Tanzania Foreign Investment News (Page 9)

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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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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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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THE construction and expansion of rural and urban road networks are emerging as crucial elements in Tanzania’s journey toward sustainable development.

These road works serve as vital arteries of progress, driving economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for millions.

For decades, rural communities in Tanzania have struggled with isolation due to inadequate road infrastructure.

Many areas were accessible only on foot or through rudimentary means of transport, which limited economic opportunities and access to essential services.

However, recent developments are changing this narrative. In collaboration with various stakeholders, the government has launched ambitious road construction projects aimed at linking remote villages to major towns and cities.

According to recent statistics from the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA), the district road network has grown from 108,946 kilometres to 144,429 kilometres over the past three years–a 32.6 per cent increase.

This expansion surpasses the CCM Election Manifesto (2020-2025) target of 143,881 kilometres by 2025, as reported by TARURA to the media.

During a meeting organised by the Office of Treasury Registrar (OTR) in Dar es Salaam, TARURA’s Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Victor Seff, credited these achievements to increased government funding for road construction and maintenance.

The government has tripled TARURA’s budget from an average of 275bn/-over the past four years to 850 bn/-.

Engineer Seff also highlighted that, as of June 2023, weather-resistant road networks in the districts had reached 42,059 kilometres, exceeding the manifesto’s target of 35,000 kilometres.

“As of June, this year, the tarmac road network in the districts had reached 3,337 kilometres, surpassing the manifesto’s goal of expanding tarmac roads from 2,025 to 3,100 kilometres by 2025,” he noted.

Significant infrastructure projects have already been completed, including the construction of 58.5 kilometres of tarmac roads in Mtumba, the 140-metre Berega Bridge in Kilosa District, a 12.5-kilometre tarmac road in Kibaha, and a 5.1-kilometre tarmac road in Dodoma’s industrial area.

Several ongoing projects are being implemented through donor programmes, such as the Agriconnect project under the European Union and the Roads to Inclusion and Socio-Economic Opportunities (RISE) project funded by the World Bank.

The Agriconnect project, coordinated by the Ministry of Agriculture, aims to improve infrastructure in regions focused on tea, coffee, vegetables and fruit production.

In Phase I, the project cost 39.8bn/- and resulted in the construction of 87.6 kilometres across various districts, including Kilolo (18.3 km), Mufindi (30.3 km), Mbeya DC (26.8 km) and Rungwe DC (12.2 km).

Phase II, costing 37.2 billion TZS, added another 49.12 kilometres in Kilolo DC (1.1 km), Wangingombe (19.25 km), Mbozi DC (11.01 km), Busokelo DC (6.41 km) and Rungwe DC (11.35 km).

Increased road connectivity has empowered communities by providing essential infrastructure for local business development and improved living standards. District roads have spurred economic growth by enhancing market access, allowing farmers and local businesses to transport goods more efficiently, thereby reducing costs and expanding their market reach.

Additionally, road construction projects have generated numerous jobs, contributing to local economies and enhancing the quality of life in rural areas.

Regarding the RISE project under the World Bank, Engineer Seff reported an estimated cost of 822bn/-, with 705bn/- funded as a soft loan from the World Bank and 117.5 billion TZS from the government.

“The project will construct 535 kilometres of tarmac road, with 400 kilometres to be built by TARURA and 175 kilometres by the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS),” he explained.

Concerning the construction of the bridge and the development of the River Msimbazi basin project, Engineer Seff noted that the initiative aims to address flooding issues.

He stated that 98 per cent of those affected by the flooding have been compensated and relocated, and the procurement of a contractor for the bridge and supervising engineer is expected to be completed by November this year.

Another significant initiative, the Tanzania Cities Transforming Infrastructure and Competitiveness (Tactic) project, has been launched in 12 cities across the country.

The first phase involves road and drainage construction, with contracts signed in September 2023 and work commencing in November 2023. The project is expected to take 15 months to complete.

TARURA is also implementing the manifesto’s directive to explore appropriate technologies for the construction of urban and rural roads, aiming to use locally available materials to reduce costs.

According to Engineer Seff, utilising locally sourced construction materials, such as stones, can lower costs by over 50 per cent. “We are also testing various technologies to use local soil instead of transporting materials from far away, thus conserving the environment,” he added.

So far, using ECOROADS technology, one kilometre has been constructed in Dodoma City and 6.9 kilometres in Chamwino District, both completed. In Mufindi District, 10 kilometres have been built and 32 kilometres have been constructed in Rufiji District.

The manifesto also calls for the involvement of community groups in the maintenance of roads and bridges to create local employment, increase project ownership and reduce costs.

Engineer Seff reported that TARURA began engaging community groups as early as 2018 and as of June this year, had signed contracts with 217 groups, including 187 women, 24 youths and 6 elders.

The transformation of the rural and urban road network is redefining Tanzania’s sustainable development trajectory.

This ambitious initiative, led by the government and supported by various stakeholders, is not just about building roads; it is about igniting economic growth and improving the quality of life for all citizens.

Source: allafrica.com

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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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