Tanzania: Uncovering Shadows – Exposing Illicit Financial Flows in Tanzania’s Mining Sector

The mining sector has long been a cornerstone of Tanzania’s economy, significantly contributing to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employment.

For example, the 2024/25 national budget states that in the year 2023, the mineral sector contribution to GDP rose to 9.0 percent from 7.3 percent in 2021.

At the same time, the Ministry of Minerals also indicate that by March 2024, the mining sector had created approximately 19,356 jobs in larger scale mining, with 97 percent of these jobs going to Tanzanians. This equates to 18,853 jobs for Tanzanians and 505 jobs for foreigners.

However, beneath the surface of this vital industry lies a troubling reality: the persistent issue of Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs).

Here, literature defines IFFs as cross-border movements of illegally earned, transferred, or utilized financial capital that deprive countries of essential resources, undermining development and the well-being of citizens.

IFFs exist in Tanzania’s mining sector, with a good example being the seized 15.78 kilogrammes of gold that was smuggled at the Dar es Salaam Port, last month, valued at approximately 3.4bn/-.

In Tanzania’s mining sector, the mechanisms behind IFFs are complex and deeply entrenched. One prevalent tactic is mis-invoicing, where investors either underreport the value of exported goods or overstate the cost of imported goods, thereby siphoning off profits and evading taxes.

This practice is particularly common in the mining, oil, and gas industries, where the high value of commodities makes them susceptible to manipulation.

Another common method involves using complex corporate structures, shell companies, and tax havens to obscure the true ownership and origins of wealth.

By exploiting loopholes and regulatory gaps, both domestic and multinational companies operating in the mining sector can shift profits to low-tax jurisdictions, depriving Tanzania of vital revenue.

The Tanzanian government has also identified transfer pricing–where parent companies charge their subsidiaries inflated prices for goods and services–as a significant contributor to IFFs. This practice effectively shifts profits out of Tanzania, reducing the tax base and limiting the government’s ability to fund essential development initiatives.

From a regional perspective, the problem of IFFs is not unique to Tanzania; it is a widespread challenge across the African continent. In neighbouring countries, similar patterns have emerged.

For instance, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the mining sector has faced significant illicit outflows, with estimates suggesting that the country loses billions of dollars annually through various forms of mis-invoicing and tax avoidance.

In Kenya, the extractive industry also suffers from IFFs, with an estimated loss of USD 1.8 billion per year due to trade mis-invoicing alone. These practices hinder economic development and deprive local communities of the rightful benefits of their natural resources.

The consequences of IFFs in Tanzania’s extractive sector are far-reaching, impacting both local communities and the nation as a whole. At the community level, revenue losses deprive host regions of vital resources for infrastructure, healthcare, and education, perpetuating cycles of poverty and underdevelopment.

The impact of IFFs on Tanzania’s economy is illustrated by examining key economic indicators over the past decade. Tanzania’s GDP growth rate has fluctuated significantly, reflecting the volatility introduced by IFFs.

ALSO READ: Local content realised in mining sector

According to World Bank data from 2021, the GDP growth rate peaked at 7.0 percent in 2013 but has since declined, reaching a low of 4.8 percent. This downward trend suggests that IFFs have undermined the country’s economic stability and resilience, constraining its ability to maintain consistent, high-level growth.

Tanzania’s tax revenue as a percentage of GDP has remained relatively stagnant over the past decade, hovering around 12-14 percent.

This low tax-to-GDP ratio is a direct consequence of the erosion of the country’s tax base due to IFFs, as companies and individuals engage in various forms of tax evasion and avoidance. The inability to mobilize sufficient domestic resources has limited the government’s capacity to invest in critical public services and development initiatives.

Dr. John Euseby, an economist at the Institute of Finance Management (IFM) Mwanza Campus, supports the literature by stating that tax evasion fuels IFFs. According to his experience, many investors seek profits beyond average expectations, which drives tax avoidance in Tanzania’s mining sector. Consequently, many investors view corporate tax, as well as loyalty and corporate social responsibility requirements, as burdensome.

Furthermore, a lack of geological data exacerbates IFFs. Artisanal and small-scale miners (ASMs) often take months to secure minerals, and when they finally obtain these resources, the levies and taxes they face differ significantly from their investments in time, money, and energy, hence, tax avoidance.

