Dar es Salaam. The government has extended an invitation to Pakistani investors to explore opportunities in Tanzania’s emerging sectors, including the blue economy, renewable energy, mining, and transport.
The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mr Cosato Chumi, issued the call during celebrations to mark the 85th Pakistan Day, held on Friday, April 11, 2025.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening socio-economic and diplomatic ties with Pakistan, noting that bilateral trade between the two countries reached Sh423 billion last year.
Mr Chumi highlighted that Pakistan’s cumulative investment in Tanzania’s manufacturing, agriculture, transport, and services sectors has surpassed $248 million (Sh644.8 billion).
“Pakistan is a key investor in Tanzania. I am confident that both countries will continue to expand trade, investment, and cooperation, especially in emerging sectors such as the blue economy, renewable energy, mining, and transport,” he said.
He also commended the ongoing technical cooperation between the two nations, driven by a range of initiatives involving training, scholarships, capacity building, and knowledge exchange.
Mr Chumi specifically acknowledged the continued benefits many Tanzanians have received under the Technical Assistance Programme for African Countries (TAPAC), a long-standing initiative of the Pakistan government.
He further noted the strong military collaboration between the two countries, which includes joint training and regular exercise.
The Deputy Minister also praised the contributions of the Pakistan diaspora in Tanzania, numbering around 3,000 people, stating that their presence continues to support the country’s development agenda.
He underscored their active participation in various sectors—including construction, medicine, agriculture, and social welfare—as an example of their commitment to national development.
“This community serves as a lasting bridge that continues to strengthen the ties between our two countries,” he said.
Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Tanzania, Mr Siraj Ahmad Khan, reflected on the country’s progress since independence, describing it as a modern and progressive Islamic state.
He said Pakistan has built partnerships across the globe, including with African nations, guided by principles of mutual respect, shared interests, and common values.
“This year, as we commemorate Pakistan Day in Tanzania, I am reminded of the deep-rooted friendship and mutual respect that bind our two nations,” he said.
He added that since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Pakistan and Tanzania have enjoyed warm and friendly ties.
Mr Khan further elaborated on the growing collaboration across a range of fields, including trade, education, capacity building, health, and defence.
“Our shared commitment to peace, development, and regional stability continues to reinforce this bond,” he said.
He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to supporting both regional and global peace efforts, and reiterated his country’s strong support for Tanzania’s development ambitions.
The envoy went on to highlight the deepening cooperation in health and education, acknowledging the valuable contribution of Pakistani doctors and medical professionals to Tanzania’s healthcare system.
“As we look to the future, we are committed to further strengthening our partnership with Tanzania, a country that shares our vision for peace, progress, and prosperity,” said Mr Khan.
“Together, we can address global challenges—such as climate change, poverty, and inequality—and work towards building a more inclusive and sustainable world,” he added.
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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
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