Dar es Salaam. In a bid to bolster trade relations and enhance economic cooperation, Tanzania and Kenya have recently reached a significant agreement to address non-tax trade barriers.
The accord aims to streamline charges, fees, taxes, and regulatory procedures affecting trade between the two nations.
The commitment was formalized during the 8th joint trade committee meeting held in Kisumu, where the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation of Tanzania, Mr Stephen Byabato and Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, Ms Rebecca Miano, played pivotal roles.
Mr Byabato emphasized the positive impact of the longstanding bilateral relationship, attributing it to socio-economic development and the well-being of the populace. He highlighted the signing and exchange of the Joint Declaration of Agreement during the meeting as a significant step forward.
Specifically addressing trade barriers, Mr Byabato underscored the importance of ensuring that laws and regulations in both countries do not hinder business activities for entrepreneurs from either side. Notable strides have already been made, with recent removals of bans on key imports and exports between the two nations. These include lifting restrictions on importing tea and Konyagi alcohol into Tanzania and exporting timber to Kenya.
He stressed the pivotal role of Tanzania and Kenya within the East African Community (EAC) and emphasized the untapped potential for increased intra-EAC trade.
He highlighted non-tariff barriers (NTBs) as primary obstacles to realizing this potential, calling for concerted efforts and commitments to address them.
Reiterating Tanzania’s dedication to fostering constructive engagements within the EAC, Mr Byabato noted ongoing efforts to resolve NTBs through joint trade committee (JTC) meetings.
He provided insights into the progress made during previous sessions, with a notable resolution of several issues and a commitment to address remaining barriers by June 2022.
“It is against this healthy and cordial relationship that our heads of state engage in high-level consultation with the aim of ensuring that trade between our countries remains undisrupted and optimized, he said.
Drawing attention to trade data, Mr Byabato noted fluctuations in trade volumes between Tanzania and Kenya, signaling the need for sustained efforts to address NTBs and enhance competitiveness.
He stressed the importance of implementing agreed-upon decisions to strengthen the credibility of bilateral engagements and foster continued growth in trade relations.
In response, Ms Miano expressed optimism about the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two countries. She highlighted the positive impact of previous JTC meetings and expressed confidence in the resolution of outstanding trade issues.
She echoed the sentiments of her Tanzanian counterpart, emphasizing the potential for enhanced trade to drive social and economic development in both nations.
She expressed hope for a fruitful outcome from the latest JTC meeting, paving the way for more open trade and deeper collaboration between Tanzania and Kenya.
As Tanzania and Kenya continue to forge closer ties and navigate the complexities of regional trade dynamics, the recent agreement signifies a significant step towards fostering a conducive environment for businesses and promoting mutual prosperity.
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Tanzania Confirms Outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease
Dodoma — Tanzania today confirmed an outbreak of Marburg virus disease in the northwestern Kagera region after one case tested positive for the virus following investigations and laboratory analysis of suspected cases of the disease.
President of the Republic of Tanzania, Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, made the announcement during a press briefing alongside World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in the country’s administrative capital Dodoma.
“Laboratory tests conducted in Kabaile Mobile Laboratory in Kagera and later confirmed in Dar es Salaam identified one patient as being infected with the Marburg virus. Fortunately, the remaining suspected patients tested negative,” the president said. “We have demonstrated in the past our ability to contain a similar outbreak and are determined to do the same this time around.”
A total of 25 suspected cases have been reported as of 20 January 2025, all of whom have tested negative and are currently under close follow-up, the president said. The cases have been reported in Biharamulo and Muleba districts in Kagera.
“We have resolved to reassure the general public in Tanzania and the international community as a whole of our collective determination to address the global health challenges, including the Marburg virus disease,” said H.E President Hassan.
WHO is supporting Tanzanian health authorities to enhance key outbreak control measures including disease surveillance, testing, treatment, infection prevention and control, case management, as well as increasing public awareness among communities to prevent further spread of the virus.
“WHO, working with its partners, is committed to supporting the government of Tanzania to bring the outbreak under control as soon as possible, and to build a healthier, safer, fairer future for all the people of Tanzania,” said Dr Tedros. “Now is a time for collaboration, and commitment, to protecting the health of all people in Tanzania, and the region, from the risks posed by this disease.”
Marburg virus disease is highly virulent and causes haemorrhagic fever. It belongs to the same family as the virus that causes Ebola virus disease. Illness caused by Marburg virus begins abruptly. Patients present with high fever, severe headache and severe malaise. They may develop severe haemorrhagic symptoms within seven days.
“The declaration by the president and the measures being taken by the government are crucial in addressing the threat of this disease at the local and national levels as well as preventing potential cross-border spread,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “Our priority is to support the government to rapidly scale up measures to effectively respond to this outbreak and safeguard the health of the population,”
Tanzania previously reported an outbreak of Marburg in March 2023 – the country’s first – in Kagera region, in which a total of nine cases (eight confirmed and one probable) and six deaths were reported, with a case fatality ratio of 67%.
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In the African region, previous outbreaks and sporadic cases have been reported in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, South Africa and Uganda.
Marburg virus is transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads among humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, surfaces and materials. Although several promising candidate medical countermeasures are currently undergoing clinical trials, there is no licensed treatment or vaccine for effective management or prevention of Marburg virus disease. However, early access to treatment and supportive care – rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids – and treatment of specific symptoms, improve survival.
Source: allafrica.com