Dr. Euseby notes that: – “Geological data is of utmost importance to indicate mining claims full of minerals. This will help the miners to have what they seek, in the targeted time- frame, and therefore see no reason for tax avoidance.”

Mr. Hassan Kulwa, an ASM and Deputy Information Officer for the Federation of Miners’ Associations of Tanzania (Femata), comments that IFFs in the mining sector are largely driven by the complex revenue collection systems.

This includes multiple taxes, as miners do pay on both raw and processed minerals, on top of levies they give to several government agencies, including the National Environment Management Council, Occupational Health and Safety Authority, and local councils.

Moreover, the government loses considerable revenue by excluding Minerals Associations from efforts to combat IFFs, even though these associations are well aware of traders buying minerals above international market prices.

“The business beyond the market price is a money laundering scheme conducted in haste. We, the associations, are well-positioned to tackle it since we are constantly on-site. Let the government make use of us” he explains.

Mr Francis Mihayo, the Assistant Commissioner for ASMs in the Ministry of Minerals, acknowledges that IFFs, particularly through mineral smuggling and tax evasion, are serious issues.

Historically, smuggling has been exacerbated by a lack of mineral markets near mining, with the government being installed at-least 100 as of now, country-wide, to fight such a challenge.

At the same time, he states that a task force is currently working at mining sites to track production levels and ensure that all consignments reach designated buying centers.

The stakeholders, including the Lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam, Geography and Economic Department, Prof. Abel Kinyondo, say that despite the government efforts to combat IFFs, the Global Financial Integrity Organization states that Tanzania still loses approximately $3.5 billion, annually, following trade-based money laundering and IFFs.

And in East Africa, the loss is estimated to be $6bn/-, he said during the Journalists’ training on Domestic Resource Mobilization that was organized by the Policy Forum in Dodoma, recently.

In efforts to address the negative impacts of illicit financial flows (IFFs) in Tanzania, the stakeholders recommend, among others, the strengthening tax administration and enforcement, that it is imperative to invest in enhancing the capacity and resources of the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA).

This investment would help improve tax collection, auditing, and compliance monitoring. Additionally, robust transfer pricing regulations should be implemented and enforced effectively to prevent multinational corporations from engaging in profit shifting and tax avoidance.

Increasing transparency in the extractive industries by requiring comprehensive public disclosure of payments made by companies to the government is also crucial.

Source: allafrica.com

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Tanzania Suspends Newspaper for Making President’s Animations Over Killing of Dissidents

Tanzania Suspends Newspaper for Making President’s Animations Over Killing of Dissidents

The Tanzania Government has suspended the online operations of The Citizen, one of the country’s leading English-language newspapers, following the release of animated videos depicting President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

The animations, which referenced the recent abductions and killings of political dissidents, have sparked significant controversy in the country.

One of the videos, released earlier this week, portrayed President Hassan watching news reports about dissidents and victims of state repression, indirectly accusing her government of involvement. Hassan has faced increasing criticism, both domestically and internationally, over allegations that security forces were responsible for the kidnappings and murders of opposition figures.

In recent months, her administration has intensified its crackdown on opposition activities, banning two major rallies organised by the Chadema party since August and briefly detaining some of its leaders. These actions have drawn widespread condemnation from human rights groups and Western governments, including the United States, who accuse Hassan of backtracking on democratic reforms.

On Wednesday, The Citizen announced that its online operations had been suspended for 30 days by the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA). The regulatory body stated that the newspaper’s animated videos presented “negative interpretations for the nation, something that affects and undermines national unity, peace, and cohesion.”

In response, The Citizen removed the animations and issued a statement acknowledging the “misinterpretation” the videos had generated.

The videos, which have since been taken down, included a scene where the father of artist Shadrack Chaula, who was sentenced to two years in prison in July for burning a picture of President Hassan, is heard saying, “Dead or alive… I want to see my child,” while the president watches silently from a sofa.

President Hassan, who succeeded the late John Magufuli in 2021, was initially praised for easing restrictions on opposition rallies and the media. However, critics argue that her recent actions reflect a return to the repressive measures seen during her predecessor’s authoritarian rule. With local elections scheduled for November and a general election in 2025, observers fear that political repression may intensify.

Source: allafrica.com

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Tanzania Holds Key Interest Rate Steady

THE Bank of Tanzania (BoT) maintained its key lending rate at 6 per cent for the quarter ending December citing easing inflationary pressures and a positive economic outlook.

