17th March 2025
Source: The Citizen
TANZANIA REGISTERS OVER 2000 INVESTMENT PROJECTS WORTH TZS 67 TRILLION IN 4 YEARS
The Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) has recorded 2,099 investment projects valued at TZS 67 trillion over the past four years under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. This progress was highlighted by the Chief Spokesperson of the Government and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports, Mr. Gerson Msigwa, during a press briefing in the Coast Region.
Mr. Msigwa revealed that 1,982 of these projects have already commenced operations, contributing significantly to Tanzania’s industrial growth. He noted that, from March 2021 to February 2025, investment levels reached new heights, with the manufacturing sector taking the lead.
He stated that the data clearly shows a consistent rise in industrial establishments each year. This positive trend affirms that Tanzania’s industrialization agenda under President Samia’s leadership is on the right track. According to Mr. Msigwa, manufacturing accounts for the largest share of registered investments, with 951 projects worth TZS 27 trillion recorded between March 2021 and February 2025.
This sector alone is projected to generate 124,339 job opportunities, while the total number of jobs from all projects is expected to reach 539,488. Breaking down investment categories, he noted that there were 476 joint ventures, 117 expansion projects, 719 domestic investments, and 904 Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects among those that have commenced operations. In terms of regional distribution, Dar es Salaam leads in attracting capital, followed by the Coast Region.
Source: The Citizen
WHATSAPP GROUPS, NEW FRONTIERS FOR DIASPORA STILL SEEKING DUAL CITIZENSHIP
For years, legal complexities and bureaucratic inertia have hindered the possibility of dual citizenship for Tanzanians. Hopes were raised with the introduction of the proposed ‘Tanzanite Card,’ a measure aimed at granting recognition to Tanzanian-born foreign passport holders.
The initiative made national headlines, dominating newspapers and television broadcasts, and quickly went viral across social media platforms. However, those expectations were short-lived when the bill was shelved in Parliament. Since then, the topic of dual citizenship for the Tanzanian diaspora has been largely absent from official discourse, although it remains a hotly debated issue in diaspora forums and social media groups such as WhatsApp and Zoom meetings.
The Tanzanian diaspora has grown increasingly disillusioned. Some members have resigned themselves to the belief that the government is unlikely to address the matter, while others continue to hold out hope, citing deep ancestral ties to Tanzania. Despite the government’s silence, the debate is far from dormant within the diaspora community. Intense discussions, both political and personal, continue to spark in WhatsApp groups and online forums. For many Tanzanians abroad, nationality is more than just a passport; it is an integral part of their identity.
Source: The Citizen
DAR ES SALAAM’s TRAFFIC WOES TO EASE AS KWALA DRY PORT BEGINS OPERATIONS
Congestion on Dar es Salaam roads may soon ease as the Kwala Dry Port has begun handling cargo offloaded at the seaport. This follows the successful processing of 700 containers at the facility, with the number expected to rise significantly once the dry port is fully integrated with the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR). The facility is expected to handle 823 containers per day, including shipments destined for neighbouring countries, amounting to 300,395 containers annually, equivalent to 30% of the total container volume currently managed by the Port of Dar es Salaam. These details were shared by the Chief Government Spokesperson, Mr. Gerson Msigwa, during a media briefing after visiting an industrial park in the Coast Region and the Kwala Dry Port, which was constructed by the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA).
Once fully operational, the dry port will enable lorries to pick up cargo from the Coast Region instead of the Dar port, reducing transportation costs and long delays. His remarks come amid increasing complaints about severe traffic congestion in Dar es Salaam caused by heavy lorries. Some residents have even called for specific days to be allocated for lorry entry into the city. Apart from congestion, the disorderly parking of lorries has also become an issue, often blocking emergency lanes and making it difficult for road users to navigate. To address this challenge, on February 4th 2024, Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, Mr. Albert Chalamila, launched a special operation to impound lorries parked illegally in emergency lanes. He urged lorry drivers and owners to use designated parking areas.
Source: The Citizen
EXPERTS OUTLINE FACTORS UNDERMINING MARKET POTENTIAL IN EAST AFRICA
Experts have argued that poor implementation, lack of harmonization of policies, and bureaucratic inefficiencies continue to undermine East Africa’s market potential. This comes despite the fact that 13 years ago, the East African Community (EAC), Southern African Development Community (SADC), and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) envisioned a tripartite free trade area that would create a seamless regional business environment. However, despite the agreements, the business environment has continued to block the good flow of goods, according to experts.
