Makangale SATELLITE

By Correspondent Damas Makangale, Dar es Salaam,

A request has been made to member states of the African Minerals Geoscience Centre (AMGC), especially Tanzania as the host country, to avoid wasteful duplication of two continental mineral institutions.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with this newspaper in Dar es Salaam recently, the African Minerals Geoscience Centre (AMGC) Director General Ibrahim Shaddad said a move by both United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and African Union Commission for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Mining (ETTIM) to establish Africans Mineral Development Centre (AMDC) that would create duplicated institutions with a common goal was unacceptable.

“Instead of enhancing AMGC, which has existed since 1977, to establish AMDC carved from the mission and mandate of AMGC established 48 years ago,” he lamented.

He said AMGC member states are urged to continue supporting the facility by fulfilment their financial commitments as well as maximization their benefactions from mineral services provided by AMGC as a gateway to help it address its financial constraints.

“AMGC is facing financial constraints and due to inadequate resources, it has not been able to fully function in policy, advocacy and governance issues in the mining sector,” he explained.

He said its activities were downsized to the provision of mineral services which seemed to be a realistic approach to do instead of closing it down. “Its average annual operational budget is $600,000 from 2015 to 2025,” said.

He noted that AMDC’s core objective was to coordinate the implementation of Africa Mining Vision (AMV) in 2014-2016, but Tanzania did not participate in the process of initiating it.

“Tanzania was not aware enough of the duplication issue which technically was supposed to be positioned in one umbrella by only strengthening what already exists by empowering it, giving AMGC full support materially and financially,” he added.

The Director General of AMGC explained further that Tanzania was not aware of what was under the carpet campaign to establish AMDC and the Ministry of Minerals did not act timely together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to apply to bid for hosting AMDC as they host AMGC.

He noted that Tanzania’s hosting of AMDC through or beside AMGC could have been accommodated through the established vast premises of AMGC in Dar es Salaam and avoid the duplication of the two institutions.

Moreover, Mr. Shaddad explained that two of AMGC member states - Kenya and Sudan - competed to host AMDC, while other member states were opposed to it, but were diplomatically silenced.

He said AMGC was not in a position to suggest and influence the situation which was a matter of AU member states, including AMGC member states, to take up the matter at the right time.

“There are three technical overlapping areas between AMGC and AMDC, which are geo-information (geodata systems), artisanal mining sector, and capacity building. Other areas of the seven-work streams of AMDC business plan include governance, advocacy, policy and promotion for investment. The initial phase of AMDC as a project received the generous donation of $12 million from Australian and Canadian governments, from which UNECA took 10% as management cost” he noted.

Mr. Shaddad said the long promised financial support of $200,000 for the procurement of XRD analytical equipment for mineralogical and petrological identification of geological materials which was lacking at that time through UNECA, AMDC, AUC had not been received in spite of repeated meetings, correspondences and empty promises since 2015.

He noted that UNDP through an incubation programme supported AMDC with $2.4 million as an operational budget annually from the end of 2019 to June-July 2025 in addition to possible donor support for specific projects.

However, when AMDC initiative was discussed by AU member countries, AMGC members raised their concern for the duplication of the two institutions and the fate of AMGC if AMDC was going to be established under AU.

He said the statute establishing AMDC was adopted by the 26th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly in January 2016 [Assembly/AU/Dec.589 (XX VI)].

Mr. Shaddad explained that as of February 2024 four African countries - Guinea, Mali, Zambia and Nigeria - had ratified the statute and eight African states, including two of AMGC member states - Chad, Comoros, Ghana, Mauritania, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Sierra Leone, Sudan, and Togo – had signed it. At least 15 ratifications are required for entry into force of the statute and the full operationalization of AMDC as specialized agency of AU.

In 1977, UNECA established in Africa five regional mineral centers, including former Southern and Eastern African Mineral Centre (SEAMIC) to harmonize regional geological surveying and provide mineral exploration and consulting services.

The only Centre that survived is SEAMIC which later renamed to AMGC due to commitment from its member states – that is Ethiopia, Tanzania, Mozambique, Uganda, Angola, Comoros, Kenya, and Sudan and recently joined by South Sudan.

AMGC is an independent, multinational and intergovernmental Centre of excellence having the diplomatic status and works under the umbrella of both UNECA and ETTIM.

UNECA is a member of the Governing Council of AMGC, and has always chaired the Standing Committee of Officials and Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of AMGC.

Its management strives after increasing the awareness of its member states, particularly Tanzania, the host country over the concerns of duplication between AMGC and AMDC in mission and mandate, double membership to the two institutions in addition to the possible consequences of AMDC suffocating AMGC.