The Central bank governor, Emmanuel Tutuba, said in a statement that improving domestic and global conditions supported the decision to hold the rate steady by the monetary policy committee which met on Wednesday.

In the two quarters to September, the central bank held the benchmark rate at 6 per cent from 5.5 per cent that was announced in January when the bank introduced the rate.

The central bank targets to maintain inflation below 5 per cent, but consumer inflation has stayed comfortably below that figure, despite growing pressure on the shilling.

Inflation increased to 3.1 per cent year-on-year in August from 3.0 per cent the previous month, data from the National Bureau of Statistics show.

An economist and investment banker, Dr Hildebrand Shayo said the rate was likely to be maintained given the continued improvement in the global economy with inflation rate declining.

However, Dr Shayo raised concerns about the significant disparity between the Bank of Tanzania’s (BOT) key lending rate and the double-digit lending rates offered by commercial banks to customers.

He questioned the reasons behind this mismatch, suggesting that risk premiums alone cannot account for the high borrowing costs faced by consumers and businesses.

“Who will explain this significant discrepancy between the central bank rate and the commercial banks’ lending rates, which remain in double digits? What can account for the reality of expensive loans, aside from risk premiums?” he inquired.

Bank lending rates in Tanzania decreased slightly to 12.78 per cent in July from 12.82 per cent in June. Despite this minor decline, the spread between the central bank’s rate and commercial bank rates remains substantial.

The Head of Research and Financial Analytics at Alpha Capital, Imani Muhingo, said maintenance of the CBR at 6 per cent was expected, especially as inflation is still at the bottom of the target range, while US’s rate cut and seasonal foreign inflows are expected to relieve foreign exchange pressures.

ALSO READ: FED rate cut: The resounding effects (Part 1)

Despite presumed liquidity pressure in the banking sector, cutting rates would be moving in too quick given the time lag of US’s policy, he said.

Financial analysts were divided on their prediction on the new central bank rate, with opinions varying on the whether to increase, maintain, or slightly decrease the key rate.

Some predicted the central bank would maintain the rate at 6.0 per cent for the third consecutive time, citing stable inflation and favourable macroeconomic conditions.

Others suggested there would be a modest reduction to stimulate investment and support private sector credit growth given the recent US Fed rate cut.

Meanwhile, Mr Tutuba told reporters that foreign currency availability improved from July to September 2024 alongside the tourism season and sales of agricultural products and exports, as well as rising gold prices in the global market.

He stated that as a result of this trend, the depreciation rate of the shilling decreased to 10.1 per cent for the year ending September 2024, down from 12.5 per cent for the year ending June 2024.

Tutuba mentioned that foreign reserves increased to 5,413.6 million US dollars by the end of September 2024, up from 5,345.5 million US dollars in June 2024, sufficient to cover over four months of imports, aligning with the country’s goals.

He projected that foreign currency availability is expected to continue improving, driven by rising gold prices in the global market, tourism activities and sales of natural products like cashews, tobacco, coffee and cotton, as well as exports of staple foods like maize and rice to neighboring countries.

This improvement will also be supported by a decrease in fertiliser imports and declining energy product prices, which are expected to reduce the demand for foreign currency and enforce legal requirements regarding quoting and making payments in Tanzanian shillings.

Source: allafrica.com

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Tanzania suspends Mwananchi Communications online publications over ‘prohibited content’

Tanzania has suspended online publications of Tanzania’s Mwananchi Communications Limited over what it termed as publication of “prohibited content”.

The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), the government body that regulates the electronic and postal communication services, issued an order suspending the provision of “online media services” of Mwananchi Communications Limited (MCL) for 30 days.

As a result, the affected products —The Citizen, Mwananchi Digital, Mwananchi and Mwanaspoti — will not be available online for the prescribed days. 

“On October 1, 2024, Mwananchi Communications Limited published an audio-visual content in social media platforms, content that is prohibited… Further the published content threatens and is likely to affect and harm national unity and social peace of the United Republic,” said TCRA’s Director-General Jabiri K. Bakari in a statement. 

He added: “Notice is hereby given to the general public that, following the publication of the prohibited content, which is a violation of the law, TCRA has suspended the Online Medial Services Licences issued to Mwananchi Communications Limited t/a The Citizen, Mwananchi Digital, Mwananchi and Mwanaspoti and ordered it to suspend provision of online media services in the United Republic of Tanzania for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of this notice, pending other regulatory actions being undertaken.”

