Unguja. Zanzibar’s President Hussein Mwinyi, has emphasized the importance of sustainable tourism, conservation, and responsible investment to ensure that Zanzibar becomes a leader in sustainable growth, cultural preservation, and economic development.
Mwinyi made the remarks over the weekend during the opening of the Tourism and Investment Expo in Fumba, which featured 110 exhibitors from over 10 countries both within and outside Africa.
“It is our shared dedication to ensure that Zanzibar becomes a beacon of sustainable tourism,” he said
The president further added: Tourism is undoubtedly the backbone of our economy, but it must also serve as a vehicle for promoting sustainability. Every visitor, every business project, and every initiative must contribute to the long-term well-being of our environment, communities, and culture.
According to him Zanzibar offers more than just attractions; it provides opportunities for engagement, a beautiful environment, and a vibrant people.
“This is the essence of responsible tourism, which we must develop and promote. By aligning our efforts with global sustainable goals, Zanzibar can become a model for other island economies worldwide while the government continues to foster a business-friendly environment.
Zanzibar’s minister for tourism and heritage Mudrick Soraga and Mr Javed Jafferji sign certificates
The President noted that partnerships between the public and private sectors (PPP) are crucial for achieving common goals. Through collaboration and dialogue, they can harmonize public policies with private sector innovation to build a robust and inclusive tourism economy.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that the benefits of tourism and investment reach all corners of the islands, empowering local communities and creating opportunities for everyone.
“As we pursue economic growth, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to environmental conservation. The natural beauty of Zanzibar is not just an asset; it is a responsibility. Our forests, coral reefs, and wildlife are treasures that we must protect,” he stated.
The Minister of Tourism and Cultural Heritage, Mudrick Ramadhan Soraga, corroborated the President’s remarks stating that sustainable tourism development is the foundation of their economic agenda.
“Our goal is not just to attract tourists but also to promote a style of tourism that preserves our natural beauty, celebrates our heritage, and empowers our communities. Next year, this exhibition will be larger and better, continuing to be the leading platform for promoting Zanzibar worldwide,” he said.
According to him the exhibition which is a premier is a premier investment event aims to link investment opportunities with tourism, calling on all investors to sign on the greener Zanzibar initiative.
“We want to broaden the scope of tourism not the one that just ends at the beaches,” said Mr Soraga.
On his part, the Executive Secretary of the Tourism Commission, Arif Abbas Manji, that the exhibition attracted 110 exhibitors and 70 international buyers from countries including Kenya, Uganda, Egypt, the UK, Jordan, the US, South Africa, the UAE, and Nigeria.
Between 2021 and 2024, 162 tourism-related investments were made, totaling an investment of $1.9 billion (Sh5.2 trillion) and creating 9,535 jobs for the people of Zanzibar.
Manji noted that the Zanzibar 2024 Tourism and Investment Exhibition is a beacon of what the nation aims to achieve. It provides a platform to showcase significant opportunities within the tourism sector, highlighting Zanzibar as a hub for international tourism and investment.
Through this exhibition, they aim to attract investors and international stakeholders to see how they can contribute to economic expansion.
According to Manji, they are currently positioning themselves in the global market by identifying priority areas for tourism development, including cultural and heritage tourism, sports tourism, medical tourism, and halal tourism.
The goal is not only to promote Zanzibar as an attractive destination but also to establish it as a responsible and lucrative investment market.
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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.
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“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
Tanzania: Samia Hands Over NBC’s 354m/ – Crop Insurance Compensation to Farmers Affected By Hailstorms
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has handed over a cheque of 354m/- from the National Bank of Commerce (NBC) as compensation to tobacco farmers, who were affected by hailstorms during the previous farming season in various regions across the country.
Handing over the cheque in Dodoma, the compensation is part of the crop insurance service provided by NBC in collaboration with the National Insurance Corporation (NIC).
Furthermore, President Samia has also handed over health insurance coverage to members of the Lindi Mwambao Cooperative Union based in Lindi Region, through the Farmers’ Health Insurance service provided by the bank in partnership with Assurance Insurance Company.
While visiting the bank’s pavilion at the Nanenane Agricultural Exhibition and being received and briefed by the bank’s Managing Director, Mr. Theobald Sabi, she said: “This crop insurance is one of the crucial solutions in ensuring farmers have a reliable income, without fear of challenges such as natural disasters, including hailstorms.
“I call upon all farmers in the country to make the best use of this important opportunity by accessing these kinds of insurance services. I also highly commend NBC and all the stakeholders participating in this programme.”
Elaborating further on the crop insurance service, the Minister of Agriculture, Hussein Bashe, stated that it will help to recover the loss farmers incurred, especially in various calamities beyond their control.
Citing them as floods, fires, and hailstorms, which have significantly affected the well-being of farmers and caused some to be reluctant to invest in the crucial sector, Mr Bashe added: “However, our President, this step by NBC is just the beginning, as this is the second year since they started offering this service, and the results are already visible.
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“As the government, we promise to continue supporting the wider implementation of this service, with the goal of ensuring that this crop insurance service reaches more farmers.”
ALSO READ: NBC participates in TFF 2023/24 awards, promises to enhance competition
On his part, Mr Sabi said that the farmers who benefited from the compensations are from 23 primary cooperative unions in the regions of Shinyanga, Geita, Tabora, Mbeya, Katavi, and Kigoma.
He added: “In addition to these insurance services, as a bank, through this exhibition, we have continued with our programme of providing financial education and various banking opportunities to farmers, alongside offering them various loans, including loans for agricultural equipment, particularly tractors, to eligible farmers.:
At the NBC booth, President Samia also had the opportunity to be briefed on the various services offered by the bank to the farmers namely crop insurance and health insurance services.
There, the President had the chance to speak with some of the beneficiaries of the services, including the Vice-Chairman of the Lindi Mwambao Primary Cooperative Union, Mr. Hassan Mnumbe, whose union has been provided with a health insurance card from the bank.
Source: allafrica.com
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