Tanzania’s exports of goods and services increased to 11,940 million US dollars during the period to November last year from 9,733 million US dollars in the previous year driven by non-traditional goods exports and services receipts.
Meanwhile, the overall balance of payments was a deficit of 1,940.4 million US dollars compared to a surplus of 1,953.4 million US dollars in the previous year driven by higher payments abroad.
According to the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) monthly economic review for December, the exports of goods increased by 7.5 per cent to 7,241.4 million US dollars with non-traditional exports rising by 5.7 per cent emanating from exports of coal, diamonds, iron and steel, textiles, fish products and fertilisers.
During the period, coal worth 141.6 million US dollars was exported in the period ending November last year, higher than 13.2 million US dollars in the corresponding period in 2021, largely explained by rising demand for an alternative source of energy following the short supply of crude oil and natural gas amid the war in Ukraine.
Most of the coal was destined for neighbouring countries, including Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda and Uganda, and other countries including Poland, Hong Kong, India and Senegal.
Good performance was also recorded in exports of diamonds, which increased to 63.1 million US dollars from 8.4 million US dollars in the year to November 2021. The increase was explained by the resumption of production at Williamson Mines following a period of closure for maintenance.
During the period under review, gold exports which accounted for 46.5 per cent of goods exports also recorded a slight increase to 2,826.3 million US dollars from 2,816.5 million US dollars on account of volume effect.
Regarding traditional goods, exports increased to 760.9 million US dollars from 628.8 million US dollars supported by the rise in exports of cotton, cashew nuts, sisal and tobacco.
While the increase in value of cashew nuts and tobacco was owing to the volume effect of cotton due to a rise in price in the global market. As for sisal, the increase was on account of both volume and price effects.
On monthly basis, traditional exports rose to 126.5 million US dollars from 108.2 million US dollars in November 2021 while non-traditional exports were 488.4 million US dollars broadly unchanged from 486.3 million US dollars in November 2021.
Services receipts amounted to 4,698.6 million US dollars in the year to November higher than 2,997.2 million US dollars in 2021 explained by higher travel and transport receipts.
Travel receipts almost doubled to USD 2,446.8 million from USD 1,250.7 million, consistent with the rise in the number of tourist arrivals by 53.4 per cent to 1,412,060.
On monthly basis, services receipts were USD 414.6 million, higher than USD 327.4 million in November 2021.
According to the BoT monthly economic review for December, the external sector of the economy continued to endure challenges of commodity prices, tight financial conditions, high inflation among trading partners and supply-chain disruptions caused by the resurgence of Covid-19 and war in Ukraine.
The current account balance recorded a deficit of 5,116.1 million US dollars in the period ending November last year wider than 2,185 million US dollars in the preceding year due to high import bills.
Source: allafrica.com
Share this news
This Year’s Most Read News Stories
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.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
“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
Kampuni ya Elon Musk kuzindua mtandao Tanzania
Huduma ya mtandao ya Elon Musk ya Starlink inatarajiwa kupatikana nchini Tanzania katika robo ya kwanza ya 2023, huku wachambuzi wakisema maendeleo hayo mapya yatakuza uchumi wa kidijitali.Continue Reading
John Okello: From Zanzibar revolution icon to street beggar
In the final episode, we look at Okello’s ban in Tanganyika, rejection in Kenya tragic end in Uganda.Continue Reading