The suspension took effect immediately.

MCL posted messages of compliance on all its websites and social media pages, reiterating its commitment to resolving the matter with the regulator. 

“Mwananchi Communications Limited (MCL) remains committed to delivering exceptional journalism that empowers the nation. We will continue to serve you, our esteemed readers, through our daily print editions, and other non-online products and offerings as we engage the regulators on a way forward,” MCL said in a notice to its audience.

MCL is a publication of the Nation Media Group.

The ‘prohibited content’ relates to an animation that MCL shared on The Citizen’s social media accounts regarding recent abductions and kidnappings in Tanzania. It prompted the regulator to shut down on all the company’s digital platforms.

“In accordance with Regulation 16 of the Electronic and Postal Communications (Online Content) Regulations 2020, the licensee is required not to publish prohibited content that include: content that is against the public order, content that aimed to ridicule and harm the reputation, prestige and status of the United Republic,” read the TCRA statement. 

According to the Tanzanian Electronic and Postal Communications (Online Content) Regulations, 2020, “a person shall not publish any prohibited content as set out in the Third Schedule.” 

Further, the regulation states: “A person shall not render, possess or distribute technology, programme, application or any other related thing that allows or helps users to have access to prohibited content.”

The law does not, however, define the criteria for determining what constitutes a violation.

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Tanzania joins Lobito Corridor linking Indian Ocean to Atlantic

By Luke Anami

The Lobito Corridor project, which connects four African countries, is ready for implementation after the US awarded a technical assistance grant for an environmental assessment study.

A feasibility study and the signing of the concession agreement is also complete for the 780km greenfield railway connecting the Lobito rail line in Luacano, Angola, to the existing railway line in Chingola, Zambia. 

The African Finance Corporation (AFC), the lead developer of the Zambia-Lobito railway, signed a concession agreement with the governments of Zambia and Angola to develop and operate the rail on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York City.

During the ceremony attended by the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the US Trade and Development Agency awarded a technical assistance grant of $2 million to the AFC for an environmental and social impact assessment.

Blinken also announced the official joining of Tanzania in the project. 

Read: US taps Tanzania in battle with China for minerals

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“The Lobito Corridor – connecting Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo – is one of our biggest projects. The ultimate goal is infrastructure connecting the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean,” Mr Blinken said. 

“Today, Tanzania is also joining conversations about the Lobito Corridor for the first time – something we very much welcome.” 

The expansion of the Lobito Corridor to include Tanzania is meant to allow the project to run all the way to the Indian Ocean to facilitate transportation of nickel and other minerals.

Blinken said that so far, the United States and its partners have committed over $4 billion to Lobito Corridor projects.

USTDA Director Enoh T. Ebong said the project would facilitate economic activity, trade and critical minerals development between the Port of Lobito in Angola and Zambia’s Copperbelt.

Read: US commits $360m to Lobito Corridor project

US priority

“This project will help reshape the economic landscape of Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and it will foster trade while uplifting the people whose livelihoods will be tied to economic activity along the corridor,” Dr Ebong said.

“Support for the rail line will contribute to the development of the Lobito Corridor, a US government priority under the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI) that seeks to provide a private sector-driven, sustainable and transparent option for emerging markets seeking infrastructure investment to accelerate inclusive economic development.”

Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of AFC, said that once completed, the Zambia-Lobito Rail Corridor will create a trans-continental trade corridor that will facilitate trade and investment across Africa and in various sectors, including mining, agriculture, energy and tourism.

“We are therefore pleased to receive this project preparation grant from USTDA to advance the ESIA for the project, underscoring the significance of investing in enabling infrastructure in Africa to secure trade routes and enable critical minerals supply for the global energy transition.”

The high-level discussion advanced PGI’s flagship Lobito Corridor, which aims to develop trans-continental link from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean.  

Foreign ministers of Angola, DRC, Tanzania and Zambia attended the event, alongside the European Partnerships Commissioner, Italian Vice Foreign Minister, the AFC CEO and Senior Vice President for Agriculture and Human Development of the African Development Bank.