The EAC’s integration process dates back to the signing of the cooperation treaty in 1999, which became legally binding in 2000. The bloc outlined a roadmap for economic integration, beginning with the Customs Union in 2005, followed by the Common Market in 2010. The Monetary Union, which was expected to be operational by 2024, has now been postponed to 2031 due to slow implementation.
According to East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member Mr. Machano Ali Machano, the region has had well-structured policies and agreements, but the biggest challenge lies in implementation. He expressed this concern during a forum organized by the University of Dar es Salaam Business School (UDBS), whose theme was “Unlocking the EAC Market Potential: A Strategic Forum for Tanzania’s Logistics Stakeholders.” Mr. Machano noted that customs harmonization between EAC and SADC has never been achieved, making it difficult to establish a truly unified trade area. A specific concern lies in container shipping costs. Experts say that shipping a container from China to the Port of Mombasa is often cheaper than transporting that same container from Mombasa to Dar es Salaam or vice versa.
Source: The Guardian
TANZANIA LEADS IN ELECTRONIC DEVICES CERTIFICATION
Testing electronic communication devices manufactured or imported into Tanzania for adherence to national and international safety and quality standards is about to start, as an electronics equipment laboratory rolls out its services. Dr. Jabir Bakari, the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) Director General, said in a statement over the weekend that the testing process is aimed at building user confidence in electronic devices used countrywide. The laboratory helps to verify the quality of devices before they enter the local market, controlling the circulation of counterfeit and substandard products. He asserted that testing ensures that devices comply with the required standards before they are imported and used in the country.
This helps to protect consumers and prevents communication interference caused by devices operating on unauthorized frequencies, he said of the laboratory that was completed on 27th March 2024, as scheduled. The project was implemented within a year from April 2023 to March 2024, with the completion of the laboratory marking a significant step in Tanzania’s efforts to strengthen communication infrastructure and protect consumers from substandard electronic devices. Its services will not only enhance the quality of electronic communication devices but also position Tanzania as a leader in communication device certification across the region, he said, as the state-of-the-art testing laboratory is designed to verify the safety and performance of devices like mobile phones, tablets, and laptops.
The testing focuses on radio frequency efficiency, evaluating how well electronic communication devices (such as phones) operate using 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks. Another sphere is radiation levels, measuring the specific absorption rate (SAR) to ensure that the radiation emitted by these devices remains within safe limits, the statement elaborated. The testing process prevents potential health risks and ensures that devices operate effectively without disrupting communication networks, it said, affirming that manufacturers and importers seeking approval for their electronic communication devices are required to apply through the Tanzanite Portal. The application process involves submitting detailed information about the device and attaching the necessary documentation.
Once the devices are submitted to TCRA’s laboratory for testing, those meeting the set standards are issued a certificate of approval and a special label confirming compliance. Approved devices are added to the regulator’s online database of certified electronic communication devices, accessible to the public via the TCRA website, he said, asserting that Tanzania is the first country in East and Central Africa to establish an electronic communication device certification laboratory. It is also one of only two countries within the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) to have such a facility, as Tanzania now joins an elite group of 12 African countries with similar laboratories. The others are Tunisia, South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Benin, Guinea, Togo, Senegal, Mali, and Mauritania,” the statement added.
Source: Daily News
TRA ASSURES STAKEHOLDERS OF ETHICAL, TRANSPARENT TAX PRACTICES
Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) Commissioner General, Mr. Yusuph Mwenda, has assured stakeholders of the authority’s unwavering commitment to integrity and fairness in tax collection, emphasizing that only rightful taxes will be levied and collected. Speaking during an Iftar event organized by TRA, Mr. Mwenda said the authority is committed to collecting revenue through rightful means for the development of the nation. The event brought together various stakeholders, including business owners, TRA staff, religious and government leaders, and representatives from private sector institutions, with the aim of strengthening the relationship between TRA and its stakeholders.
Mr. Mwenda underscored the authority’s dedication to transparency and ethical tax administration. He commended Tanzanians for their cooperation with TRA and their commitment to fulfilling tax obligations, urging them to continue paying taxes voluntarily. He highlighted the importance of demanding receipts for purchases, particularly during the holy months of Ramadan and Lent when consumer spending typically increases. Mr. Mwenda further underscored the tangible benefits of tax revenue in the country, citing improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, and education. On his part, Tanzania’s Deputy Chief Kadhi and member of the Council of Ulamaa, Sheikh Ally Hamis Ngeruko, representing the Mufti of Tanzania, Sheikh Abubakar Zuberi, urged Tanzanians to continue paying taxes voluntarily and with integrity, stressing the role of taxation.
