Makangale SATELLITE

Na Damas Makangale, Dar es Salaam

Waziri wa Madini, Anthony Mavunde amesema Serikali ipo mbioni kujenga kituo cha kisasa cha maabara (A state of the Art) kwa ajili ya upimaji wa madini katika ukanda wa Afrika Mashariki kupitia Taasisi ya Jiolojia na Utafiti wa Madini Tanzania (GST) jijini Dodoma.

Mavunde aliyasema hayo hivi karibuni jijini Dar es Salaam wakati wa kikao na wahariri wa vyombo vya habari kilicholenga kuelezea mafanikio ya miaka minne ya uongozi wa Rais Dkt Samia Suluhu Hassan madarakani kwenye sekta ya madini hapa nchini.

“tunakuwenda kujenga kituo cha kisasa kabisa ambacho kitakuwa kinatoa huduma kwenye ukanda wetu huu wa Afrika Mashariki na tutaendelea kujitikiza zaidi kwenye tafiti , tunawekeza zaidi kwenye kufanya utafiti wa madini ili kujua hazina ya madini tuliyo nayo kwenye nchini yetu,” alisema Mavunde.

Aliongeza kwamba hicho kituo kitakuwa kitovu cha upimaji wa madini, yenye maabara za kisasa, vifaa vya teknolojia , ubora na viwango vya kimataifa na kutoa dhamani halisi ya madini yanayopima hapo.

“Tunalenga kuifanya GST kuwa kitovu cha utoaji wa huduma za kimaabara kwa Afrika Mashariki na kusini mwa Jangwa la Sahara. Kwa sasa, tupo katika mazungumzo na taasisi ya GTK kutoka Finland ili kushirikiana na wataalamu wetu kuhakikisha kazi hii inafanyika kwa weledi na ubora wa juu,” amesema Mavunde.

Aliongeza kwamba katika mipango madini wa 2020-2030 (Mining Vision) madini ni maisha na utajiri , wizara imejipanga kuwekeza zaidi kwenye tafiti ili kuendelea kubaini (deposit) kiasi cha madini ambayo tunayo chini ya ardhi na kuweka mikakati ya kufanya uchimbaji kwa kushirikisha wachimbaji wadogo , wakubwa na wa kati na wawezekaji kutoka nje.

Alisema kwamba pamoja na mambo mengine serikali ya awamu ya sita , kupitia wizara ya madini wataendelea kuwawezesha wachimbaji wadogo kwa mitambo  ya kuchoronga miamba na kuwaunganisha na taasisi za kifedha ili waweze kupata mikopo na kupanua shughuli zao za uchimbaji wa madini mbalimbali hapa nchini.

Alisema kwamba kwa upande wake wa viwanda vya ongezaji wa thamani ya madini mpaka vipo saba hapa nchini kwa ajili ya usafishaji na kuongeza thamani ya madini mbalimbali na kuchochea upatikanaji wa ajira kwa vijana wa kitanzania.

Waziri Mavunde alifafanua kwamba mchango wa sekta ya madini kwenye pato la taifa linaendelea kukua ambapo 2023/24 ilikuwa asilimia 9.0% na 2024/2025 tayari ni 10.1% tayari wamevuka lengo ambapo liliwekwa na serikali.

Katibu Mkuu wa Wizara ya Madini, Injinia Yahaya Samamba akizungumza na wahariri kwenye kikao cha thamini ya mafanikio ya wizara hiyo kwenye sekta ya madini kwa miaka minne ya awamu ya sita chini , Dkt Samia Suluhu Hassan 

Aliongeza kwamba serikali kupitia Shirika la Madini la Taifa (Stamico) wapo kwenye mikakati na hatua za mwisho za kujenga kiwanda cha madini chumvi huko Lindi kuweza kuongeza thamani ya madini hayo na kuendelea kutoa ajira kwa watanzania.

Mavunde aliogeza kwamba serikali katika kipindi cha miaka minne ya awamu ya sita imefanya marekebisho na kutunga sheria za maudhui ya ndani (Local content) ambayo imendelea kutoa fursa kwa wazawa kwenye sekta ya madini kwa upatikanaji wa kazi za migodini na marekebisho ya Uwajibikaji wa Jamii (CSR) ilicholenga kuelezea mafanikio ya miaka minne ya uongozi wa Rais Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Amesisitiza kuwa hatua hiyo ni sehemu ya juhudi za Serikali kuboresha mazingira ya uwekezaji katika sekta ya madini kwa kutumia teknolojia za kisasa na huduma bora za kitaalamu.