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Tanzania, Marekani kupambana kichaa cha mbwa, watoto watajwa kuwa hatarini

Mwanza. Wakati ugonjwa wa kichaa cha mbwa ukitajwa kusababisha vifo vya zaidi ya watu 59,000 duniani kila mwaka, Serikali ya Tanzania na Marekani zimeamua kuungana ili kupambana nao ikiwemo kuelimisha umma juu ya ugonjwa huo.

Hatua hiyo inakuja ikiwa kichaa cha mbwa bado ni tishio kubwa la afya ya umma nchini Tanzania hasa katika jamii zenye uelewa mdogo na upatikanaji hafifu wa huduma za mifugo.

Shirika la Marekani la Maendeleo ya Kimataifa (USAID), kupitia Mradi wa Breakthrough Action kwa kushirikiana Ofisi ya Waziri Mkuu sehemu ya Afya Moja, Wizara ya Mifugo na Uvuvi, Wizara ya Afya, na Ofisi ya Rais (Tamisemi), wametumia fursa ya maadhimisho ya Siku ya Kichaa cha Mbwa kama sehemu ya juhudi za kimataifa za kupambana na ugonjwa huo.

Kupitia kampeni ya kitaifa ya “Holela-Holela Itakukosti,” yenye lengo la kuiwezesha jamii kupambana na ugonjwa huo, Usaid na Serikali ya Tanzania inawakumbusha wananchi kuwajibika na kuondoa vikwazo ili kushinda vita dhidi ya hatari ya ugonjwa huo.

Awali, wakati wa maadhimisho ya Siku ya Kichaa cha Mbwa, ambayo hufanyika kila mwaka Septemba, 28 kampeni ya “Holela-Holela Itakukosti,” ambayo tafsiri yake ni uzembe ni gharama, ilichukua nafasi kubwa katika kuongeza uelewa kuhusu kichaa cha mbwa, ugonjwa unaosababisha vifo vya zaidi ya watu 59,000 duniani kila mwaka.

Tukio hilo la kitaifa liliongozwa na Abdul Mhinte, Naibu Katibu Mkuu Wizara ya Mifugo na Uvuvi, ambaye amesisitiza umuhimu wa elimu kwa jamii na mikakati ya chanjo katika kupambana na ugonjwa.

Aidha amehimiza kuimarishwa kwa ushirikiano kati ya maofisa wa afya ya umma na jamii za mitaa ili kuimarisha mwitikio wa pamoja.

“Kichaa cha mbwa kinaweza kuzuilika. Lengo letu ni kuhakikisha kila mbwa nchini Tanzania anapatiwa chanjo, na kila mwananchi anajua cha kufanya endapo atang’atwa na mbwa. Kila jamii inapaswa kuchukua jukumu lake katika vita hivi.”

Msisitizo wake juu ya elimu na ushirikiano ulipeleka ujumbe wa matumaini kwa waliohudhuria. Kampeni hiyo inalenga jamii kwa kutoa ujumbe muhimu kuhusu kichaa cha mbwa, kuwachanja na kutafuta huduma za afya mara baada ya tukio la kung’atwa na mbwa.

Watoto, ambao ni miongoni mwa walio hatarini zaidi kuathiriwa na kichaa cha mbwa, wanapewa elimu juu ya kuepuka mwingiliano kama kuwachokoza mbwa hasa wasiowafahamu na wanyama wenye uwezekano wa kuwa na maambukizi.

Shuhuda kadhaa zinaonensha umuhimu wa kampeni hii. Revina, mama wa watoto watatu kutoka Mwanza:”Kabla ya kampeni, sikuwa najua hatari ya kichaa cha mbwa. Tulipojifunza kuwa mbwa wetu wanapaswa kuchanjwa, tulichukua hatua mara moja. Sasa, nina amani kuwaacha watoto wangu kucheza nje.”

Kampeni ya Holela-Holela pia inalenga kupambana na sababu zote zinazochangia kuwepo kwa ugonjwa wa kichaa cha mbwa kama vile uelewa mdogo, juhudi hafifu za chanjo, na usimamizi usio salama wa wanyama.Continue Reading

Tanzania: Tourism, Export Sectors Upsurge Boost Earnings

TANZANIA: Tanzania has seen notable uptick of tourism and export sectors in the year ending July, significantly contributing to sustained economic growth.

The Bank of Tanzania (BoT) latest economic monthly review for July shows that the increase of tourists not only boosts revenue for local businesses but also contributes to the national economy, enhancing foreign exchange earnings.

