Habari

Bank of Tanzania, the central bank of Tanzania, has acquired a stake in the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), becoming a sovereign shareholder and strengthening the diversified capital base of the pan-African institution. According to the AFC, this investment reflects the confidence of states in its ability to mobilize long-term financing for infrastructure and industrial development projects across Africa.

The move comes after the AFC was awarded an A credit rating (positive outlook) by S&P Global Ratings, which praised the strength of its capital structure and the support of its shareholders.

For the AFC, the entry of the Bank of Tanzania contributes to its strategy of diversifying shareholders, strengthening the participation of African sovereign institutions and central banks. The AFC aims to enhance its support in Tanzania through sovereign financing and partnerships with local institutions, including funding lines for the national budget and trade.

According to the Governor of the Bank of Tanzania, Emmanuel Tutuba, this investment demonstrates the reliability of the AFC model and aligns with the country’s priorities to strengthen economic resilience, support private sector growth, and promote sustainable development.

Maji ni miongoni mwa huduma muhimu ya kijamii. Maji ni huduma ambayo kila mtu anahitaji tena kila siku. Utahitaji maji kwa kuoga, kupikia, kufulia, kupigia mswaki, kunyweshea mifugo, kumwagilia maua au bustani. Mambo yanayohitaji maji ni mengi. Maji haya yanapaswa kusambazwa kutoka katika vyanzo vyake mathalani mito, maziwa na mabwawa hadi katika makazi ya watu ili yaweze kutumiwa. Wananchi wanataka maji yawafikie katika makazi yao, hiyo ndiyo kiu na hitaji lao.

Waziri wa Maji, Jumaa Aweso anatoa ushuhuda wa hali ya maji iliyokuwa hapo nyuma. “Kitendo cha wananchi wa maeneo mbalimbali nchini kukosa maji kuliifanya Wizara ya Maji kuwa ni Wizara ya kero na lawama, lakini kwa kazi kubwa alizofanya Rais Dk. Samia, leo Wizara imekuwa faraja kwa wananchi,” anasema Aweso. Maneno  ya Waziri Aweso yanatokana na ukweli kuwa katika maeneo mengi nchini, wananchi walikabiliwa na shida ya maji, hivyo walikuwa na lawama nyingi kwa Wizara ya Maji kwani ndiyo yenye dhamana ya kuhakikisha huduma ya maji inawafikia wananchi kule walipo, hivyo Wizara ya Maji haikuwa na namna ya kukwepa lawama hizo.

Kutokana na utashi wa kisiasa uliopo wa serikali wa kutatua kero za wananchi ikiwemo kero ya ukosefu wa maji, serikali ya Awamu ya Sita chini ya uongozi wa Rais Dk. Samia Suluhu Hassan imechukua hatua stahili na madhubuti kuhakikisha Wizara ya Maji inakuwa faraja kwa wananchi kwa kuwafikishia huduma ya maji na hivyo maji kuchangia maendeleo ya sekta nyingine ili kwa pamoja kasi ya maendeleo iweze kuongezeka.

Waziri Aweso anakiri Rais Dk. Samia ameleta mageuzi makubwa ya kimaendeleo kwani miradi ya maji iliyokuwa imekwama sasa inafanya kazi na maji yanatoka. Ni ukweli mtupu kuwa Rais Dk. Samia anaumizwa na shida ya wananchi kutembea umbali mrefu kwenda kutafuta maji ambayo wakati mwingine hayana uhakika wa kuyapata. Muda wa kufanya shughuli za kijamii na kiuchumi wananchi inabidi wautumie kutafuta maji  kwa matumizi mbalimbali kama ya kupikia, kufulia na kuogea.

Ndoa zilikuwa zipo njia panda. Wanandoa wanagombana kwa sababu mke amechelewa kurudi nyumbani kutoka kisimani, bombani au mtoni kuchota maji. Watoto wanachelewa kwenda shule kutokana na kutafuta maji. Rais Dk. Samia amefanya kazi kubwa kwa kuongeza bajeti ya Wizara ya Maji kutoka shilingi  bilioni 680.3 mwaka wa fedha 2021/2022 hadi shilingi trilioni 1.01 mwaka wa fedha 2025/2026. Mapinduzi haya makubwa yamefanikisha kuongezeka kasi ya usambazaji maji kwa wananchi hali inayoleta faraja badala ya lawama.