Mwisho.

 Na Damas Makangale,

Bank of Africa Tanzania imezindua rasmi Kadi yake ya dola ya VISA Gold, toleo jipya lililoundwa ili kuwapa wateja walio na akaunti za Dola fursa ya kuzitumia fedha zao wakiwa popote pale duniani.

Kadi hii inatoa urahisishaji ulioimarishwa, usalama na manufaa mbalimbali, na hivyo kurahisisha zaidi kuliko hapo awali kwa wateja kudhibiti fedha zao ndani na nje ya nchi.

Akizungumza katika hafla ya uzinduzi huo jana jijini Dar es Salaam, Afisa Mkuu wa Dijitali wa Bank of Africa Tanzania, Bw.Lameck Mushi, alisisitiza vipengele vya hali ya juu vya usalama na urahisi wa kadi hiyo mpya. "Visa Gold USD Debit Card ina teknolojia ya chip na PIN na malipo ya bila kugusa (contactless), kuhakikisha kwamba wateja wetu wanaweza kufurahia huduma salama, haraka, na bila vikwazo wakati wa kufanya manunuzi, iwe ni katika maduka makubwa, hoteli, duka la nguo, au kituo cha mafuta, nchini Tanzania na kimataifa," alisema Bw. Mushi.

"Kadi hii inaruhusu wateja kufanya miamala kwa utulivu wa akili, wakijua kuwa fedha zao zipo salama."

Aliongeza kwamba kadi hiyo mpya ina ulinzi wa kimataifa kwa mteja na inaweza kupatikana katika matawi yote 18 ya benki hiyo nchini nzima.

Bw Mushi aliongeza kwamba kadi hiyo ina ulinzi wa mfumo wa 3D ambayo ni wa kimataifa ambapo hata kadi ikipotea haiwezi kutumika na mtu mwingine yoyote.

“Kwa wateja ambao wanafanya miamala ya kimataifa na biashara ya mtandaoni kadi hii ni muhimu kwao kwa sababu inawawezesha kufanya shughuli hizo kwa urahisi zaidi na gharama nafuu,” alisema

Kadi ya Dola ya VISA Gold inatoa manufaa makubwa ya ubadilishaji wa fedha za kigeni (FX), na kuifanya kuwa chaguo bora kwa wateja ambao mara nyingi hushiriki katika miamala ya kimataifa. Kwa kutumia kadi hii, wateja wanaweza kuepuka kero na gharama za ada za kubadilisha fedha wanapofanya ununuzi au kutoa fedha kwa kutumia fedha za kigeni.

Miamala itakayofanywa kwa Dola za kimarekani itachakatwa moja kwa moja bila ubadilishaji wa ziada wa fedha, na kuifanya iwe suluhisho la gharama kwa malipo ya kimataifa.

Kwa kuongezea, kadi imeboreshwa kwa manunuzi ya mtandaoni, kuwezesha wateja kufanya manunuzi salama, bila usumbufu mtandaoni. Iwe ni ununuzi wa huduma za kielektroniki, mitindo au kuhifadhi fedha, Kadi ya Dola ya VISA Gold hutoa njia ya haraka na salama kwa wateja kukamilisha miamala yao ya mtandaoni kwa urahisi.

Kadi ya Dola ya VISA Gold inapatikana sasa kwa wateja wote wanaostahiki walio na akaunti ya Dola ya Marekani katika Bank of Africa Tanzania. Wateja wanahimizwa kutembelea tawi lolote la Bank of Africa Tanzania ili kutuma maombi na kufaidika na vipengele hivi vya kipekee.

"Tutaendelea kuwawezesha wateja wetu kwa huduma wanazohitaji ili kustawi katika ulimwengu unaozidi kuwa wa utandawazi," aliongeza Bw. Mushi. "Kadi ya Dola ya VISA Gold ni hatua muhimu katika kutekeleza ahadi hiyo, kutoa usalama, urahisi na manufaa ya kipekee."

 By Damas Makangale.