Formerly, AMGC was known as SEAMIC established in 1977 through the efforts of the founding fathers of Tanzania and Ethiopia, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and Haile Selassie respectively. The two leaders were staunch supporters of African countries’ liberation struggle.

AMGC principally conducts regional geological surveys and provides mineral exploration and consulting services for the programmes of its founding member countries - that is Ethiopia, Mozambique and Tanzania - and later was joined by Uganda, Angola and the Comoros. Kenya became a member in 2006, Sudan in 2010 and South Sudan in 2025.

In 2007, a ministerial meeting in Maputo decided that membership is open to all African states. To reflect this expansion scope, the name of the facility changed into AMGC from July 2015.

In 1991, AMGC moved its operations from being hosted by Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST) in Dodoma to a new site in Kunduchi area, Dar es Salaam with a mission to promote socioeconomic and environmentally responsible mineral sector development in Africa. To meet new demand for mineral sector stakeholders AMGC diversified its services to provide a high-tech, modern mineral analytical laboratory services and geo-information data processing activities, complemented by the provision of short-term specialized training.

There is a need to merge AMGC into AMDC to avoid institutional duplication between the two continental institutes. A task force is suggested to be led by the Chairman of AMGC Governing Council and membered by some of Ministers responsible for mining in AMGC member states and AMGC Director General to pay a courtesy visit to the Chairperson of AU in Addis Ababa could be a perfect venue to raise the issue, which is vital to the Centre’s success in serving both the Minerals Industry and Geosciences Community in Africa.

Ends.

Na Damas Makangale , Kakola , Bulyanhulu

Mbunge wa Kahama Mjini , Mheshimiwa Jumanne Kishimba amewaasa wananchi wa jimbo lake kuwekeza nguvu zao kwenye kilimo na ufugaji zaidi ili kujihakikisha uhakika kwa chakula na mapato kwa ustawi wa maisha na nchini kwa ujumla.

 

Akizungumza na mwandishi wa habari hizi leo asubuhi kwa njia ya simu, Mbunge huyo wa Kahama mjini, amesema kwamba wananchi wa Jimbo langu lazima waanze kubadiisha mtazamo (mindset) na kuanza kuwekeza kwa nguvu zao zote kwenye maeneo ya kilimo na ufugaji ambao ni endelevu kwa ustawi wa maisha yao.

“Ukitizama kwenye jimbo la kahama na vitongoji vyake watu wake wamewekeza kwenye nyumba za kulala na za wageni lakini nyumba ni kwa ajili ya kulala tu , sio kwa ajili ya maendeleo endelevu ni lazima waanze kuwa na mtizamo tofauti na kuwekeza kwenye kilimo na ufugaji,”

“Kilimo cha matunda, mazao ya biashara , michikichi  kwa kutumia kilimo cha asili bila kununua mbolea na mbegu za viwandani , wananchi wa jimbo langu wanaweza kuanza kuona kwa kuweka nguvu zaidi kwenye kilimo na ufugaji,” aliongeza

Mheshimiwa Kishimba alifafanua kwamba kilimo cha asili au hai kinaweza kukuza mnyororo wa thamani na kukuza uzalishaji, vifungashio vitokanavyo na kilimo hao na uanzishwaji wa viwanda zitokanazo na kilimo na kupunguza tatizo la ajira.

“kilimo hai  pamoja na ufugaji wa ng’ombe na mbuzi kunaweza kuleta matokeo Chanya kwa wananchi na wanaweza kujitengenezea ajira na kupata masoko ya kikanda na kimataifa.

Mbunge huyo alipinga vikali dhana ya ng’ombe kuwekewa hereni ili kudhibiti wizi a ng’ombe kwenye jimbo lake na kusisitiza kwamba mpango wowote utaoletwa na serikali ni lazima wananchi washirikishe ili uwe tija kwa watu wote.

“Moja ya manufaa ya kilimo hai ni njia sahihi ya kuboresha afya za watanzania na kilimo hiki kinalinda mazingira yetu mashambani na kinatosha lishe iliyo bora kabisa kwa manufaa ya watanzania,” Alisisitiza Mheshimiwa Kishimba

Mwisho

By Staff Writer, Bulyanhulu, Kahama

The Mining Commission has hailed Barrick and Twiga Mines in the country for effectively complying with local content and enabling Tanzanians to participate in mining business investment and improve their socioeconomic wellbeing.

Some managers and members of staff of Bulyanhulu and North Mara Gold Mine attending tentatively a one-day training workshop on local content and Corporate Social Responsibility regulations at Bulyanhulu mine site in Kakola, Msalala District in Kahama recently.