“The rise in travel receipts arises from the recovery observed in the tourism industry, reflected by the increase of tourist arrivals by 22 per cent to 2,026, 378,” states the central bank report.

ALSO READ: Tanzanians urged to promote local tourism

According to the BoT report, travel receipts increased by 531.8 million US dollars to 3.53 billion US dollars.

Overall, during the period under review, services receipts increased 6.70 billion US dollars from 5.54 billion US dollars in the corresponding period last year with much of it emanating from travel and transport services.

Meanwhile, transport earnings, predominantly from freight charges, increased to 2.60 billion US dollars compared to 2.09 billion US dollars in the corresponding period last year supported by increased trade relations with neighbouring landlocked countries.

Month-on- month, services receipts amounted to 503.1 million US dollars in July, compared to 594.8 million US dollars in the similar period last year.

According to the report, exports of goods and services reached 14.67 billion US dollars up from 13.03 billion US dollars during the same period last year.

“The increase was largely driven by higher service receipts, particularly from tourism and increased exports of gold, traditional goods such as tobacco, cashew nuts, and horticultural products,” BoT said.

Traditional exports reached 1.07 billion US dollars compared to 782.5 million US dollars in the previous year, with notable growth in tobacco and cashew nuts.

According to the report, non-traditional exports amounted to 6.45 billion US dollars up from 6.29 billion US dollars last year.

The rise was largely driven by gold exports, totalling 3.14 billion US dollars representing 48.8 per cent of total non-traditional exports.

Additionally, horticultural exports nearly doubled to 437 million US dollars compared to 296.5 million US dollars in the previous year, driven by increased shipments of vegetables.

On a monthly basis, exports of goods increased to 858.3 million US dollars in July compared to 760.7 million US dollars in July last year.

Source: allafrica.com

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Tanzania: Digital Payment System Reduces Fraud

Tanzania: Digital Payment System Reduces Fraud

ZANZIBAR — THE Zanzibar government has reported that the implementation of e-payments in its financial systems has significantly reduced fraud.

Minister for Infrastructure, Communications and Transport, Dr Khalid Salum Mohammed informed the House of Representatives that the adoption of technology in various financial systems has helped identify and close many loopholes that previously resulted in financial losses within public institutions.

Dr Mohammed was speaking on behalf of Dr Saada Mkuya Salum, the Minister of State in the Office of the President (Finance and Planning), who was absent during the session.

His remarks were in response to a question from Mr Bakar Hamad Bakar, the representative for Wawi constituency, who inquired about the benefits of digitalisation in the financial system.

“The transition to digital payments has improved financial discipline and minimised fraudulent activities by dishonest public servants,” Dr Mohammed stated.

He also emphasised the ongoing push for cashless transactions and urged customers to utilise e-payment options instead of cash.

Source: allafrica.com

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Tanzania: Plan International Encourage Girls to Speak Out

DAR ES SALAAM: PLAN International Tanzania has encouraged girls nationwide to step forward and articulate the challenges they face in pursuing their goals, including leadership roles.

The organisation’s Director, Ms Jane Sembuche, made the call during a press briefing in Dar es Salaam about the upcoming International Day of the Girl Child celebrations.

Ms Sembuche announced the launch of two campaigns, “Girls Take Over” and “Hear Our Voices,” aimed at empowering girls to express their concerns to relevant authorities.

The celebrations are expected to attract hundreds of girls from over 60 countries where the organisation operates, advocating for these campaigns.

The International Day of the Girl Child, observed annually on October 11, seeks to raise awareness about the importance of safeguarding girls’ rights and promoting their empowerment globally.

Ms Sembuche urged the government to address challenges hindering girls from achieving their aspirations, including the revision of the Marriage Act of 1971 to eliminate the influence of early marriages.

ALSO READ: THN urged to enhance girls’ participation in economy

She also called for enhanced protection for girls, particularly against sexual violence, and increased investment in their well-being.

Alumna of the “Girls Take Over” campaign, Ms Jacqueline Mtamya, highlighted the programme’s impact on her leadership skills and ambassadorial positions.

Meanwhile, Ms Zafaran Ramadhan, a graduate from the University of Dar es Salaam, stressed the importance of encouraging girls to pursue science subjects to navigate the evolving landscape of science and technology.

She noted that more girls in these fields would enhance efforts to combat gender-based violence.