Although the mining sector is dominated by men, there is an increase in the participation of women in mining activities in Tanzania, thanks to women advocacy organisations like Tanzanian Women in Mining Operations (WIMO). Correspondent DAMAS MAKANGALE had an interview with Eng LIGHTNESS LADISLAUS SALEMA, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of WIMO on its role in mobilising women to participate in the mining sector, benefit from it and contribute to the country’s economy. Excerpts:

Engineer Lightness Ladislaus Salema the Chief Executive Officer of the Tanzanian Women in Mining Operation (WIMO).

QUESTION: The participation of women in various sectors of the economy has been encouraged by various stakeholders in and outside the country. To what extent has WIMO helped women to participate in the mining sector in Tanzania?

ANSWER: WIMO plays a big role in building the capacity of women through skill-building programmes in the mining sector. The programmes include training artisanal and small-scale miners in techniques, safety standards, and the adoption of environmentally-friendly practices. It also encourages women to acquire technical expertise and leadership skills to excel in the male-dominated mining sector. Recognising that access to finance is a critical barrier for women involved in mining activities, WIMO connects women entrepreneurs to funding opportunities, grants, and microfinance institutions. Thus, WIMO has laid a solid foundation for enhancing women's participation in Tanzania's mining sector. Continued support, strategic partnerships, and sustained advocacy are crucial to ensure women not only participants in the mining sector, but also drive the sector forward.

Q: What challenges do you face and how do you address them?

A: Women in the mining sector often struggle to access capital for investment in equipment, technology, and operational expenses. Traditional financial institutions may view the sector as high-risk, further limiting their options. There is also gender bias and cultural barriers. Deeply entrenched cultural norms and stereotypes are detrimental to women’s participation in the mining sector. Women may also face discrimination and exclusion from mining activities as they often face difficulties in acquiring land rights, mining licences, and other critical permits necessary to operate in the mining sector. They lack the technical expertise needed to fully engage in various aspects of mining, such as exploration and value addition. Women miners, particularly in artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), face unsafe working conditions, exposure to toxic substances, and inadequate protective equipment. Women miners lack networks and platforms to sell their products at competitive prices, restricting their income potential. While there are gender-inclusive policies, their implementation is often inconsistent or poorly monitored, thus limiting their impact on the ground.

Q: Compared to men, women's participation is still low in the mining sector. What is the status of women’s access to mining licences?

A: A relatively small percentage of mining licenses in Tanzania are owned by women. Men dominate ownership in both small- and large-scale mining operations. Many women are engaged in informal or artisanal mining activities, which often do not require official licences, but are more precarious and less profitable. The process of acquiring mining licences is often complex, costly, and bureaucratic. Women miners, particularly those in rural areas, may lack the knowledge or resources to navigate these systems effectively. Since mining licences are often tied to land ownership, women face additional barriers due to limited land rights. In many cases, customary laws and traditions restrict women's ability to own or inherit land, making it harder for them to secure mining licences. The cost of acquiring and maintaining mining licences can be prohibitive for many women, particularly those in artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM). Many women lack awareness of procedures for obtaining licences or the benefits of formalising their mining activities. WIMO provides training and legal assistance to women miners to help them understand and navigate the licensing process. Workshops and awareness campaigns are conducted to inform women about their rights and the steps involved in obtaining licences. Initiatives to provide grants or low-interest loans to women miners help alleviate financial constraints related to licence acquisition.

Q: How many active members does WIMO have? How many are mid-level miners and how many small miners are there?

A: As of now, we have 1,200 active WIMO members across Tanzania, including the breakdown between service providers, about 100 small-scale miners, and value addition category. WIMO is an organisation dedicated to empowering women and the youth in the mining sector, focusing on areas such as value addition, mining, service provider and the gemstone industry.

Q: In which way do you collaborate with the government? Can you give examples of your collaboration either through the empowerment of small miners in terms of capital or training?