Speaking at the weekend during a one-day training workshop on local content and corporate social responsibility (CSR) implementation on a Bulyanhulu gold mining site, Mining Commission Chairperson Janet Lekashingo said the aim of the government to introduce the regulations of the local content and CSR was to embrace sustainability, inclusivity and a commitment of sharing the benefits of mining to local communities.

“This is not just about workshop obligations; it’s about shaping the future where mining makes a lasting positive impact. From its inception, the Mining Commission has been steadfast in ensuring Tanzanian goods and services take precedence in this sector,” she said.

She explained that by prioritising local participation, they had witnessed a notable increase in Tanzanians benefiting directly from the mining sector, a clear sign of progress compared to past years.

She said local content compliance was about empowering communities - creating jobs, fostering local businesses and uplifting the lives of the people surrounding mining areas by inviting them to participate indirectly in business and mining activities.

“As we embark on this workshop, let us remember the critical role local content plays in unlocking Tanzania’s potential. It serves as a bridge that connects global expertise with local talents, ensuring that the mining sector becomes the cornerstone of our national progress,” she explained. 

Some managers and members of staff of Bulyanhulu and North Mara Gold Mine attending tentatively a one-day training workshop on local content and Corporate Social Responsibility regulations at Bulyanhuru mine site in Kakola, Msalala District in Kahama recently.

She said she was very happy to see that Barrick General Managers in all Mines in Tanzania are Tanzanians and urged other mining companies to heed local content compliance in the country.

“It is vital for the company to empower local suppliers in the country as part of the government and mining company’s efforts to build capacity, create and promote mutual understanding and cooperation.

Ms Lekashingo advised Twiga Minerals Corporation to focus on sustainable projects that left behind footprints instead of importing everything such machinery, bulldozers, underground support machines and other equipment for mining drilling.

Ms Lekashingo stressed that the government was keen on seeing the establishment of industries that served the mining sector by also setting up Buzwagi as a special economic zone that invited local and foreign investors to set up industries as a game charger for the mining sector in the country.

Bulyanhulu Mine, General Manager, Victor Lule explain how does a Sandvik Automine digital machine operate as mining operator shows how the digital machines in the underground operations to Mining commission delegations who paid a visit to the mine site, recently in Kakola village in Bulyanluru.

She said they should also look for an alternative way of establishing industries for mining machines which would create jobs for Tanzanians, and enable the government to collect tax and reduce the volume of imported products, while fostering socioeconomic development. 

For his part, General Manager at Barrick Bulyanhulu Mine Victor Lule, said the company thanked the Government for the timely assistance in the implementation of the CSR and local content compliance as it was mainly focusing on empowering and building the capacity of Tanzanians.

“So far, we are on track as statistics show that 82 per cent of our procurement was done by local suppliers, while the remaining 12 per cent was done by foreign suppliers. We are walking our talk when it comes to local content compliance.

He reiterated that the mining firm would continue educating businesspeople and local suppliers on how to do business with mining companies on how to register their companies and engage with training workshops, seminars and conferences to build mutual and sustainable relations.

Mr Lule explained that the mining corporation had 96 per cent of its employees were Tanzanians, some of them at management level which was a clear testimony that Twiga Minerals Corporation was promoting local content philosophy.

He also cautioned local suppliers to be faithful, diligent and deliver the work within the timeframe as agreed. He said some local suppliers failed to meet their obligations and sometimes delivered substandard products.

Mining Commission Director of Mineral Audit and Trade Venance Kasiki congratulated Barrick Twiga for local content compliance, but also cautioned the mining management to focus on sustainable projects that impacted the community.

He also pointed out that the mining commission had several meetings with financial institutions in the country such as local banks to start financing local suppliers in the mining sector such as issuing loans as stepping stones to facilitate local content.

“We have several meetings and discussions with various banks in the country such as CRDB, NMB and others to start looking at mining as a fast growing and potential sector and not a risk,” he said.

Na Damas Makangale, Bulyanhulu, Kahama

Baadhi ya mameneja na wafanyakazi wa kampuni ya migodi Bulyanhulu na North Mara wakifuatilia mada kwenye warsha ya mafunzo kuhusu maudhui ya ndani (Local content ) na Uwajibikaji kwa Jamii (CSR) iliyofanyika mwishoni mwa wiki Bulyanhulu katika kitongoji cha Kakola, Wilaya ya Msalala

Tume ya Madini nchini imeiopongeza kampuni ya AKO kuwa moja ya makampuni ya wazawa inayofanya vizuri kwenye utaoji wa huduma kwenye migodi hapa nchini.

