empowerment

Nairobi — The Her Initiative, a Tanzanian organization that bets on women’s economic empowerment, has received Tsh560 million (Ksh27,678,161) from the King Baudouin Foundation Africa Prize to eliminate persisting barriers that hinder women’s economic empowerment in the region.

In a statement, the foundation stated that the funds would be fundamental in expanding the initiative’s program in Tanzania and East Africa to reach and elevate 100,000 more women over the next five years, especially in the field of technology.

Her Initiative will also be given an opportunity to connect with the King through the King Baudouin Foundation’s international network of non-profit organizations and development professionals so as to achieve this goal.”

Notably, Her Initiative aims to remove persisting barriers by leveraging the power of technology to advance digital inclusion among young women and girls,” the statement read.

According to Her Initiative’s founder and executive director, Lydia Charles Moyo, the funding will further be fundamental in pushing the campaign to eliminate gender-based violence, underage marriage, and HIV, which have posed major threats to women in Tanzania and beyond.

“We already support young women to build their financial resilience in six Tanzanian regions, but with the KBF Africa Prize we will be able to scale our work to help so many more women to achieve their dreams in Tanzania and beyond,” she stated.

According to KBF Prize Selection Committee Chair Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola, the partnership between the two parties will be fundamental in ensuring the advancement of women’s rights and financial independence in the region.

Source: allafrica.com

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In Tanzania, traders strike over harassment

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In: Tanzania Foreign Investment News

By BOB KARASHANI

Market traders in Tanzania launched a nationwide strike against tax hassles this week with pockets of resistance to government peace overtures still evident by Thursday.

This week’s strike began at Kariakoo and later spread to other urban markets across the country, indicating rising discontent over alleged harassment by government revenue collectors especially when inspecting compliance with requirements for electronic fiscal device (EFD) receipts and electronic tax stamps for transactions.

Their attention now appears to be focused on July 1, when the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) is expected to introduce a more efficient system involving proper receipts and invoices for traders to be assessed more accurately on what they owe in taxes.

After a meeting between the traders’ leaders and Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa in Dodoma, government spokesperson Thobias Makoba on Thursday announced interventions to end the go-slow.

These include Tanzania Ports Authority adding an inland container depot to clear cargo imported by market traders for domestic sale; and TRA to set up a mechanism for monitoring local sales of eight specific imports under a cap prices schedule.

But, while traders in Dodoma, Mbeya, Mwanza, Geita, Njombe, Mtwara, Songwe, Iringa, and Arusha also joined their Dar es Salaam counterparts in a strong show of unity, the strike overall remained a slow-burner, compared with Kenya’s tax riots.

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Read: Kariakoo market boycott a win for democracy in Dar

Revenue disruption

Concluding the National Assembly’s discussion of Tanzania’s 2024/2025 budget on Wednesday, Finance Minister Mwigulu Nchemba said some of the demands raised by the traders, if accommodated immediately, would disrupt the government’s expenditure plans for the coming fiscal year.

These include a proposed VAT reduction from 18 percent to 12 percent which, according to Dr Nchemba, would blow a Tsh600 billion ($228.57 million) hole in the Tsh49.35 trillion ($18.98 billion) budget.

Likewise, removing some service levies would hurt district and town councils, which depend on the levies to fulfil their social responsibilities, the minister added.

The budget, which includes a domestic revenues component of more than two-thirds (67.4 percent) totalling Tsh33.25 trillion ($12.79 billion), was approved by parliament late Wednesday. A supporting Finance Bill is still being discussed in the House.

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Tanzania: Seoul Inks Deal to Build Fishing Port in Zanzibar

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In: Tanzania Foreign Investment News

The Zanzibar ministry of blue economy and fisheries has signed an agreement of cooperation with the ministry of oceans and fisheries of the Republic of Korea for the feasibility study to construct a fishing port and development of fishery infrastructure in Zanzibar.

During the signing ceremony held at the Zanzibar Utilities Regulatory Authority (ZURA), the Zanzibar blue economy and fisheries minister Shaaban Ali Othman said it is a timely project that aim at boosting the country’s economy through fishing as well as increase the income of individual citizens.

“We are happy to begin the implementation of this big project by having a feasibility study. We hope a modern fishing port will attract international ships to Zanzibar,” Mr Othman said.

He added that the port is expected to create jobs for the young people in the isles. He said the survey will involve the areas of Mangapwani and Mkokotoni on the side of Unguja and Micheweni and Shumba Viamboni on the side of Pemba with the aim of finding one suitable place on each main Island for the project.

“We thank the government of the Republic of Korea for the good relations and funding the research,” said the minister.

He added that the construction of fishing ports will also support small-scale and medium fishermen to benefit from their work.

Also Read: Z’bar vows more reforms to woo investors

He informed the gathering that the number of fishermen has been growing along with increasing fishing activities, but many still cannot fish in the deep sea, “The government is talking to various stakeholders to train and provide facilities so that Zanzibar fishers can fish in the deep-sea areas,” he noted.

Mr Othman said that the feasibility study will be conducted for six months, after which the construction will begin in a short time after evaluation.

The Minister also revealed that plans are underway to construct two separate fish processing factories, one in Unguja and the other in Pemba.

Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry Captain Hamad Bakari said the construction of fishing ports in Zanzibar is needed as Zanzibar is an island country and is surrounded by the sea, “The fishing ports will open Zanzibar economically and attract fishing vessels and investors.”

“He explained that there are many large fishing vessels that would like to come to Zanzibar but the biggest challenge is that there is no large fishing port,” said the PS.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation from Korea, Hee Kyung Kim said they are in Zanzibar to conduct a feasibility study because of the good relations and commitment shown between the two sides.

“We promise to work hard and professionally to ensure the port is well constructed and completed on time,” he said.

Source: allafrica.com

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