A: WIMO collaborates with the government to advocate gender-inclusive policies in the mining sector. For example, it provides inputs in mining laws and regulations to ensure they promote women’s participation, collaborates with the Ministry of Minerals to create frameworks that support small-scale and artisanal women miners and engages in capacity building and training programmes. STAMICO offers technical expertise in mining operations, especially for small-scale mining projects. Through this collaboration, women miners access training programmes that improve their mining techniques, ensuring that they meet industry standards and optimise productivity. STAMICO, with its extensive resources, supports women miners by providing access to modern mining equipment. This is particularly for gold mining sites for artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM), who often lack the tools required for efficient mining. The provision of such equipment helps to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability in mining practices. The Ministry of Minerals through STAMICO engages several banks to support small-scale miners with loans and facilitates government-backed low-interest loans to support equipment acquisition and operational needs. Thus, WIMO collaborates with the government to provide women miners with access to markets through trade fairs, exhibitions, and international platforms.

Q: Does WIMO also collaborate with the African Minerals Geoscience Centre (AMGC)? If yes, in which areas?

A: Yes, WIMO collaborates with the African Minerals Geoscience Centre (AMGC) in several key areas, particularly in enhancing women's participation in the mining value chain. AMGC provides specialised training in gemstone identification, processing, and value addition to empower women miners. Women miners receive technical skills in cutting, polishing, and certification of minerals, increasing the marketability of their products. AMGC also offers mineral analysis and certification services, ensuring women miners can verify the quality of their gemstones and minerals. This enhances their credibility in both local and international markets, helping them secure better prices. Through AMGC’s expertise, WIMO members learn how to transform raw minerals into high-value products such as jewelry, decorative items and clay utensils. AMGC connects WIMO members with broader African and international mining networks, opening doors for trade, investment, and collaboration opportunities. All these have led to improved technical skills for women miners, enabling them to compete in the global market, increased income and job creation through value-added mineral products and strengthened compliance with international standards for mineral certification

Q: With regard to training, how do you help women in the mining sector and how many women have ever received training?

A: WIMO is committed to empowering women in the mining sector by providing training and capacity-building programmes that enhance their skills, safety, and business growth. These training programs cover various areas, including training in cutting, polishing, grading, and certification to help women miners increase the value of their minerals before selling, teaching responsible mining practices like mercury- and cyanide-free gold processing to promote green mining and organizing training workshops on workplace safety, proper handling of mining equipment, and compliance with environmental regulations.

Q: How many women have been trained?

A: Over 1,500 women miners have received training through WIMO’s various initiatives. In 2024 alone, WIMO trained more than 500 women miners in gemstone processing, business development, and sustainable mining practices. Madinika Initiative aims at training 1,000 miners in Morogoro this year. Through training women miners have increased their earnings by selling processed gemstones instead of raw minerals. Many have formalised their businesses and gained mining licences through WIMO’s support and more women now participate in exhibitions such as TanTrade, Mining Indaba to access better markets.

Q: How can you describe the contribution of women to the mining sector?

A: Women play a significant role in Tanzania’s mining sector, contributing across the entire value chain—from artisanal and small-scale mining to gemstone processing, value addition, and leadership. Women are actively engaged in artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), particularly in gemstone mining, gold extraction, and quarrying. Many have formalised their operations through cooperatives and associations, increasing their visibility and economic influence. Through WIMO and other organisations, more women are obtaining mining licences and entering previously male-dominated spaces. Women miners lead in value addition, including gemstone cutting, polishing, and jewelry making, ensuring that minerals are sold at higher prices instead of being exported raw. Many have transitioned into business ownership, running mineral trading companies, mining services firms, and mineral processing businesses. Programmes like Thamani Madini and AMGC collaboration have helped women develop skills in certification, marketing, and exportation of processed minerals. Women are in the frontline of promoting green mining, advocating mercury-free and cyanide-free processing methods. Some women-led initiatives focus on environmental restoration, such as tree planting in mining areas and safe disposal of mining waste.

Q: What is the contribution of the mining sector to the GDP? In terms of women, how much does WIMO expect to contribute?

As of 2023, Tanzania's mining sector contributed about 9.0 per cent to the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a notable increase from 7.2 per cent in 2021. Projections indicate that this contribution will surpass 10 per cent by this year, aligning with the objectives outlined in the National Development Vision 2025.  WIMO plays a pivotal role in this growth by empowering women within the mining industry. Through initiatives focused on capacity building, technical training, and advocacy, WIMO enhances the productivity and economic impact of women miners. While precise figures quantifying WIMO's direct contribution to GDP are not readily available, the organization's efforts significantly bolster the sector's overall performance. By facilitating women's access to mining licenses, providing training in sustainable mining practices, and promoting value addition in mineral processing, WIMO not only elevates the economic status of women miners but also contributes to the broader goal of increasing the mining sector's share in Tanzania's GDP. In summary, WIMO's initiatives are integral to the mining sector's expansion and its escalating contribution to Tanzania's economic development.

