Unguja. Norway has turned its attention to Zanzibar’s oil and gas sector, demonstrating a keen interest in investment opportunities while also extending support in vital areas such as electricity, healthcare, and environmental conservation.
The Norwegian Ambassador, Tone Tinnes, affirmed this commitment during a cordial meeting with Zanzibar President Hussein Mwinyi at the State House on Thursday, May 30.
She underscored the potential for a productive partnership aimed at fostering sustainable development across the Isles.
President Mwinyi disclosed the Zanzibar government’s ambitious plan to extend electricity supply to all villages in Unguja and Pemba islands to accelerate development activities in those areas.
A presidential communications statement released to the media affirmed that discussions revolved around four key areas earmarked for cooperation, with a strong emphasis on electrifying all villages.
Formally inviting Norway to explore investment opportunities in Zanzibar’s oil and gas sector, the President also highlighted the increasing levels of cooperation in the health sector.
He emphasised the importance of upgrading facilities at the Mnazi Mmoja Referral Hospital to enable the undertaking of heart surgeries once specialised personnel become available.
Additionally, he commended the ongoing collaboration on environmental issues.
President Mwinyi noted the fruitful partnership between Zanzibar and Norway, particularly in empowering women across various sectors, and expressed interest in exploring cooperation to develop Zanzibar’s seaweed farming industry in alignment with the blue economy policy.
With the blue economy at the forefront of the government’s efforts to stimulate economic growth, tourism currently accounts for 30 percent of the gross national income.
Ambassador Tinnes assured the President of enhanced cooperation with the Zanzibar Electricity Corporation (ZECO) in strategic projects, highlighting preliminary talks aimed at strengthening collaboration in that regard.
Collaboration between the Mnazi Mmoja Referral Hospital and Norway’s main hospital is also being strengthened to enhance expertise across various medical specialties.
This mirrors the partnership between the Zanzibar Revenue Authority (ZRA) and Norway’s primary tax institution, highlighting a broader spectrum of cooperation between the two nations.
Praising the remarkable progress achieved by the Zanzibar government over six decades of bilateral cooperation between Tanzania and Norway, Ambassador Tinnes emphasised the collaborative efforts of communities in addressing various economic and social challenges.
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Tanzania: Exim to Raise Fund for Mental Health Facilities Upgrades
EXIM Bank to raise 300m/- over the next three years for financing essential services and infrastructure upgrades in mental health facilities.
The bank’s Head of Marketing and Communications Stanley Kafu unveiled this when introducing Exim Bima Festival 2024 as a platform for bringing together individuals, organisations and various sectors for raising the funds.
“Exim’s initiative aligns with the government’s broader goals to ensure that every citizen has access to quality healthcare, including mental health services,” he said.
The initiative, which is one of the events for celebrating the bank’s 27th anniversary is scheduled for Wednesday this week in Dar es Salaam.
Mr Kafu highlights that this year’s festival is not only about raising awareness of the importance of insurance in the society but also focuses on enhancing access to mental health services and improving the overall well-being of the nation.
Statistics from the Ministry of Health shows a staggering 82 per cent increase in mental health cases over the past decade.
Mental cases have risen from 386,358 in 2012 to 2,102,726 in 2021, making the need for mental health services more urgent than ever.
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Unfortunately, the country’s ability to address this growing challenge is hindered by a shortage of mental health professionals, infrastructure, medical equipment and essential medication.
For example, out of the 28 regions in the country, only five have facilities that provide adequate mental health services.
The most affected group is the youth aged 15 to 39, who represent the nation’s workforce, underscoring the need for intensified efforts to safeguard this generation for Tanzania’s future well-being and development.
Mr Kafu said by improving mental health services, Exim aims to contribute to the creation of a network of communities that can access care quickly and affordably.
Exim Insurance Department Manager Tike Mwakyoma said they are appreciating the support from partners in the insurance industry, who have stood by them since the last festival.
“Let’s continue this unity for the development of all Tanzanians and our nation as a whole,” the manager said.
Source: allafrica.com
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