Dar es Salaam. A delegation from the Dubai Chamber of Commerce is in Tanzania to explore investment opportunities, particularly within the country’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
The visit has been hailed by the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) as a significant milestone in showcasing Tanzania’s potential as a hub for industrial and economic development.
The EPZA Director General, Mr Charles Itembe, attributed the visit to President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s economic diplomacy, which has enhanced Tanzania’s reputation as Africa’s gateway to global markets.
“Tanzania is now recognised as a secure and attractive destination for manufacturers targeting international markets,” said Mr Itembe during the meeting in Dar es Salaam.
Mr Itembe spoke of Tanzania’s ongoing preparations to expand SEZs in key locations such as Bagamoyo, Dodoma, Tanga, Kwala and Kigoma.
The Bagamoyo SEZ alone is projected to host over 2,000 industries, offering opportunities for private sector investment in infrastructure and manufacturing.
“SEZ and Export Processing Zone (EPZ) programmes have proven instrumental in advancing industrial economies globally, enabling rapid growth in domestic production. We are inviting investors to seize this opportunity to establish factories and produce goods for the African market,” he said.
He also assured the delegation of the safety and security of their investments, citing the government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for foreign investors.
The President of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Mr Mohammad Ali Lootah, commended the flourishing trade relations between Tanzania and the UAE, which have grown to $2.7 billion.
He noted that Tanzania’s strategic location and the strength of its industrial sector make it an ideal destination for investors.
“Many businesspeople and industrialists are eager to explore Tanzania’s investment potential, particularly in SEZs,” said Mr Lootah.
He added that investments in Tanzania’s port infrastructure and other sectors have further strengthened ties between the two nations.
Mr Itembe highlighted Tanzania’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which allows duty-free and quota-free access to African markets for goods produced in SEZs.
He urged the Dubai Chamber delegation to capitalise on these opportunities, stating that the visit reflects the global recognition of Tanzania’s economic potential.
EPZA anticipates that the visit will attract significant investments, particularly from the Arab world, enhancing the country’s industrial competitiveness and fostering sustainable economic growth.
This engagement coincides with Tanzania’s ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Sh513 billion Chalinze-Dodoma power line, further solidifying the country’s commitment to becoming a regional and global economic powerhouse.
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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
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
Cracks show as Zanzibar’s CCM ruling party looks to 2025 polls
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
