First VP highlights key areas to strengthen Zanzibar’s free market economy

First VP highlights key areas to strengthen Zanzibar’s free market economy

Unguja. Zanzibar’s First Vice President, Othman Masoud Othman, has outlined five essential strategies for advancing the nation’s free market economy, emphasising that these measures are critical for creating sustainable jobs for Tanzanians.

Speaking during the opening of the fourth annual Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad Commemoration Conference on Sunday, December 15, Othman said the five key areas for a thriving economy are: sound policies and laws, visionary leadership, effective performance, the adoption of appropriate production technologies, and a robust tax system.

He stressed that if these areas are effectively addressed, Zanzibar will be well-positioned to boost employment and economic growth.

This year’s conference, held in honour of the late Maalim Seif, whose leadership legacy continues to inspire, focused on the theme: “Democracy, Free Market Economy, Employment, Challenges, and Opportunities.”

The Maalim Seif Foundation, in collaboration with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, has been organizing these commemorations since his passing in February 2021.

“We must create policies that attract both local and foreign investors, stimulate production, and develop a market that can meet the needs of our people,” Othman, also the chairman of ACT-Wazalendo, emphasized.

He pointed out that a stable and visionary leadership is crucial for the formulation and implementation of policies that foster economic growth. He also called for a concerted effort to establish infrastructure that supports these policies.

When discussing the need for effective performance, Othman highlighted that simply having resources is not enough.

“Many countries are rich in land and natural resources, but the real question is: How do we use modern technology to turn those resources into valuable products?” he asked.

He further noted that to succeed in the global market, the country must focus on quality production and the integration of technology into its manufacturing processes.

In addition, Othman underscored the importance of a stable tax system that assures investors their investments will be protected.

 “Tax stability is a key factor in attracting investment. If the tax rate keeps changing—from 5 percent today to 20 percent tomorrow—it will drive away potential investors,” he said.

Othman also stressed that a thriving free market economy requires strong democratic institutions that uphold the rule of law, ensure transparency, and encourage accountability.

Mohamed Aboud, a member of the Central Committee of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), reflected on the importance of unity in achieving democratic and economic goals.

He praised Maalim Seif for his commitment to justice, equality, and the development of the nation.

“We can only achieve success by strengthening our unity. The foundation of our democracy and economy lies in our ability to come together as one,” Aboud said.

He noted that Zanzibar’s unity has often been tested during election periods, with divisions arising when peace is most needed. As the country prepares for the 2025 general elections, Aboud called for renewed efforts to ensure peace and stability.

“Nothing can be achieved without peace. As we discuss these important issues, we must focus on deepening our unity so that it remains strong, especially during elections,” he said.

Aboud urged political parties to set aside differences and engage in dialogue for the greater good of the nation.

“Politics should not be about conflict. It should be about meeting the needs of the people. If any political action is not for the benefit of the people, it cannot be considered true politics,” he added.

Nassor Ahmed Mazrui, a board member of the Maalim Seif Foundation, echoed the importance of democracy in fostering economic growth and job creation.

“For democracy to be meaningful, it must lead to tangible improvements in the economy. Maalim Seif was a firm believer in democracy as a tool for economic progress. He left us with a valuable legacy that we must continue to honor,” Mazrui stated.

Sandy Quimbaya, the Resident Director of the National Democratic Institute (NDI), also highlighted the importance of collaboration in advancing democracy and tackling the challenges that hinder progress.

Stefan Schott, the head of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, acknowledged that democracy is not always easy to achieve, but emphasized that the rule of law must always be prioritized.

He also pointed out that many African countries, including Tanzania, continue to face democratic challenges that require collective action.

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Tanzania Confirms Second Marburg Outbreak After WHO Chief Visit
Tanzania Foreign Investment News
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Tanzania Confirms Second Marburg Outbreak After WHO Chief Visit

Dar es Salaam — Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has declared an outbreak of Marburg virus, confirming a single case in the northwestern region of Kagera after a meeting with WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

The confirmation follows days of speculation about a possible outbreak in the region, after the WHO reported a number of deaths suspected to be linked to the highly infectious disease.

While Tanzania’s Ministry of Health declared last week that all suspected cases had tested negative for Marburg, the WHO called for additional testing at international reference laboratories.

“We never know when an outbreak might occur in a neighbouring nation. So we ensure infection prevention control assessments at every point of care as routine as a morning greeting at our workplaces.”Amelia Clemence, public health researcher

Subsequent laboratory tests conducted at Kagera’s Kabaile Mobile Laboratory and confirmed in Dar es Salaam identified one positive case, while 25 other suspected cases tested negative, the president told a press conference in Dodoma, in the east of the country today (Monday).

“The epicentre has now shifted to Biharamulo district of Kagera,” she told the press conference, distinguishing this outbreak from the previous one centred in Bukoba district.

Tedros said the WHO would release US$3 million from its emergencies contingency fund to support efforts to contain the outbreak.

Health authorities stepped up surveillance and deployed emergency response teams after the WHO raised the alarm about nine suspected cases in the region, including eight deaths.

The suspected cases displayed symptoms consistent with Marburg infection, including headache, high fever, diarrhoea, and haemorrhagic complications, according to the WHO’s alert to member countries on 14 January. The organisation noted a case fatality rate of 89 per cent among the suspected cases.

“We appreciate the swift attention accorded by the WHO,” Hassan said.

She said her administration immediately investigated the WHO’s alert.

“The government took several measures, including the investigation of suspected individuals and the deployment of emergency response teams,” she added.

Cross-border transmission

The emergence of this case in a region that experienced Tanzania’s first-ever Marburg outbreak in March 2023 has raised concerns about cross-border transmission, particularly following Rwanda’s recent outbreak that infected 66 people and killed 15 before being declared over in December 2024.

The situation is particularly critical given Kagera’s position as a transport hub connecting four East African nations.

Amelia Clemence, a public health researcher working in the region, says constant vigilance is required.

“We never know when an outbreak might occur in a neighbouring nation. So we ensure infection prevention control assessments at every point of care as routine as a morning greeting at our workplaces.”

The Kagera region’s ecosystem, home to fruit bats that serve as natural reservoirs for the Marburg virus, adds another layer of complexity to disease surveillance efforts.

The virus, closely related to Ebola, spreads through contact with bodily fluids and can cause severe haemorrhagic fever.

Transparency urged

Elizabeth Sanga, shadow minister of health for Tanzania’s ACT Wazalendo opposition party, says greater transparency would help guide public health measures.

“This could have helped to guide those who are traveling to the affected region to be more vigilant and prevent the risk of further spread,” she said.

WHO regional director for Africa Matshidiso Moeti says early notification of investigation outcomes is important.

“We stand ready to support the government in its efforts to investigate and ensure that measures are in place for an effective and rapid response,” she said, noting that existing national capacities built from previous health emergencies could be quickly mobilised.

The situation coincides with leadership changes in Tanzania’s Ministry of Health, with both the chief medical officer and permanent secretary being replaced.

This piece was produced by SciDev.Net’s Sub-Saharan Africa English desk.

Source: allafrica.com

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