Rais Dk. Samia amefanikisha uzinduzi wa miradi ya maji kuwa endelevu badala ya miradi hiyo kutoa maji pale tu wanapokuja viongozi kukagua na kuzindua. Uendelevu wa miradi ya maji inatoa uhakika wa wananchi kupata maji safi, salama na yenye kutosheleza. Waziri Aweso anasisitiza Rais Dk. Samia kuwa kinara wa maji kwani miradi iliyokuwa imekwama tangu miaka ya 1970, sasa imekamilika na inatoa maji. Wizara ya Maji imekuwa faraja kwa wananchi kutokana na fedha za miradi kutolewa kwa wakati kugharamia miradi hiyo. Jambo la kufurahisha hapa ni kwamba, fedha nyingi za miradi ya maji ni mapato ya ndani (own sources) badala ya kutegemea misaada ya wahisani.

Kwa mujibu wa Waziri Aweso, katika kipindi cha miaka minne ya uongozi wa Rais Dk. Samia, zaidi ya shilingi trilioni tatu zimetolewa kugharamia miradi ya maji, jambo linaloongeza kasi ya usambazaji maji kwa wananchi. Katika kuendeleza tabasamu kwa wananchi, Wizara ya Maji inatekeleza mpango mkakati wa ujenzi wa Gridi ya Taifa ya Maji ili kuhakikisha maji yanakuwa ya kuhakika kwa matumizi mbalimbali ya kimaendeleo.

Katika Wiki ya Maji iliyozinduliwa Machi 16 hadi 22, 2026, Wizara ya Maji ina kila sababu ya kutembea kifuambele kutokana na mafanikio makubwa yaliyopatikana likiwemo suala la upatikanaji wa maji kufikia asilimia 92.5 maeneo ya mijini na asilimia 85.2 maeneo ya vijijini. Kazi nzuri zimefanyika. Kwa maeneo ambayo maji hayajafika, dhamira ya serikali ni ile ile kuwafikishia wananchi wake wote maji safi, hivyo kazi ya kufikisha maji kwa wananchi wote inaendelea tena kwa kasi na viwango vikubwa.

The government is strengthening policy, legal and strategic reforms aimed at positioning Tanzania as a key trade hub for East and Central Africa, a senior official said on Monday.

Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Policy, Parliament, Coordination and Persons with Disabilities, Jim Yonazi, said the government has undertaken a series of initiatives to improve the country’s business environment and attract more investment.

Speaking during a meeting of the Business Environment Working Group under the Tanzania National Business Council (TNBC) in Dar es Salaam, Dr Yonazi said the reforms are aimed at strengthening trade, promoting investment and boosting economic growth.

He noted that the government has continued to review policies and laws to make it easier for businesses to operate in the country.

“The government has made various efforts to promote investment, including improving the policy and legal environment for doing business. Our goal is to ensure Tanzania becomes a trade hub for East and Central Africa,” he said.

Dr Yonazi also called on the private sector to strengthen its partnership with the government in implementing initiatives aimed at expanding trade and improving the overall investment climate.

Meanwhile, Executive Secretary of the Tanzania National Business Council, Godwill Wanga, said the meeting reviewed progress in improving Tanzania’s business environment and explored ways to attract further investment in key sectors.

He said participants discussed potential incentives that could encourage more investment in the health sector, particularly as the country prepares to roll out universal health insurance.

Dr Wanga said the meeting is part of ongoing consultations between the government and the private sector aimed at addressing challenges affecting business growth.

The session also discussed the role of digital infrastructure in supporting economic activities and improving the ease of doing business in the country.

In addition, the council agreed to conduct a study to assess the possible impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East on Tanzania’s economy.

The Tanzania National Business Council brings together government leaders and private sector representatives to discuss policies and strategies aimed at improving the business environment and promoting investment in Tanzania.

Dar es Salaam: Rais Samia Suluhu Hassan leo amepokea ripoti muhimu inayopendekeza mabadiliko makubwa katika mfumo wa kodi nchini yanayolenga kupatia ufumbuzi malalamiko ya muda mrefu kutoka kwa wananchi, wafanyabiashara, na wawekezaji.

Akizungumza wakati wa kupokea taarifa hiyo kutoka kwa Mwenyekiti wa Tume ya Rais ya Kutathmini Maboresho ya Mfumo wa Kodi, Balozi Ombeni Sefue, Rais Samia ameeleza kuwa tathmini ya mwisho ya kina kuhusu mfumo wa kodi ilifanywa takribani miaka 35 iliyopita, na hivyo tathmini hii ni muhimu kutokana na mabadiliko ya haraka ya kiteknolojia na kiuchumi duniani yanayolazimu kuhuisha mfumo wetu wa kodi ili kukidhi mahitaji ya sasa.

Ameahidi kufanyia kazi mapendekezo yote 284 yaliyowasilishwa na Tume kupitia mikakati ya muda mfupi, wa kati, na wa muda mrefu kwani maboresho hayo ni kiungo muhimu katika kufikia Dira ya Taifa ya Maendeleo 2050.