Hayo yalisemwa na Mwenyekiti wa Tume ya Madini, Bi Janet Lekashigo alipokuwa akijibu maswali kwenye semina ya mafunzo ya siku moja kuhusu utekelezaji wa maudhui ya ndani (Local content) na uwajibikaji kwa Jamii (CSR) kuhusu ushiriki wa wakandarasi na wasambazaji wa huduma na bidhaa wa ndani kwenye sekta ya madini hapa nchini.

Bi Legashigo alisema kwamba kwenye utekelezaji wa maudhui ya ndani (Local content) kampuni ya AKO imekuwa ikifanya vizuri na nia ya serikali kuona na kuwawezesha watanzania kushiriki katika kufanya biashara na makampuni ya uchimbaji madini, uwekezaji kwenye sekta husika na kuboresha ustawi wa jamii na uchumi kwenye maeneo yanayozunguka migodi hapa nchini.

Bi Janet Lekashingo alisema kuwa lengo la serikali kuanzisha kanuni za muadhui ya ndani (Local Content) na Uwajibikaji kwa Jamii (CSR) ni jitihada za kuhimiza uendelevu, ushirikishwaji na kutoa sehemu ya faida kwa jamii inayozunguka migodi husika.

 “Hii sio tu kutimiza majukumu, bali ni kuunda mustakabali ambapo uchimbaji madini utakuwa na matokeo chanya na endelevu. Tangu kuanzishwa kwake, Tume ya Madini imekuwa mstari wa mbele na imara katika kuhakikisha kwamba bidhaa na huduma za watanzania zinapewa kipaumbele katika sekta hii,” alisema.

Alisema kwamba kwa kuweka kipaumbele kwenye maudhui ya ndani (Local Content) Tume hiyo imeona ongezeko kubwa la watanzania wanaonufaika moja kwa moja kutoka kwenye sekta ya madini ni  ishara wazi ya maendeleo ukilinganisha na miaka iliyopita.

Alisema utekelezaji wa maudhui ya ndani ni kuhusu kuiwezesha jamii – kutengeneza ajira, kukuza biashara za ndani na kuboresha maisha ya watu wanaozunguka maeneo ya uchimbaji madini kwa kuwashirikisha moja kwa moja na njia isiyo ya moja kwa moja katika shughuli za biashara na uchimbaji madini.

“Tunapoanza semina hii, tukumbuke umuhimu wa maudhui ya ndani (Local Content) katika kufungua uwezo wa Tanzania.  Hizi kanuni ni daraja linalowaunganisha watanzania kupata ujuzi wa kimataifa na za ndani, kuhakikisha kwamba sekta ya madini inakuwa nguzo ya maendeleo endelevu ya kitaifa,” alieleza.

“Ni muhimu kwa kampuni kuwawezesha wasambazaji wa ndani kama sehemu ya jitihada za serikali na makampuni ya madini kujenga uwezo, kuunda na kukuza uelewa wa pamoja na ushirikiano.”

Kwa upande wake, Meneja Mkuu wa Mgodi wa Barrick Bulyanhulu, Bw Victor Lule alisema kwamba moja ya changamoto kwa wasambazaji wa ndani, wazawa ni kushidwa kufikia malengo ya makubaliano katika kazi tunazofunga mkataba na hiyo ni changamoto kubwa sana kwao.

Meneja Mkuu wa Bulyanhulu, Bw Victor Lule akieleza jambo wakati wa semina ya mafunzo ya siku moja kuhusu utekelezaji wa maudhui ya ndani na uwajibikaji kwa jamii kwa maafisa wa Tume ya Madini. Semina hiyo ilifanyika kwenye mgodi hivi karibuni kushoto kwake, Mwenyekiti wa Tume ya Madini, Bi Janet Lekashingo.

“Shida ni kwamba wasambazaji wa ndani ambao ni watanzania wenzetu ni uaminifu na kushidwa kumaliza kazi kwa muda na kuleta bidhaa au huduma chini ya viwango hii ni changamoto ambayo tunakutana nayo sana,”

“Ni kampuni ya AKO group ndio wanafanya vizuri kwenye eneo la huduma na tunataka watanzania wengine wafike viwango hivyo,” alisema Bw Lule

“Kwa sasa, tuko kwenye njia sahihi kwani takwimu zinaonyesha kuwa asilimia 82 ya manunuzi yetu ilifanywa na wasambazaji wa ndani, wakati asilimia 12 iliyobaki ilifanywa na wasambazaji wa kigeni. Tunaendelea kutekeleza kile tunachosema kuhusu utekelezaji wa maudhui ya ndani.”