Q: What challenges do women face in the mining sector and how does WIMO address them?

A: Women in the mining sector encounter several barriers that limit their full participation and economic benefits. WIMO plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges through targeted interventions. Women struggle to obtain mining licenses due to bureaucratic hurdles, lack of legal knowledge, and financial constraints. WIMO’s solution provides legal support and guidance on the application process, advocates gender-sensitive policies to increase women’s access to mining rights and partners with the Ministry of Minerals and STAMICO to facilitate license acquisition for women miners.

Women face difficulties in accessing loans, grants, and investment funds due to lack of collateral and financial literacy. WIMO connects women with financial institutions and investors for funding, provides financial literacy training to help women manage and grow their mining businesses and works with programs like Thamani Madini to help women miners gain access to markets and increase profitability.

Many women lack the necessary technical knowledge in mineral processing, safety, and value addition, reducing their competitiveness. WIMO offers specialised training programmes in partnership with AMGC, STAMICO, and the Madinika Initiative. It also trains women in gemstone cutting, polishing, safety, and environmentally friendly mining techniques and provides hands-on mentorship to improve women’s skills in business management. Over 1,500 women have received training and technical support. More women miners are accessing licenses and formalizing their businesses. Women’s income from mining has significantly increased due to improved skills and market access. Gender inclusion in Tanzania’s mining sector has improved, with more women taking leadership roles.

Q: Who coordinates the training provided to women in the mining sector?

A: The training of women in the mining sector is coordinated by multiple stakeholders, with WIMO playing a central role. WIMO organises and facilitates training sessions tailored for women miners, collaborates with government agencies, institutions, and private sector partners to provide technical and business skills.

STAMICO provides technical training on modern mining methods, safety, and value addition and supports capacity-building programs for women involved in small-scale and artisanal mining.

AMGC trains women in mineral certification, gemstone cutting, polishing, and value addition and provides access to mineral analysis and laboratory services to improve marketability.

Madinika Initiative focuses on youth and women empowerment in mining through skills development and safety training, partners with STAMICO, the Ministry of Minerals, UNDP, and AMREF to expand outreach, and aims at training 1,000 miners in Morogoro, including women miners in finance, business management, and health and wellness.

Thamani Madini Programme provides hands-on training in mineral processing and value addition, works with regional mining officers, mining graduates, and industry experts to train women in various mining regions.

Ministry of Minerals supports policy implementation and capacity-building programs in collaboration with WIMO and other stakeholders and ensures that women miners gain access to relevant training and financial resources.

International and private sector partnerships women miners attend global mining events like Mining Indaba, where they receive market linkage and investment training and collaboration with financial institutions help women access funding and financial literacy programmes.

Ends………

Ni uwezeshwaji wa serikali ya awamu ya sita  

Na Damas Makangale, Dar es Salaam

SERIKALI ya awamu ya sita chini Dkt Samia Suluhu Hassan imetekeleza kwa vitendo miradi ya upendeleo kwa makandarasi wa ndani kutoka Tsh bilioni 10 hadi Tsh bilioni 50 katika juhudi za kuwajengea uwezo wazawa hapa nchini.

Hayo yamesemwa na Waziri wa Ujenzi, Abdallah Hamis Ulega Wakati wa ufunguzi wa mkutano wa mwaka wa mashauriano wa Bodi ya Usajili wa Makandarasi (CRB) na wadau wa sekta ya ujenzi jijini Dar es Salaam, alisema kwamba hayo ni matokeo ya serikali kuyafanyia kazi maazimio ya wadau yaliyotokana na mikutano kama hiyo.

Alisema serikali itaendelea kuboresha mazingira ya kuwawezesha makandarasi wa ndani kukua na kutekeleza sehemu kubwa ya miradi ya ujenzi inayotekelezwa hapa nchini na hata kuweza kushindana katika masoko ya nje ya Tanzania. 