18th March 2025
Source: The Citizen
MASTERSTROKE LAND POLICY LAUNCHED
The newly launched National Land Policy 1995 (Revised Edition of 2023) is expected to open a new chapter in the real estate sector, promoting equality in land ownership, introducing reforms in land conflict resolution bodies, and enhancing proper village and urban land planning. President Hon Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan made this statement in Dodoma yesterday while launching the revised policy, saying that despite the changes, land will remain public property, entrusted to the President of the United Republic of Tanzania on behalf of its citizens. Speaking at the launch, the Head of State said that the initiative aims to eliminate outdated traditions, which, among others, have denied women the right to own land, an essential resource for national social and economic development.
The improved policy is set to enhance land registration through ICT systems. She added that property security will be guaranteed, reducing land conflicts, as fraudsters will no longer have opportunities to collaborate with pseudo-practitioners to seize others’ rights. Furthermore, President Samia said that land resolution bodies at the village and ward levels have played a big role in settling disputes. However, with the introduction of the new policy, these bodies will be reformed to meet current needs. She also pointed out that despite the growing population and increasing demand for affordable housing, the previous policy did not provide enough opportunities for private-sector involvement in addressing these challenges.
The newly launched policy, she stated, will attract foreign investment in the country’s real estate subsector, allowing the private sector to build and sell affordable housing to those in need. For better land utilization and to preserve large portions for production, President Samia urged settlement planners to consider constructing storey buildings in rural areas, given that social services such as water and electricity have significantly improved. She added that improving rural settlements would help curb rural-to-urban migration by ensuring that the services and opportunities that attract young people to cities are available in their local communities.
President Samia also revealed that Tanzania is currently implementing the National Geospatial Data Infrastructure Project, which will be backed by the new policy to facilitate digital mapping and redraw the country’s map for better land planning. She noted that the current map, drawn in 1978, no longer reflects the country’s reality, and digital mapping will help resolve various land-related conflicts. Dr. Samia directed the Ministry for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development to ensure disciplinary actions are taken against ministry officials who violate the newly launched policy. She also directed the ministry to establish a Land Commission to oversee all land-related issues and introduce a One-Stop Centre for surveying, registration, land management, and the issuance of title deeds.
President Samia also tasked the ministry with improving settlements for squatters in major cities such as Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mwanza, and Mbeya without displacing residents by constructing temporary homes. She stressed the need for relevant ministries to develop an integrated plan that would guide land management and benefit users like farmers, ensuring that their produce fetches better prices by establishing nearby markets. Explaining why the government introduced the policy, the Minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, Hon. Mr. Deogratius Ndejembi, said that since Tanzania gained independence in 1961, the population has continued to grow while land remains constant. Therefore, the policy will ensure the proper use of resources for the benefit of future generations.
19th March 2025
Source: The Citizen
WHY BEVERAGE INDUSTRY REMAINS THE BACKBONE OF TANZANIA’S MANUFACTURING SECTOR
The beverage industry continues to play a dominant role in Tanzania’s manufacturing sector, contributing nearly 27.9% of the total value of selected manufactured commodities, according to the latest Consolidated Zonal Economic Performance Report for the quarter ending September 2024. Despite experiencing a 13.1% decline in value from TZS 1.5 trillion in September 2023 to TZS 1.3 trillion in September 2024, the sector remains the largest contributor, underscoring its resilience and economic importance.
Economists argue that this strength is driven by high consumer demand, regional market expansion, and its deep integration into daily life, making it less vulnerable to economic fluctuations than other manufacturing sub-sectors. An economist and lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Dr. Tobias Swai, explained that the consistent demand for beverages is rooted in their necessity. He added that in Tanzania, where disposable income may fluctuate, beverages remain a reliable expense. People will prioritize beverages, making the demand for them relatively stable even during economic hardships. This pattern of demand is not merely a result of economic necessity but a reflection of cultural significance.