Alisisitiza kuwa kampuni ya uchimbaji madini itaendelea kuwaelimisha wafanyabiashara na wasambazaji wa ndani jinsi ya kufanya biashara na makampuni ya madini jinsi ya kusajili kampuni zao na kushiriki katika semina, warsha na mikutano ili kujenga uelewa na uhusiano wa pamoja na endelevu.

Bwana Lule alieleza kuwa kampuni hiyo Barrick Twiga asilimia 96 ya wafanyakazi wake ni  watanzania, baadhi yao wakiwa katika ngazi ya uongozi, jambo ambalo ni Ushahidi tosha  kwamba mgodi huo inakuza falsafa ya maudhui ya ndani. (local Content)

Aliongeza kuwa ni muhimu kwa wasambazaji wa ndani kuwa waaminifu, wachapakazi na kutekeleza kazi na kukabidhi ndani ya muda wa makubaliano . aliongeza baadhi ya wasambazaji wa ndani walishindwa kutimiza majukumu yao na wakati mwingine walileta bidhaa chini ya viwango.

Mkurugenzi wa Ukaguzi wa Madini na Biashara kutokaTume ya Madini,  Bw Venance Kasiki, alisema kuwa Tume ya Madini imekuwa na mikutano kadhaa na taasisi za kifedha nchini benki za ndani kuanza kuwawezesha wasambazaji wa ndani katika sekta ya madini kama  vile kutoa mikopo kama hatua za awali za kurahisisha utekelezaji wa maudhui ya ndani.

Mtaalam wa kutumia mashine, kifaa cha digitali aina ya (Sandvik Automine) akionyesha jinsi ya kutumia kifaa hicho kuendesha mashine ya uchimbaji wa madini ya ardhi c kwa wajumbe wa Tume ya Madini.

“Tuna mikutano kadhaa na majadiliano na benki mbalimbali nchini kama vile CRDB, NMB na nyingine ili kuanza kuangalia sekta ya madini kama sekta inayokua kwa kasi na yenye matokeo Chanya na si hatari tena,” alisema.

MWISHO.

By Damas Makangale, Dar es Salaam

I came to know Dr Faustine Ndugulile in February 2018, when he was Deputy Minister for Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children during Dr John Magufuli’s presidency.

The soft-spoken gentleman was the guest of honour at the launch of a four-day African Medicines Quality Forum (AMQF) in Dar es Salaam, which brought together scientists, policy-makers and health stakeholders from 18 African countries.

Although I had worked in various media houses for almost 19 years, I had never held an interview with him. However, I was aware that he spent his childhood in Upanga just as I did, but due to different age groups, we never played together those days at Mawingu sea view, or near Etienne’s Hotel or Joy Club for young people by then.

The untimely demise of Dr. Ndugulile was received with shock by many Tanzanians as he was elected after competing with several other Africans for the post of the Director General of World Health Organisation (WHO) for Africa.

Indeed, Tanzania as a nation has lost a great son, who had just been elected to chair the WHO post which would have opened more job opportunists for the nation and for Tanzanians or even access green pastures.

During that AMQF forum, Dr. Ndugulile said drugs regulatory authorities in Africa should be committed to implementing and enforcing agreed quality control measures to enhance and foster qualities in drugs across the region.

The meeting, which was co-organised by the United States of Pharmacopeia Convention (USP), NEPAD Agency, and then Tanzania Food and Drugs Authority (TFDA), which was one most vital meeting launched by Dr. Ndugulile.

Dr. Ndugulile was a medical doctor specialised in public health and medical microbiology. He joined politics in 2010 and he had been a Member of Parliament (MP) for Kigamboni Constituency in Dar Es Salaam, until he passed away. He was Vice-Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Services and Community Development and Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on HIV/Aids and Substance Abuse.

He was Chairperson of Geneva-based Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Advisory Committee on HIV/Aids, Maternal and Child Health between 2015 and 2017. Between 2008 and 2016, Dr. Ndugulile was a member of the Governing Council of the International Aids Society, which is also based in Geneva. In addition, he was a member of Pan African Parliament (2015-2017), a member of the American Society of Microbiologists (ASM), Tanzania Public Health Association (TPHA), and Secretary-General and later Chairperson of the Tanzania Parliamentarians Aids Coalition (TAPAC).

Dr. Ndugulile also served as Deputy Minister for Health, Community Development, Gender and Elderly between 2017 and 2020.

With the establishment of a new Ministry of Communication and Information Technology in December 2020, he was appointed as its first Minister.

