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’s opposition party ACT Wazalendo honours veteran politician under new policy
Unguja. Opposition party ACT Wazalendo today officially bids farewell to its former Chairman, Juma Duni Haji, also known as Babu Duni, as part of a new policy designed to honor retired senior leaders at a ceremony held at Kiembesamaki, Zanzibar.
The initiative highlights the party’s commitment to recognizing and supporting individuals who have served with dedication and integrity.
Babu Duni, who stepped down earlier this year, was succeeded by Othman Masoud, now the First Vice President of Zanzibar.
The policy aims to provide ongoing respect and support to retired leaders, ensuring their continued recognition and contribution to the party’s development.
“Recognizing their significant contributions to the development and prosperity of the party, this policy ensures that retired leaders continue to be acknowledged and respected by both the party and the community,” the policy states.
To benefit from this policy, leaders must not have left or been expelled from the party. They must have served the party with honor and dedication. The national leadership committee will determine whether a leader has fulfilled these criteria.
The policy seeks to honor retired leaders, protect their dignity, acknowledge their contributions, leverage their ideas for the party’s growth, and support them to the best of the party’s ability.
In honoring these leaders, the party will provide a vehicle, the type of which will be determined by the national leadership committee. Additionally, they will receive a monthly allowance, with the amount also set by this committee.
Other benefits include health insurance. If a leader does not own a home, the party will cover their rent at a rate decided by the committee.
The leadership committee may also grant special recognition based on the leader’s contributions. Retired leaders will participate in decision-making meetings according to procedures outlined in the party’s constitution.
Depending on the party’s resources at the time, the policy may also apply to retired deputy chairpersons for both the mainland and Zanzibar, the Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General for both mainland and Zanzibar, and the party’s Attorney General.
Additionally, leaders, executives, or members with exceptional contributions to the party’s protection, advocacy, and defense may also benefit, as determined by the leadership committee.
Currently, those who are eligible for benefits under this policy include Juma Duni Haji (retired party Chairman) and Zitto Kabwe (retired party leader).Continue Reading
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Cracks show as Zanzibar’s CCM ruling party looks to 2025 polls over Mr Karume’s allegation against the administration. Time for the ruling party to take stock?Continue Reading
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