Aliongeza Kwamba hiyo itasaidia sehemu kubwa ya faida itokanayo na miradi ya ujenzi kubaki hapa nchini kwa manufaa ya uchumi wa nchini lakini pamoja na mambo mengine kuongeza mapato ya fedha za kigeni kwa miradi ya nje ya Tanzania.

“Aidha, Mwenyekiti wa Bodi, kupitia hotuba yake ya kunikaribisha, ameipongeza Serikali kwa kutoa kipaumbele kwa makandarasi wa ndani kupitia vifungu wezeshi katika sheria ya ununuzi wa umma ya mwaka 2023 na kanuni zake za mwaka 2024”, alisema Ulega  

Ulega aliongeza kwamba serikali itaendelea kufanya jitihada za kuhakikisha malipo ya makandarasi yanalipwa kwa wakati kwa sababu ucheleweshaji huo unaathiri huduma kwa wananchi.

“Serikali inafanya kila jitihada kupata fedha za kulipa makandarasi na kila mara fedha zinapopatikana, kipaumbele kinatolewa katika kulipa madeni ya makandarasi wa ndani,’ alifafanua Ulega.

Waziri Ulega alitoa wito kwa waajiri nchini kuruhusu matumizi ya dhamana za bima katika shughuli za mbalimbali kwenye sekta ujenzi ili kupanua wigo kwa wakandarasi kuchagua dhamana za benki na bima.

“Wito wangu ni kwa waajiri wote kutambua kwamba mazingira ya sekta ya bima kwa sasa yameboreshwa sana na ipo mamlaka ya usimamizi wa bima nchini (Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority - TIRA), hivyo wasiwe na mashaka katika kuruhusu matumizi ya  dhamana za bima kwenye sekta hii muhimu,” alisema .

Alisisitiza umuhimu kwa makandarasi kuzingatia weledi na uzalendo katika shughuli za ukandarasi pamoja na kutekeleza miradi kwa wakati na kwa viwango vya ubora kulingana na mikataba ili wananchi waweze kupata huduma bora kwa na Thamani ya Fedha iliyokusudiwa (Value for Money). 

“Mtambue kwamba sekta yetu ya ujenzi ina mchango mkubwa sana katika kuzifanya sekta zingine za kiuchumi kufanya vizuri kupitia miundombinu mbalimbali,” alisema. 

Kwa upande wake, Mwenyekiti wa Bodi ya Usajili wa Makandarasi,  Mhandisi Joseph Nyamhanga aliipongeza serikali kwa kuwezesha utungwaji wa sheria ya manunuzi ya umma ya mwaka 2023 na kanuni zake za mwaka 2024 kwa kuzingatia ukuaji wa makandarasi wa ndani.

“Kwa mfano, sheria imeelekeza miradi yote isiyozidi TZS 50 bilioni na ikiwa inatekelezwa kwa fedha za ndani, ishindaniwe na kutekelezwa na makandarasi wa ndani pekee. Mheshimiwa Mgeni Rasmi, hili likitekelezwa ipasavyo, litatoa fursa kubwa kwa makandarasi wa ndani kukua.”

“Yapo mengine mengi mazuri katika sheria hiyo mpya na kanuni zake  kama vile waajiri kutenga miradi maalum ya kukuza uwezo wa makandarasi wa ndani, kutoa upendeleo maalum (margin of preference) kwa mzabuni wa ndani anaposhindana na mzabuni wa kigeni au kwa mzabuni mwenye ubia baina ya kampuni ya ndani na ya kigeni, pamoja na kampuni za kigeni kutakiwa kuwa na ushirika au mikataba midogo na kampuni za ndani..” alisema Mhandisi Nyamhanga.

Mwenyekiti huyo wa Bodi aliwaasa makandarasi wajiepushe na vitendo vya rushwa kwa kukataa kushawishi na  kushawishiwa kutoa rushwa na  washindane kwa haki ili kupitia mchango wao kama makandarasi, wakuze uchumi wa nchi yao na pamoja na mambo mengine umuhimu wa kuungana na kufanya kazi kwa ubia (Joint Venture) kila zinapojitokeza fursa za miradi mikubwa hapa nchini.