Source: The Citizen
TANZANIA GOVERNMENT-BACKED INNOVATION HUBS OFFER HOPE TO JOBLESS YOUTH
The ongoing expansion of the ICT sector, particularly through government-backed innovation hubs, presents a golden opportunity to turn the unemployment crisis into a chance for economic growth and job creation. This comes as, a few weeks ago, Tanzania witnessed the rise of jobless young people who have started forming informal groups, demanding employment a situation experts said needed an immediate remedy before it escalated. Recognizing the potential of ICT, the parliamentary committee on Infrastructure has called for urgent measures to promote youth innovation.
The committee, led by Chairman Hon. Mr. Suleiman Kakoso, emphasized that fostering a culture of technological creativity will not only curb unemployment but also contribute to national development. Tanzania’s government has already made significant strides in supporting young innovators by setting up technology hubs across the country. Mr. Kakoso applauded these efforts, particularly the ongoing construction of innovation centres in eight regions. According to the Deputy Minister for Information, Communication, and Information Technology, Hon. Ms. Maryprisca Mahundi, Tanzania is on track to have 17 innovation hubs nationwide, including a major innovation school in Dodoma. The Director General of ICTC, Dr. Nkundwe Mwasaga, stressed that the centres are open to all young Tanzanians with innovative ideas. He expressed optimism that local innovators will soon gain international recognition.
Source: The Citizen
PROFESSOR JANABI OUTLINES PRIORITIES IN WHO AFRICA REGIONAL DIRECTOR BID
Tanzania’s candidate for the position of WHO Africa Regional Director, Prof. Mohamed Yakub Janabi, has outlined four key priorities he intends to pursue if elected. A renowned cardiologist and healthcare administrator, Prof. Janabi has played a significant role in shaping Tanzania’s medical landscape. His career spans several decades, including serving as the director of the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute and later as the executive director of Muhimbili National Hospital. His contributions to healthcare, particularly in cardiology and institutional transformation, have earned him recognition across Africa and beyond.
Speaking via his WhatsApp channel, Prof. Janabi reflected on his commitment to strengthening healthcare systems, advancing universal health coverage, and fostering innovation in Africa. He said, ‘From leading Tanzania’s largest hospital and health systems to shaping public health and nutrition policies and regional collaborations, my mission has always been clear: building a resilient, self-reliant, and healthier Africa. Together, we can transform our health landscape and secure a future where every African can access quality care.’
His campaign is built on four pillars: universal health coverage, resilience, modernization, and ownership. He stated that his focus will be on strengthening primary healthcare, which will enable us to achieve universal health coverage and ensure that services are accessible to everyone, regardless of socio-economic status. Quality basic healthcare should be a right for all. On resilience, Prof. Janabi stressed the importance of preparedness and rapid response to outbreaks, particularly in light of the increasing health challenges posed by climate change.
Source: The Guardian
EMBRACE TECHNOLOGY TO MODERNIZE COURT OPERATIONS
Chief Justice, Hon. Prof. Ibrahim Juma, has called upon High Court judges and division heads to embrace technological advancements, shift their mindset, and enhance their professional knowledge to keep pace with the changing landscape of the judicial sector. Addressing their annual meeting here yesterday, he emphasized the need for transformation in thinking and approach, underlining that meaningful judicial reforms cannot succeed without a major shift in mindset. Pointing to significant government investment in modernizing the judiciary, he urged court officials to leverage technology to improve case handling and reduce case backlog, as adopting technological systems saves time and costs.
It similarly reduces the burden on the prison service in transporting remand prisoners to court, he stated, noting that last year the judiciary began digitizing all court documents—a milestone. He emphasized that it is important to assess whether the positive steps we’ve taken are being sustained or if they are fading over time. Substantial investment made in the judiciary must produce tangible benefits, citing the use of artificial intelligence, as it helps judges and magistrates access critical information and solve challenges. AI could assist in making informed decisions, especially if regularly updated and programmed to adapt to new challenges, including improving case processing and hearing efficiency,” he stated. He encouraged judges and magistrates to pursue further education in technology-related fields.
There are courses, such as a PhD in computer programming for lawyers, which they can access, or they can conduct research to uncover hidden patterns in criminal cases, particularly in murder, rape, and sexual assault, to better serve victims. Principal Judge Dr. Mustapher Siyani said the participants will discuss various issues related to court performance and provide an opportunity for self-evaluation concerning the implementation of the judiciary’s strategic plan, vision, and mission. Justice delivery has improved, as the average time taken to conclude cases in 2024 has decreased to 78 days, six days shorter than the 84-day average recorded in 2023.
