Dar es Salaam. Poor quality and failure to meet international standards are some of the factors identified as causing almost a half of the products produced in East African states not to reach international markets, according to a trade expert.
Mr Rashid Kibowa, the East African Community (EAC) business director, said the challenge makes most of the products to fail to cross the boundaries of the region, that is, failing to compete in the international markets. “We need to strengthen ourselves to compete with other people in the world,” said Mr Kibowa.
He was speaking in Dar es Salaam during the granting of the “EAC Quality Awards 2022.”
He noted that this can also be viewed as a threat to losing business in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) that all the members have recently ratified.
“There is a big need for entrepreneurs to produce products and expand their businesses, but most of them do not have the skills and knowledge that enable them to comply with international quality standards,” he added. He said there was a need to build the capacity of businessmen and entrepreneurs in all their product manufacturing processes to ensure that quality standards are not left behind.
Another way that would help producers compete with their African and international counterparts is to remove various barriers, including unnecessary taxes and difficult conditions for exporting products from one country to another, he said.
Standards and policy manager of the East African Business Council (EABC) Frank Dafa said that the community continues to remove obstacles that hold back businessmen and open up opportunities for them to benefit from the international markets. “In East Africa, we have taken various measures to set up systems to harmonize our laws to ensure that they do not become an obstacle to business,” he said.
The awards were given for the first time to motivate producers to realize the importance of providing quality products that will guarantee a good international market.
Share this news
This Year's Most Read News Stories
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.
ALSO READ: NBC’s Saving Campaign Empowers Customers Nationwide
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
Zanzibar land lease controversy with British Developer
Zanzibar investment lease controversy rumbles on after President Hussein Mwinyi claims the land lease was terminated following a court case which the developer lost Contradictory details come to light.Continue Reading
Ankaya Village: Experience active living and wise investment in Zanzibar
Ankaya Village offers more than just a place to live—it’s a lifestyle choice that’s as enriching as it is rewardingContinue Reading
