Waziri Mkuu  Mizengo Pinda akisisitiza jambo wakati akizungumza na waandishi wa habari jijini Dar esSalaam Salaam mara mara ya kuongoza mkutano maalum wa Mpango wa kukuza kilimo kusini mwa Tanzania (SAGCOT), akizungumzia umuhimu wa uwekezaji katika sekta ya kilimo, kulia ni Waziri wan chi Ofisi ya waziri Mkuu Uwekezaji na Uwezeshaji, Dkt. Mary Nagu na Kushoto ni Waziri wa Kilimo, Bw. Christopher Chiza.

PRIME Minister Mizengo Pinda, stresses a point to journalists shortly after chairing the SAGCOT Investor ShowCase  meeting which emphasized the need of increasing more agricultural investments in Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT),looking on (Right) is the Minister in Prime minister’s Office (Investment and Facilitation),Dr Mary Nagu and left is the Minister for Agriculture, Mr Christopher Chiza.

Serikali yasisitiza kushirikiana na wadau kuendeleza kilimo

Na Mwandishi wetu, Dar es Salaam

Serikali ya Tanzania imesisitiza kuwa itaendelea kuimarisha ushirikiano na sekta binafsi na wadau wengine ili kufikia mapinduzi ya kilimo hapa nchini na hivyo kupatikana usalama wa chakula na maendeleo.

Msimamo huo umetolewa na Waziri Mkuu, Mizengo Pinda alipokuwa akifungua mkutano mkubwa wa kilimo unaofanyika jijini Dar es Salaam jana.

Mkutano huo wa siku mbili umetayarishwa na Kituo cha Uwekezaji Tanzania (TIC), kwa kushirikiana na Ofisi ya Waziri Mkuu na Kituo cha mpango maalum wa uendelezaji kilimo katika ukanda wa kusini mwa Tanzania (SAGCOT).

Mkutano huo unalenga kuvutia wawekezaji katika maeneo ya kilimo, biashara na miradi ya maendeleo kijamii na kiuchumi katika eneo la SAGCOT.

“Ushirikiano uliopo kati ya serikali, sekta binafsi, wadau wa maendeleo, wakulima na wadau wengine wa kilimo umesaidia kuendeleza sekta hii hapa nchini,” alisema.

Waziri Mkuu aliyashukuru makampuni 20 ambayo tayari yameshatoa ahadi ya kuwekeza katika sekta ya kilimo Tanzania katika miaka ijayo na wakati huo huo akaitaka sekta binafsi kufanya uamuzi zaidi wa kuwekeza zaidi katika sekta hiyo.

Hata hivyo alisisitiza kwamba wawekezaji wote katika ukanda wa SAGCOT watapewa kipaumbele pale ambapo uwekezaji wao unalenga pia kushirikisha wakulima wadogowadogo..

“Ni muhimu kusisitiza kwamba tunahitaji zaidi uwekezaji ambao utajali kushirikiana na wakulima wadogo na wajasiriamali wadogo na wa kati,” alisema.

Alisisitiza kwamba hata mapendekezo ya sera za uwekezaji katika kilimo zitoe kipaumbele kueleza jinsi wakulima wadogo na watanzania wa kawaida watakavyofaidika na uwekezaji katika ukanda wa SAGCOT.

Waziri Mkuu aliwahakikishia wawekezaji kwamba kupitia sheria mbalimbali Tanzania inatoa vivutio vingi na vizuri kulinganisha na nchi nyingine za Afrika.

“Kuwekeza Tanzania pia kunawahakikishia soko la uhakika katika eneo hili la Afrika,” alisema.

Alisema Tanzania imesaini mikataba mbalimbali ya kimataifa inayohakikisha usalama wa wawekezaji.

Akitoa mada katika mkutano huo, Waziri wa Kilimo, Chakula na Ushirika, Mhandisi Christopher Chiza alitaja baadhi ya maeneo yanayolengwa katika uwekezaji SAGCOT kama kilimo cha miwa, matunda, ufugaji, nafaka na mazao ya misitu.