He highlighted that setting specific targets for case resolution has contributed to improving the speed of justice delivery. However, significant disparity remains in case completion rates among judges, he said, noting that of the 104 High Court judges, 17 managed to meet the target of resolving 220 cases per year. Deliberate efforts are needed to address this gap, he asserted. Judge Rose Ibrahim, resident judge for the Morogoro Zone of the High Court, praised efforts to widen exposure of senior court officials to advanced technological applications, equipping them with modern skills. She added that the judiciary is educating the public on legal matters to help them navigate and address specific challenges effectively.
20th March 2025
Source: The Citizen
TANZANIA SEEKS INVESTORS FOR LOCAL PRODUCTION OF ANTIRETROVIRAL DRUGS
The government, through the Medical Stores Department (MSD), has affirmed its ongoing collaboration with the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) and various embassies to attract investment in the manufacturing of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs), condoms, cotton-based medical products, mixed medicines, and other essential healthcare items. Speaking in Dodoma yesterday while presenting a report on MSD’s achievements over the four years of the Sixth Phase Government, MSD Director General, Mr. Mavere Tukai, emphasised that despite notable progress, Tanzania remains heavily reliant on imports due to the limited capacity of local industries.
Currently, more than 80% of healthcare products in the country are imported. He said that through its subsidiary company, the Medical Stores Department will continue working with the private sector to expand local health product manufacturing, thereby reducing dependence on imports and preserving foreign currency reserves. Additionally, he reassured the public that the country has sufficient stock of essential medical supplies and that there is no immediate shortage. At present, Tanzania does not have any factories producing ARVs or condoms. Establishing such facilities would represent a significant milestone, ensuring the availability of these critical products. This initiative is particularly crucial as global funding trends shift, potentially impacting the supply of ARVs in Africa.
Source: The Citizen
UNIVERSITY OF DODOMA DEVELOPS SYSTEM TO IMPROVE MARKET ACCESS
The University of Dodoma (UDOM) has developed a blockchain-based system designed to optimize the supply chain from farmers to markets, promoting transparency and efficiency in agricultural trade. To validate the system’s effectiveness, research was conducted in three regions, each focusing on a key crop produced in the area: tobacco in Tabora, soya in Ruvuma, and cashew nuts in Mtwara. Senior Lecturer and Lead Researcher from UDOM’s School of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, Dr. Hilda Mwangakala, announced the development yesterday during a joint meeting to assess the system’s functionality.
She said that the system enables farmers to access market information globally so that they can engage in contract farming or utilize warehouse receipt systems with the confidence of market availability. Dr. Mwangakala noted that the system is part of a three-year project designed to help farmers sell their produce online without the interference of exploitative intermediaries. While opening the meeting, UDOM’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic, Research, and Consultancy, Prof. Razack Lokina, highlighted the system’s significance in transforming the agricultural sector.
Source: The Citizen
PILOT TRAINING IN TANZANIA TO COST TZS 120 MILLION
The National Institute of Transport (NIT) has announced that pilot training in Tanzania will cost TZS 120 million, significantly easing the financial burden compared to studying abroad, where costs range between TZS 200 million and TZS 300 million. Speaking in Dodoma on Thursday, 20th March 2025, while outlining the achievements of the sixth-phase government, NIT Rector, Prof. Zacharia Mganilwa, emphasised that launching pilot training locally would make aviation education more affordable.
He further noted that NIT is in discussions with various agencies to provide loans and financial aid for aspiring pilots who may struggle to afford tuition fees. In addition to pilot training, NIT offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Aircraft Maintenance, which costs TZS 6 million per year for four years, amounting to TZS 24 million in total. Prof. Mganilwa encouraged Tanzanians to seize this opportunity, highlighting that the initiative would help build local expertise in the aviation sector.
Source: The Guardian
ESSA Group, an Indonesia-based group of companies, plans to build a fertilizer plant near Mtwara with an annual production capacity of one million tonnes, a project estimated to cost USD 1.3 billion (TZS 3.94 trillion). The Tanzania Fertilizer Regulatory Authority (TFRA) Executive Director, Mr. Joel Laurent, confirmed this expectation in remarks on achievements for the fertilizer sub-sector during the past four years and issued estimates similar to what the company states in its official projections.
A 23th August 2024 entry noted that it is anticipated the project will create 389,000 indirect jobs, with the USD 1.3 billion urea fertilizer plant intended to address the country’s reliance on fertilizer imports while also boosting food security. Construction is expected to be completed by 2027, and production will start in 2029, with the regulator placing the number of direct jobs expected at 4,500 during construction and 5,000 direct jobs when production starts, along with the projected 389,000 indirect jobs.