Rais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania, Dkt. Samia Suluhu Hassan akipokea Ripoti ya Tume ya Rais ya Kutathmini Maboresho ya Mfumo wa Kodi nchini kutoka kwa Mwenyekiti wa Tume hiyo, Katibu Mkuu Kiongozi Mstaafu Balozi Ombeni Sefue, Ikulu Jijini Dar es Salaam tarehe 18, Machi, 2026.

Serikali inalenga kujenga mfumo wa kodi wenye usawa, unaoeleweka, usio na tafsiri kinzani, na wenye kodi zisizoumiza ili kuwezesha biashara kustawi huku ikikusanya mapato. Lengo kuu la kitaifa ni kufikia uwiano wa mapato ya kodi kwa Pato la Taifa (Tax-to-GDP ratio) wa asilimia 18.

Kwa upande wake, Mwenyekiti wa Tume hiyo, Balozi Ombeni Sefue, ametaja baadhi ya changamoto walizobaini kuwa ni pamoja na viwango vikubwa vya kodi na tozo, udhaifu katika kutatua migogoro ya kikodi, uratibu hafifu wa taasisi zinazokusanya mapato, na wigo mdogo wa walipakodi.

Balozi Sefue ameonya juu ya mfumo wa sasa akisema, “Bila mabadiliko makubwa, Tanzania itaendelea kukusanya kodi kutoka kwa wachache, tena kwa usumbufu.”

Aidha, ameshauri Serikali kuweka mizani nzuri kati ya kukusanya kodi na kukuza uchumi kwa kusisitiza, “Hatuwezi kuvuna bila kupanda; wala kukamua maziwa bila ng’ombe kulishwa,” akimaanisha umuhimu wa kuimarisha mazingira ya uwekezaji.

Tathmini ya Tume inaonyesha kuwa endapo mapendekezo yote yatatekelezwa kikamilifu, Serikali inaweza kuongeza mapato yake kwa kiasi cha shilingi trilioni 11.025 ndani ya kipindi cha miaka mitatu ya mwanzo.

Dar es Salaam: THE newly rebuilt Kariakoo Market represents a new chapter for commerce in Tanzania’s largest city. Located in the heart of Dar es Salaam, the modern market has been reconstructed after a devastating fire destroyed large sections of the historic trading hub in July 2021.

The reconstruction project was funded by the government at an estimated cost of about 28bn/-, reflecting the importance of the market to the country’s economy.

The new market is a modern multistorey complex designed to accommodate thousands of traders and customers who depend on Kariakoo for daily business activities. The upgraded facility includes improved stalls, better storage areas and modern infrastructure aimed at enhancing safety and efficiency. Modern fire suppression systems have been installed throughout the building to prevent disasters similar to the 2021 fire.

The complex also features additional facilities such as underground parking, designated areas for financial services and improved security systems to support traders and shoppers. These improvements aim to create a safer and more organized business environment while supporting the growth of commerce in the city.

Authorities say the rebuilt market accommodates more than 1,500 traders, many of whom lost their businesses during the fire. Its reopening marks the return of one of East Africa’s busiest commercial centres, attracting traders and buyers from across Tanzania and neighbouring countries.

Beyond its physical transformation, the new Kariakoo Market is expected to strengthen local and regional trade while creating more economic opportunities for small and medium-sized entrepreneurs.

Mtwara. Handling of bulk and hazardous cargo at Mtwara Port is set to undergo a major transformation following the construction of a specialised facility designed to handle such shipments more safely and in an environmentally responsible manner.

The new Mgao Island Port, currently under construction at a cost of Sh434.5 billion, has reached 38.5 percent completion and is expected to be ready by July next year.

Once operational, the facility will handle bulk and hazardous cargo including coal, cement, fertiliser and Sulphur.

The Director General of Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), Mr Plasduce Mbossa, said the specialised port forms part of a broader strategy to modernise port infrastructure and support industrial and mining activities in southern Tanzania.

“The facility will mainly handle coal, fertiliser and sulphur, ensuring that heavy shipments move efficiently and safely without affecting nearby communities,” he said.

Upon completion, the new port will operate alongside Mtwara Port as an integrated maritime hub, allowing the main port to concentrate on conventional cargo such as cashew exports and containerised goods.

According to Mr Mbossa, relocating bulk cargo operations to Mgao Island will reduce congestion at Mtwara Port, lower transport costs and improve operational efficiency while safeguarding the environment.

“Mgao Island Port will make bulk cargo handling faster and safer while reducing dust and congestion in Mtwara town,” he said.

He noted that existing facilities at Mtwara Port have long supported the movement of various cargo, including agricultural exports, cement imports and general merchandise.