Katika siku ya pili ya mkutano huo wawekezaji watapata fursa ya kutembelea maeneo maalum ya miradi pamoja na kuangalia miradi ya kuimarisha miundombinu katika ukanda huo wa SAGCOT.

SAGCOT ni mpango unaoshirikisha sekta binafsi na ya umma unaotegemewa kuleta mapinduzi makubwa katika usalama wa chakula nchini kwa kushirikisha pia wakulima wadogo wadogo katika mazingira endelevu.

Mwisho 

Tanzania to host agribusiness investment conference this week

By a Correspondent, Dar es Salaam

Tanzania will this week host a first ever Agribusiness Investment Showcase Event to be held in Dar es Salaam.

The two day conference under the theme ‘Accelerating Tanzania’s Agribusiness Investment’ is organized by Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) in collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Office and the Southern Agriculture Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT) Centre.

Announcing the conference over the weekend in Dar es Salaam, the Acting Executive Director of TIC, Mr. Raymond Mbilinyi said the event meant to harness the potential for investment in agriculture, trade and socio-economic development in the SAGCOT region with a view to introducing prospective investors through tailor made targeted investment promotion and physical visits.

Mr. Mbilinyi told journalists that SAGCOT Investor Showcase is expected to attract 70 foreign prospective investors and over 40 local companies ready to seize all existing investment opportunities falling under the corridor.

“The government is actively promoting SAGCOT,” he told journalists.

He said President Jakaya Kikwete and Premier Mizengo Pinda has shown dedication in promoting agriculture in the country and that it is now a time to put things in action for the benefit of local and foreign investors and the country at large.

He said that the conference will be an opportunity for local agribusiness investors to network with their counterparts from abroad.  It is expected that participants from outside the country will come from Asia, Europe and Far East.

“This event will give a splendid opportunity for both local and foreign investors to learn and understand why to invest in SAGCOT,” he explained, adding that a variety of ministers will present papers on various ways for which to attain development through modern agriculture from different perspectives.

There will also be presentations on specific investment projects in the rice, sugar and livestock sectors, including dedicated breakaway discussions and questions and answers sessions.

There will be also an opportunity to visit earmarked investment sites on the second day and see work underway to improve supporting infrastructure.

On her part, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, SAGCOT Centre, Ms. Jennifer Baarn said the conference is an opportunity to showcase what the country has to offer, but more specifically, what its investment priorities are.

“SAGCOT is Kilimo Kwanza in action, targeting Tanzania’s south-central “granary” region. ” she said, referring to the country’s initiative (Agriculture First) that seeks to transform the agriculture into a highly productive sector and an engine of economic.

SAGCOT is a public-private partnership that hopes to catalyze responsible private sector investment that will bring major benefits to domestic food supply, engage with smallholder farmers and local communities, and strive to do so in an environmental sustainable way.

Ms. Baarn said that SAGCOT is looking forward to work with the Tanzanian government in addressing specific policy reforms that will enable both local and foreign investors to make sustainable investments in the corridor.

The 2011 SAGCOT investment blueprint envisions clusters of profitable farming and agricultural services businesses supported by coordinated investments in infrastructure, value chains, farming systems, and human capital.

Innovative financing mechanisms, including a multi-donor catalytic investment fund, will leverage over $2bn of private investments.

Ends

RUBADA agrees with a Korean company on Iringa project

The Director General, Rufiji Basin Development Authority (RUBADA), Mr. Aloyce Masanja (second left) exchanges a document with Director General of a South Korean based Korea Water Resources Corporation (K Water) Mr. Woo Kyu, Kang yesterday in Dar es Salaam.  The Korean company will conduct a feasibility study on Iringa Water Development Project.  Others in the picture are the Chairman of RUBADA Board of Directors, Prof. Raphael Mwalyosi (left) and a K Water senior official, Mr. Jaemin NAM (centre).

Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa Mamlaka ya Uendelezaji wa Bonde la Mto Rufiji (RUBADA), Bw. Aloyce Masanja (wa pili kushoto) akibadilishana nyaraka na Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa Kampuni ya Water Resources Corporation ya Korea Kusini, Bw. Woo Kyu, Kang jana jijini Dar es Salaam.  Kampuni hiyo ya Korea itafanya upembuzi yakinifu wa mradi wa uzalishaji wa nishati ya umeme na maji kwa matumizi mbalimbali katika Bonde la Mto Ruaha mdogo.  Wengine katika picha ni Mwenyekiti wa bodi ya RUBADA, Prof. Raphael Mwalyosi (kushoto) na afisa mwandamizi wa kampuni hiyo, Bw. Jaemin NAM (katikati).

RUBADA yasaini makubaliano ya utafiti wa awali Mto Ruaha Mdogo

Na Mwandishi wetu, Dar es Salaam

Mamlaka ya Uendelezaji wa Bonde la Mto Rufiji (RUBADA) imesaini makubaliano na Water Resources Corporation (K Water) ya Korea Kusini kufanya upembuzi yakinifu wa mradi wa uzalishaji wa nishati ya umeme na maji kwa matumizi mbalimbali katika Bonde la Mto Ruaha mdogo.

“Tumekuatana hapa leo kufikia makubaliano na wenzetu wa Kampuni hii ya Korea Kusini kuanza kufanya upembuzi yakinifu wa kuzalisha nishati ya umeme, kupata maji kwa ajili ya Manispaa ya Iringa na maji kwa ajili ya kilimo cha umwagiliaji kwa wananchi wa maeneo hayo,”alisema Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa RUBADA, Bw. Aloyce Masanja mbele ya waandishi wa habari jana jijini Dar es Salaam.

Alisema Mkoa wa Iringa umepata bahati ya kuwa na mvua za kutosha na kwamba mto huo unaweza kuwa chanzo kizuri cha kuzalisha umeme, matumizi bora ya maji kwa ajili ya matumizi ya kawaida na kwa ajili ya kilimo cha umwagiliaji.

Maeneo ambayo yana uwezekano wa kuzalisha umeme katika bonde hilo ni pamoja na maanguko ya Tosamaganga, Manyandamonda, Ibosana Nginayo.

Alisema kampuni hiyo itafanya kazi hiyo kwa kipindi cha mwaka mmoja ili kuona kama kuna uwezekano wa kupata huduma zote za umeme, matumizi ya kawaida na umwagiliaji au kupata mojawapo.

Alisema mwaka 1984 Shirika la Kimataifa la Maendeleo la Norway NORAD lilifanya upembuzi yakinifu katika eneo hilo na kubaini kuwa linauwezo wa kuzalisha Megawati 87.

“Umeshapita muda mrefu, sasa tunataka kuangalia kama bado uwezo ni huo la mambo yamebadilika,” alisema.

Mwenyekiti wa Bodi ya Wakurugenzi RUBADA, Profesa Raphael Mwalyosi alisema mto Ruaha mdogo una maji kwa kipindi chote cha mwaka kutokana na mazingira mazuri ya mvua za kutosha.

“Tukifanikiwa katika hili itakua ni kichocheo kikubwa cha maendeleo kwa sababu Iringa inakua kwa kasi, kuna viwanda na huduma za maji zinahitajika,”alisema Profesa Mwalyosi.

Alisema maji hayo yanaweza kutumika katika matumizi mseto ikiwa ni pamoja na kuzalisha nishati ya umeme, kilimo, mifugo na matumizi ya watu na hivyo kuwa chachu ya maendeleo.

Alisema ni muhimu kuhakikisha vyanzo vya maji vinalindwa ili kuwa ma matumizi yanayoendana na mabadiliko ya tabia nchi kwa ajili ya kuwa na mazingira endelevu.

Naye Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa Kampuni ya Water Resources Corporation ya Korea Kusini, Bw. Woo Kyu, Kang alisema kampuni yao ni kongwe na yenye uzoefu mkubwa.

Ilianzishwa mwaka 1967 na imejihusisha na miradi mikubwa ya uzalishaji umeme ikiwemo ya nchini Philipines na Pakistan.