21st March 2025
Source: The Citizen
TAZARA SECURES USD 1.4 BILLION DEAL FOR CHINESE COMPANY TO OPERATE RAILWAY FOR 30 YEARS
Tanzania, Zambia, and China have entered into an agreement that will see the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) receive a USD 1.4 billion investment from the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) to rehabilitate and operate the railway for 30 years. TAZARA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bruno Ching’andu, announced the investment during the Zambia International Mining and Energy Conference (ZIMEC 2025) in Kitwe, Zambia, according to a statement issued yesterday.
He confirmed that negotiations with CCECC, which originally built the railway, are in the final stages. The investment follows a memorandum of understanding signed last year during the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, witnessed by the Presidents of China, Tanzania, and Zambia. The agreement marks a major step toward the railway’s concession. Addressing investors and industry experts, Mr. Ching’andu described the investment as a turning point in transforming TAZARA into a more efficient and reliable transport corridor. He emphasized that the 30-year concession agreement would not only restore the railway’s infrastructure but also strengthen regional trade and economic growth.
Under the proposed deal, CCECC will invest USD 1 billion in rehabilitating railway tracks to improve safety, efficiency, and capacity. An additional USD 400 million will go toward the procurement of 32 locomotives and 762 wagons, enhancing both freight and passenger transport services. He stated that regular maintenance and overhauls will be carried out throughout the concession period to ensure sustainable operations.
The concession will be structured into two phases: the first three years will focus on rehabilitation and infrastructure upgrades, while the remaining 27 years will be dedicated to full operational management, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Source: The Guardian
NIT RECEIVES TZS 6 BILLION FOR AVIATION TRAINING ACCREDITATION DEMANDS
The government has allocated upwards of TZS 6 billion for pilot training programs to be executed by the National Institute of Transport (NIT), after the institute completed accreditation requirements set by the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA). NIT Rector Dr. Prosper Mgaya made this affirmation yesterday at a media briefing on the institution’s achievements over the past four years, explaining that training starts in two months.
He stated that the government is making a wide range of efforts to empower NIT to impart the right level of skills for the transport sector, as for decades students have been sent abroad for pilot training, a costly procedure. Introducing this training locally and at a public institution will halve training costs at least, making it more affordable while saving foreign currency spent on overseas training. He also cited an additional 13 strategic courses developed during the past 4 years.
These innovations align with the government’s significant investments in transportation infrastructure, including air transport, the standard gauge railway (SGR), and the building or rehabilitation of ships for transportation connecting ports in the three major lakes. Student enrollment has increased by 36% during this period, reaching 17,542 students, as massive investment in transportation infrastructure demands significant efforts to produce highly skilled individuals for the transport sector.
Upwards of TZS 52 billion has been invested to improve training infrastructure, purchase teaching equipment, and build the capacity of instructors to provide training in line with advancements in science and technology, he stated. The government has funded training for five instructors in South Africa at a total cost of TZS 1.5 billion while purchasing two single-engine Cessna 172 training aircraft, valued at TZS 2.9 billion. Efforts are underway to acquire three more aircraft, including one twin-engine aircraft priced at TZS 5.9 billion. It is expected to be delivered in October 2025, along with two other single-engine aircraft to be delivered next year.
The government has allocated 60 acres of land at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) for aviation training, with work already underway, he said, highlighting that NIT is also implementing the East Africa Skills for Transformation and Regional Integration Project (EASTRIP). The government will provide USD 21.25 million (TZS 49 billion) to build the Center of Excellence in Aviation and Transport Operations (CoEATO) while constructing five buildings at the Mabibo Campus in Dar es Salaam, which are now nearing completion.
Three buildings will house classrooms, laboratories, workshops, and offices, with two earmarked as dormitories to accommodate 1,504 students, altogether costing TZS 24.9 billion upon completion, he said. In the future, NIT expects to obtain international accreditation for its Centre of Excellence in Aviation to offer exams recognized by regulatory bodies like the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). It also expects to launch internationally recognized aviation license programmes in partnership with the Ethiopian Aviation University, conduct research, and perform policy analysis on emerging transport technologies and digital innovations.
FIN & LAW -TANZANIA WEEKLY LEGAL DIGEST – 17 to 21 March 2025