This Ministry is tasked with the responsibility of overseeing the Digital Transformation in Tanzania. During his short stay in the new Ministry, Dr. Ndugulile supervised the development of a five-year Strategic Plan, Broadband and Cybersecurity strategies. He also championed innovation, promotion of starts-up and adoption of new ICT technologies.

A 55-year-old lawmaker and medical doctor, reportedly died on Wednesday morning in India at a hospital where he was admitted for an undisclosed illness.

Dr. Ndugulile was born on March 31, 1969. Rest in peace one of the brilliant politicians and medical doctors. Your legacy will not be forgotten in and outside the country.

…The author is a freelance journalist

BARRICK WELCOMES ONTARIO SUPERIOR COURT’S DISMISSAL OF LITIGATION CONCERNING NORTH MARA GOLD MINE

Toronto, November 28, 2024 – Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:GOLD)(TSX:ABX) has welcomed the Ontario Superior Court’s dismissal of claims brought by Tanzanian residents alleging human rights abuses by members of the Tanzanian Police Force in the vicinity of the company’s North Mara gold mine.

The Court ruled that Ontario was not the appropriate forum to consider the claims.

Barrick president and chief executive Mark Bristow said the company has repeatedly refuted what it regards as baseless claims by a small number of activist NGOs alleging historical human rights abuses around its North Mara mine.

“We are proud of what we have achieved in Tanzania through our Twiga partnership with the country’s government.  Our mines’ revenue contribution is having a transformative effect on the country’s economy while our investment in the socio-economic development of our host communities, coupled with our holistic sustainability strategy, has improved the quality of their lives materially,” he said.

Barrick enquiries

Investor and media relations

Kathy du Plessis

+44 20 7557 7738

Email: barrick@dpapr.com

Website: www.barrick.com  

 Household investment in clean and safe energy agenda given priority

 By Staff Writer, Dar es Salaam

The Climate-Smart Research Project at the Chemistry Department, College of Natural and Applied Sciences (CoNAS), University of Dar es Salaam, is pleased to announce one PhD and two MSc Scholarships opportunities funded by the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH).

This prestigious scholarship program supports the project titled "Climate-Smart Livestock and Sustainable Farming in Tanzania: Leveraging Geopolymer and Biochar Innovations for Climate Resilience." 

This project explores innovative chemistry applications in the areas of climate resilience and sustainable agriculture, aiming to make impactful contributions to climate-smart livestock and farming practices in Tanzania.

 Click here for more details...

● Vows to continue supporting Tanzania’s health sector through ‘Rafiki wa Amana’ initiative

By Staff Writer, Dar es Salaam,

Bank of Africa Tanzania (BOA) has reiterated that it will continue supporting the government in the sectors of health, education and environment as part of its efforts to boost the country’s socioeconomic development.

Speaking to journalists during the handover ceremony of a Sh10-million dummy cheque to Amana Regional Referral Hospital to support ‘Rafiki wa Amana’ initiative in Dar es Salaam yesterday, BOA Head of Marketing and Communications Nandi Mwiyombella on behalf of Managing Director Esther Maruma said the bank did that because it was part of the community.

“At Bank of Africa Tanzania, we understand that a healthy community is the foundation of a prosperous society. This goes hand in hand with the sustainability agenda of the bank in promoting a better society in the regions it operates.”

Ms Mwiyombella said it was a privilege to them to support Amana Regional Referral Hospital and contribute to the betterment of health services for mothers and children.

She emphasised the bank’s commitment to support the health sector in Tanzania and enhance community welfare through meaningful contributions.

“Bank of Africa Tanzania and Amana Regional Referral Hospital have a long-standing relationship of cooperation in various strategic areas that pave the way for the bank to support ‘Rafiki wa Amana’ initiative,” she said.

Ms Mwiyombella added that the initiative was focusing on raising funds for the rehabilitation, extension, and equipping the mother and child wing at the hospital, which served as a critical healthcare facility in the region.

She stressed support for the government's goal of ensuring that every Tanzanian gets better health services. “The management of the bank is committed to continuing cooperation with the health sector in campaigns and projects aimed at improving the well-being of citizens,” she said.

She noted that their goal was to see that every Tanzanian accessed better health services, including mothers and children “as doing so is to save tomorrow’s nation.”

For his part, Dr Bryceson Kiwelu, Medical Officer in-charge of Amana Referral Hospital, expressed his gratitude for the bank's continued partnership and considerable contributions over the years.

He said the hospital was established in 1954, it had almost 70 years in providing health services and had almost 32 ear, nose, eye and orthopaedics specialists.  