Ms Mariam Surve, a student at the Lugalo Military Medical School of Science and Medicine and a mental health advocate, emphasised the opportunities offered by Plan International’s campaigns, particularly “Girls Take Over,” as a significant platform for building confidence and showcasing leadership abilities.

“I believe that through the ‘Girls Take Over’ campaign, I will become open-minded and gain exposure to fulfill my dreams.

Through our ‘Hear Our Voices’ campaign, I urge governmental and non-governmental organisations to support us. We, as girls, possess the power, strength, determination, and dreams. What we lack is hope and the support to create a conducive environment to achieve our dreams,” stated Ms Surve.

Source: allafrica.com

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Tanzania: TZ Registers Notable Progress in Road Network Expansion

DAR ES SALAAM — MASSIVE road infrastructure projects are being implemented across Tanzania, positioning the country among the sub-Saharan African nations with the largest road networks.

Over the years, the government has taken deliberate measures and committed resources to expand the road network, leveraging Tanzania’s strategic advantage as a bridge economy linking the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) markets.

During a press conference held yesterday in Dar es Salaam, Acting Managing Director of the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS), Mr Ephatar Mlavi noted that the sixth phase government under President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan continues to prioritise road, bridge, and airport construction to ease transportation and enhance connectivity with other countries.

This is in line with the Third National Five-Year Development Plan (FYDP III) 2021/22 – 2025/26, which aims at unlocking the country’s infrastructural potential.

Key objectives include completing 2,500 kilometres of paved roads, decongesting major cities and constructing an additional 6,006 kilometres of new paved roads.

The plan also emphasises building 14 new bridges and completing seven others, along with airport development and maintenance.

This ambitious infrastructure initiative also aligns with the ruling party CCM Election Manifesto for 2020- 2025, which calls for strengthening strategic infrastructure to create an enabling environment for citizens to carry out their activities efficiently and effectively.

ALSO READ: Serious investor? Tanzania is your destination

Detailing, Mr Mlavi said that TANROADS supervises road network stretching over 37,000 kilometres, which includes more than 12,300 kilometres of trunk roads and 24,889 kilometres of regional roads.

He said that during Dr Samia’s three-year presidency, TANROADS has completed 38 projects across 17 regions.

This impressive performance is attributed to the government’s consistent allocation of funds, averaging 1.5tri/- per year for the Ministry of Works, which supports TANROADS’ projects.

For the past three years, approximately 1,198 kilometres of roads have been constructed at tarmac level, while another 2,031 kilometres are under construction to bitumen standard.

Additionally, Mr Mlavi, who also serves as the TANROADS Director of Infrastructure and Planning, mentioned that over 2,052 kilometres of roads and two bridges are currently undergoing feasibility studies, with plans for construction at tarmac level.

He also said that the government has constructed nine major bridges, including the Tanzanite and Wami bridges in Dar es Salaam and Coast regions, respectively.

Currently, major projects underway include five significant bridges: Kigongo-Busisi, Pangani, Lower Mpiji, Mbambe and Simiyu.

“The government is committed to completing all remaining projects and upcoming initiatives,” Mr Mlavi stated.

He also noted that TANROADS has received funding to install streetlights across the country.

Currently, streetlights have been installed in several regions, including Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Geita, Iringa, Kagera, Kigoma, Kilimanjaro, Manyara, Mbeya, Morogoro, Mtwara, Mwanza, Njombe, Rukwa, Ruvuma and Shinyanga.

Furthermore, TANROADS has constructed seven airports, including Terminal Three at Julius Nyerere International Airport and facilities in Mwanza, Geita, Mtwara, Ruvuma, along with runway and airfield ground lighting installations at Songwe Airport.

There are eight ongoing airport projects, including Msalato, Iringa, Musoma, Tabora, Shinyanga, Sumbawanga, Kigoma and Moshi airports, aimed at strengthening the country’s aviation sector, highlighted by the revitalisation of Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL), the state airline.

Overall, he said the construction of transport infrastructure has been providing immense job opportunities to local contractors who have been engaged in undertaking all the renovation projects across the country.

He said an average of 1,067 projects were awarded to local contractors per year pertaining to renovation of roads, bridges and airports in which, a total of 411bn/- was spent for implementation of the projects.

However, he said local contractors still face lack of capital and modern equipment to run major projects.

Source: allafrica.com

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