However, the growing volume of bulk commodities such as coal has created the need for specialised infrastructure.

Modern cargo-handling systems—including conveyor belts, dust-suppression mechanisms and specialised loading cranes, will be installed to reduce environmental risks and improve efficiency.

“This will help reduce environmental hazards such as coal dust while also improving workplace safety and allowing the port to handle large volumes without delays,” Mr Mbossa explained.

The project’s supervising engineer, Hamis Nyembo, said the port is located along a natural channel similar to that of Mtwara Port.

Minor dredging will deepen the channel from nine metres to between 14 and 16.5 metres, enabling the facility to accommodate larger vessels.

“The natural channel makes the port ideal for expansion, and only minimal excavation is required to allow bigger ships,” he said.

Once completed, Mgao Island Port is expected to handle about 1.2 million tonnes of cargo annually.

Manager of Mtwara Port, Mr Ferdinand Nyathi, said the new facility is intended to complement—not compete with—the existing port.

“Mgao will take over coal, fertiliser and other heavy cargo, allowing the main port to focus on conventional goods,” he said.

TPA statistics show that Mtwara Port currently handles more than one million tonnes of cargo annually, including cashews, coal, fertiliser and industrial imports.

With the new facility in operation, the combined capacity of the two ports is projected to reach between 2.5 million and three million tonnes per year.

Demand for a dedicated bulk terminal has grown alongside increased coal mining in the Ngaka coalfields in Ruvuma Region, where coal has been transported by road to Mtwara for export—causing traffic congestion, dust pollution and higher road maintenance costs.

Mgao Island Port will shift much of this activity offshore, improving safety and efficiency within the municipality.

The facility is also linked to the government’s long-term plan to develop the Standard Gauge Railway corridor connecting Mtwara Port to Mbamba Bay Port on the shores of Lake Nyasa.

Completion of the strategic projects is expected to streamline cargo transport in southern Tanzania and strengthen the country’s position as a logistics hub within the Southern African Development Community (Sadc).

“Our ports are critical not only for Tanzania but also for neighbouring countries that rely on our corridors to reach international markets,” Mr Mbossa said.

Construction of the port has already created employment opportunities for skilled and semi-skilled workers.

Local residents and traders in Mtwara say the project could attract new investment and stimulate economic growth across southern Tanzania.

With offshore and onshore natural gas reserves, mineral resources and fertile agricultural land, the region has long been viewed as an area of untapped potential. The new port is expected to help unlock these resources by improving access to both domestic and regional markets.

Mr Nyembo said the port’s design also allows for future expansion .

“As trade and industry grow in southern Tanzania, Mgao Port can be upgraded with additional berths and storage facilities without disrupting existing operations,” he said.

Official figures show cargo throughput at Mtwara Port has risen sharply—from 106,071 tonnes in the 2018/19 financial year to about 1.7 million tonnes in 2023/24—reflecting increased exports and imports as well as government investment in port infrastructure.

Kamati ya Kudumu ya Bunge ya Miundombinu imeipongeza Wizara ya Uchukuzi na Shirika la Reli Tanzania (TRC) kwa kuanza kutengeneza vichwa vya treni hapa nchini kupitia karakana ya Pugu, Dar es Salaam.

Mwenyekiti wa Kamati hiyo, Selemani Kakoso, amesema hatua hiyo ni muhimu katika kupunguza gharama za matengenezo ya treni pamoja na kuongeza ajira kwa vijana wenye ujuzi nchini.

Kakoso ameiagiza Wizara ya Uchukuzi kupitia TRC kuendelea kuwajengea uwezo vijana wa Kitanzania kwa kuwapatia mafunzo ya ndani na nje ya nchi ili kuongeza utaalamu na ubunifu katika sekta ya reli.

Kwa upande wake, Naibu Waziri wa Uchukuzi, David Kihenzile amesema Serikali chini ya Uongozi wa Rais Mheshimiwa Dkt. Samia Suluhu Hassan imeendelea kuimarisha sekta ya uchukuzi kwa kujenga miundombinu ya reli na kununua vitendea kazi vya kisasa.

Naye Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa TRC, Mhandisi Machibwa Shiwa amesema kutengeneza vichwa vya treni katika eneo la pugu kumesaidia Watanzania wengi kupata uzoefu.

TRC iliingia mkataba na kampuni ya SMH Rail ya Malaysia mwaka 2022 kwa ajili ya uundaji wa vichwa nane vya treni za MGR Daraja la 91XX, ambapo viwili vilitengenezwa Malaysia na sita vinatengenezwa Tanzania, ambapo viwili kati ya hivyo vimekamilika.