“We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support from Bank of Africa Tanzania. Their generosity greatly encourages us to expand and equip our facilities, ensuring better healthcare for mothers and children in the country,” Dr Kiwelu said.

He went on to say that the hospital faced various challenges including infrastructure due to the fact that it was constructed 70 years ago, although the government equipped the hospital with CT scan, digital X-ray and other modern equipment.

Head of Retail Banking Mwamvua Majeshi highlighted some of the bank’s products and services such as house financing, personal loans, equity release and children’s account services that aimed at uplifting Tanzanians out of poverty.

The ‘Rafiki wa Amana’ initiative is a testament to collective effort needed to enhance healthcare infrastructure, making it accessible and effective for those who need it most. Bank of Africa Tanzania’s contribution is part of its broader corporate social responsibility efforts aimed at promoting health, education, and social well-being within the communities it serves.

About BOA Bank (T) Limited

Bank of Africa – Tanzania is a private commercial bank operating in Tanzania, serving corporate, SMEs and retail customers. It began operations in Tanzania in June 2007 after acquiring Eurafrican Bank which had been operating in Tanzania since September 1995. Bank of Africa – Tanzania is part of the Bank of Africa Group that began its operations in Mali in 1982.

BANK OF Africa Group is a multinational Pan-African banking group operating in 18 African countries, including West Africa, East Africa, Central Africa and has representative offices in Paris, Spain, London, the UK and China. Since 2010, Bank of Africa has become a majority owned subsidiary of BMCE Bank, which is the 3^rd largest banking group in Morocco, and is present in 31 countries and 4 continents.

Currently, Bank of Africa-Tanzania has a network of 18rRetail branches, including 9 in Dar es Salaam and 9 in Arusha, Mwanza, Zanzibar and in all other major cities

Wanafunzi 6000 wa Shule za Msingi Dar wanufaika na elimu ya usalama barabarani

.Mradi ulioanzishwa na Total Energies Marketing Tanzania

Na Mwandishi Wetu, Dar es Salaam

MRADI wa “VIA Creative” unaolenga kuwapatia elimu ya usalama barabarani kwa wanafunzi wa Shule za Msingi umewafikia takribani wanafunzi 6000 kwenye Shule za Makuburi, Ubungo, NHC, Buza, Jangwani, Ugindoni na Uzuri katika jijini Dar es Salaam.

Mgeni rasmi kwenye hafla hiyo ya kukabidhi tuzo wa wanafunzi waliofanya vizuri na shule  iliyofanyika jijini Dar es Salaam hivi karibuni,  Mkuu wa Idara ya Mafunzo ya Trafiki Kinondoni, A.S.P Rose Bernard Maira aliwapongeza Total Energies Marketing Tanzania Limited, TotalEnergies Foundation Pamoja na Nafasi Art Space kwa juhudi zao za kutoa elimu ya usalama barabarani zinastahili kupongezwa na kuigwa na makampuni mengine ili kuchochea usalama wa watoto waendapo na watokapo mashuleni.

“Jeshi la Polisi kikosi cha usalama barabarani tupo Pamoja nanyi kwenye jambo hili na katika kutoa elimu ya usalama barabarani pamoja na kuzijua sheria, kanuni na taratibu za barabarani kwa wanafunzi na watumia Barabara wote.

“Aidha, tumefurahia kujua kwamba mradi huu pia unalengo la kutimiza mapendekezo ya kuboresha hali ya usalama kwa wanafunzi wa shule iliyoshinda kama trulivyopata kuona kwenye filamu ya wanafunzi hao. Pia niwatakie kila la heri washindi hawa kwenye hatua nyingine ya shindano ambalo wanatarajia kuingia, nawasihi muiwakilishe Tanzania vizuri na mungae Pamoja na kushinda ngazi za shindano la VIA Creative zijazo.” Aliongeza.

Alisema kwamba usalama barabarani ni suala muhimu katika jamii yetu,kila mwaka tunashuhudia ajali nyingi za barabarani ambazo zinaweza kuzuiliwa kwa njia rahisi ya kueneza elimu sahihi ya sheria, alama na utumiaji salama wa barabara.

Kwa upande wake, Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa Total Energies, Bw Mamadou Ngom alisema kwamba shindano hilo ambao lilikuwa kwa njia ya sanaa ya michoro, muziki, maigizo na mashairi kuna ongeza uelewa wa wanafunzi kwenye mambo ya usalama barabarani na kupunguza ajali.