Alisema mradi wa Iringa katika Bara la Afrika wanauchukulia umuhimu mkubwa kwa faida ya pande zote mbili.

“Tunashukuru kwa serikali ya Tanzania kuonyesha uaminifu kwetu,” alisema.

Alisema wanategemea ushirikiano mkubwa kutoka kwa wadau mbalimbali hapa nchini ili kukamilisha kazi watakayoanza kufanya na kuahidi kuifanya kwa uaminifu na ufanisi mkubwa.

Mwisho. 

Thabo Mbeki to discuss African leadership in Dar

By a Correspondent, Dar es Salaam

The former South African President, H.E. Thabo Mbeki is expected to attend a breakfast roundtable that will discuss African leadership in Dar es Salaam today (Thursday).

The event, jointly organised by UONGOZI Institute and the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, will bring together key stakeholders in Tanzania to have an open and objective discussion on the critical role of leadership in determining the future of the continent.

“The intention is not to prescribe a theory of leadership for Africa, but a discussion of the kind of leadership needed to address the development challenges facing the continent is crucial,” said Prof. Joseph Semboja, CEO of UONGOZI Institute in Dar es Salaam yesterday.

The Institute aims for the discussions, which will be moderated by Hon. Cleopa David Msuya, former Prime Minister and Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania,  to go beyond just identyfying challenges facing the continent and the usual criticism of governance, and address issues to do with the kind of leaders needed and what preparation is required in order for them to possess the necessary skills and ability to lead.

“It is imperative for Africa to have leaders with the capacity to face today’s challenges and take Africa and her people to the next level,” added Prof. Semboja.

Discussions will further explore the capability for leaders to act, in terms of tools and resources, the state of institutions, and the domestic and external environment - whether it supports, obstructs or is ambiguous to what leaders set out to accomplish.

UONGOZI Institute organises roundtable discussions with the aim of bringing leaders together to reflect on issues specific to realising sustainable development for the continent.

Ends 

BANK OF AFRICA TANZANIA PARTNERS AIRTEL

The Head of Retail Banking with Bank of Africa Tanzania, Ms  Mwanahiba Mzee clarifies points to journalists during the press conference shortly after the launch of Airtel Money and Aggregator Financing services in Dar es Salaam. Looking on left is Mr Shyamkumar Balakrishnan of Connexions and right is the Bank’s Head of IT, Mr Willington Munyaga. The function was held at Airtel Head offices.

Mkuu wa shughuli za rejareja za kibenki wa Benki ya Africa Tanzania, Bi.  Mwanahiba Mzee akifafanua jambo kwa waandishi wa habari wakati wa uzinduzi wa huduma ya clarifies Airtel Money and Aggregator Financing ambayo itakuwa ikitolewa na benki hiyo katika iliyofanyika Jijijni Dar es Salaam jana. Wengine kushotoni Bw.Shyamkumar Balakrishnan wa Connexions na kulia ni Mkuu wa Mifumo wa Mawasiliano wa Benki, Bw. Willington Munyaga.

The Head of Retail Banking with Bank of Africa Tanzania, Ms  Mwanahiba Mzee (right) exchanges documents with Airtel Money Manager, Mr John Ndunguru (second left) signify the bank’s launch of Airtel Money service in a function held in Dar es Salaam yesterday. Others looking on left is Mr Shyamkumar Balakrishnan of Connexions and second  right is the Bank’s Head of IT, Mr Willington Munyaga.

Mkuu wa shughuli za rejareja za kibenki wa Benki ya Africa Tanzania Mwanahiba Mzee (kulia) akibadilishana nyaraka na Meneja wa Airtel Money, Bw. John Ndunguru (wa pili kushoto) kuashiria uzinduzi rasmi wa huduma ya  Airtel Money kwa benki. Wanaoshuhudia (kushoto) ni  Shyamkumar Balakrishnan wa Connexions  na wapili kulia ni Mkuu wa Mifumo wa Mawasiliano wa Benki Willington Munyaga.