“Tunayo furaha kubwa kuwa hapa leo tukisherehekea mafanikio ya mabalozi wetu wa usalama barabarani kupitia mradi wa VIA Creative amabo tumeshirikiana na Nafasi Art Space ambao wamekuwa wakiwapatia wanafunzi hawa elimu ya usalama barabarani kwa kupitia sanaa,”

“Kupitia mradi huu tumeweza kuunda klabu za mabalozi barabarani 120, 20 kutoka kwenye kila shule. Pia wanafunzi hawa wameweza kutoa mapendekezo yao ya jinsi ambavyo usalama wao wa barabara unaweza kuboreshwa nasi tutatekeleza mapendekezo hayo kwa shule ya msingi ya Makuburi ambao ndio washindi wa kitaifa wa shindano hili kwa mwaka 2024.” Alisema Bw Ngom

Aliongeza kwamba usalama barabarani ni suala muhimu katika jamii yetu,kila mwaka tunashuhudia ajali nyingi za barabarani ambazo zinaweza kuzuiliwa kwa njia rahisi ya kueneza elimu sahihi ya sheria, alama na utumiaji salama wa barabara.

Alisema kwamba  ni jukumu letu sote kuhakikisha tunafuata sheria na kanuni za usalama barabarani ili kuepuka ajali ambazo athari zake kiuchumi na kijamii ni kubwa sana.

“Ningependa kuchukua fursa hii kuwapongeze  wanafunzi wote 120 walioshiriki kwenye mradi huu na kushindanishwa kwenye shindano la VIA Creative, nyinyi nyote ni washindi na mabalozi bora wa usalama barabarani. Tunawaomba muendele kuwafundisha wenzenu, wadogo zenu, na hata wazazi wenu juu ya utumiaji salama wa Barabara Pamoja na sheria na kanuni zake,” alisisitiza.

Bw Ngom aliongea kwamba Total Energies wapo pamoja na Jeshi la Polisi kikosi cha usalama barabarani  kwenye jambo hilo na katika kutoa elimu ya usalama barabarani pamoja na kuzijua sheria, kanuni na taratibu za barabarani kwa wanafunzi na watumia Barabara wote.

Kwa upande wake, Kaimu Mkurugenzi Mtendaji wa Nafasi Art Space ambaye ni mdau wa mradi huo, Felix Muchira alisema kwamba waliona ni muhimu kutoa elimu ya usalama barabarani kwa wanafunzi wa shule za msingi kwa njia rahisi ya maigizo na uchoraji ili waweze kufikisha ujumbe kwa haraka zaidi.

“ajali hapa nchini limeanza kuwa jambo la kawaida na ni jukumu letu sote kuendelea kutoa elimu kwa kushirikiana na serikali na hasa Jeshi la Polisi Kikosi cha Usalama barabarani kutoa elimu ya michoro, alama na sheria za usalama barabarani kwa Watoto wetu,” alisema Bw Muchira.

Shindano hilo la kimataifa la "VIA CREATIVE" ni shindano linalolenga wanafunzi wa shule za msingi wa miaka 4 -19 kwa lengo la kuwapatia elimu ya usalama barabarani kwa njia ya sanaa ya michoro, muziki, maigizo na mashairi na kisha kuwapa fursa wanafunzi hao kuelezea uleewa wao na mapendekezo yao ya usalama barabarani kwa njia ya michoro na maigizo.

Mwaka huo  wa VIA Creative umewafikia wanafunzi 6000 kutoka shule za msingi Makuburi, Ubungo NHC, Buza, Jangwani, Ugindoni na Uzuri zilizopo jijini Dar es salaam na kuendeleza uundaji wa klabu za mabalozi wa usalama barabarani. 

VIA Creative ni mradi ulioanza mwaka 2022 ambao tangu mwaka huo zaidi ya wanafunzi 22,000 wamefikiwa na mradi huu na kuweza kujenga klabu za mabalozi wa usalama barabarani kwenye shule 100 jijini Dar es Salaam na Bagamoyo.

Hafla ya kukabidhi tunzo kwa wanafunzi walioshinda kwenye msimu huu wa tatu wa VIA Creative zilifanyika kwenye ofisi za TotalEnegies Marketing Tanzania Limited jijini Dar es Salaam ambapo shule ya msingi ya Makuburi Primary school iliibuka mshindi wa kitaifa wa shindano lwa shindano hili na muwakilishi wa Tanzania kwenye ngazi ya kimataifa munamo mwezi Novemba 2024.

Mwanafunzi kutoka  Shule ya Msingi Makuburi akipita baada ya kupokea cheti chake mbele ya Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa Total Energies, Bw Mamadou Ngom.

Baadhi ya wafanyakazi wa Total energies wakifuatilia tukio hilo kwenye hafla hiyo 

Mwisho