Naye Msajili wa Bodi ya Usajili wa Makandarasi, Rhoben Nkori alisema mkutano huo ni fursa ya mashauriano ni jukwaa linalounganisha wadau wa sekta ya ujenzi kutoka serikalini na sekta binafsi wakiwemo waajiri, makandarasi, wataalam washauri na wengineo kukutana kwa ajili ya kupeana taarifa, kushauriana, kujitathimini na kuweka mikakati madhubuti kwa ajili ya kuboresha shughuli za ujenzi hapa nchini.

Kaulimbiu katika mkutano huo wa mashauriano kwa mwaka 2025 ni “Ukuaji wa Makandarasi wa ndani; Fursa na changamoto” katika .ukuaji wa Makandarasi wa ndani kwa maslahi mapana ya nchini.

 By Staff Writer, Dar es Salaam

The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Dar es Salam launched two major projects to speed up the growth of the poultry sub-sector. It introduced a poultry disease diagnosis project and then a poultry curriculum assessment project. All these initiatives are geared towards promoting agricultural growth in quality seeds, fishing, horticulture and ensuring sustainable poultry production in Tanzania.

The two major projects aim at having a comprehensive exchange of knowledge and technology to control poultry disease and ensure a relevant curriculum is in place to sustain the growth of poultry production in the country.

Through these initiatives the Embassy recent invited Aeres Training Centre (ATC) from the Netherlands, which is an international training and consultancy hub of Aeres, a leading Dutch education group in the green domain to visit Tanzania with the aim of identifying knowledge gaps and areas for improvement.

With over 50 years of experience in practical training, ATC supports professionals, companies, and public institutions worldwide in strengthening knowledge and skills in agriculture, animal husbandry, food systems, and sustainable living.

Speaking at the official launch of the poultry curriculum assessment project in Dar es Salaam recently, the Netherlands Embassy Counsel for Economic Affairs John Mike Jagger said the embassy and the Netherland enterprises were excited for the project launch as Tanzania’s poultry production experiences rapid growth, driven by increasing protein needs of a bourgeoning population.

“We all know chickens are great at laying eggs – but today, we are here to lay the foundation for a stronger poultry sector in Tanzania,” he noted.

He said that it was wonderful to see all poultry stakeholders coming together and highlighting both the importance of poultry sub-sector and its openness to positive change and development.

He went on to say that the Tanzania poultry sub-sector held incredible potential and was experiencing rapid growth, driven by the increasing demand for protein in the fast-growing population.

“While much of the poultry sub-sector still operates informally, many poultry farmers are transitioning from subsistence farming to commercial production. This shift brings about exciting opportunities, but also the challenge of ensuring farmers have access to the right knowledge and training and investing in education and skills development is essential for improving efficiency, productivity and long-term sustainability in this sector,” says Mr Jagger, Counsel for Economic Affairs.

He said that the Dutch were familiar with the poultry sub-sector with almost five times as many chickens as inhabitants they have, but they are happy to share their insights, enhancing practical skills and share knowledge on poultry farming.

Mr Jagger stressed that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) already offered a good overview of animal husbandry. “However,” he explained, “insights from the Tanzania Livestock Training Agency (LITA) show a need for more targeted, practical and specialised training.”

Furthermore, he said the poultry curriculum assessment project would bring about exciting opportunities that would pave the way for farmers to get the right knowledge, training and skills development in the poultry sub-sector that would address unemployment in the country.

For her part, Tanzania Veterinary Laboratory Agency (TVLA) Chief Executive Officer, Dr Stella Bitanyi, said the project aims at putting in place a roadmap for the improvement of poultry farming contribution to the livelihoods of the majority of businesspersons, farmers and other poultry stakeholders.

She added that in Tanzania 96 per cent of livestock farmers kept indigenous chickens, usually in small flocks of an average of up to 20 chickens, but only supplied less than 20 per cent of poultry meat and egg demand in the country.

“The growth rate of the industry is low, with an average of 2.6 per cent per year, egg production is less than 2.5 billion eggs per year, with the consumption rate which is equivalent to one egg per person per week,” she said.

Dr Bitanyi said one chicken per person per year consumption was skewed to medium- to high-income populations in urban areas, but demand was high across the country.

“Investing in education and skills development is essential for improving efficiency, productivity and long-term sustainability in this sub-sector,” said ATC project lead Johan Hissink from the Netherlands.

He added that said a delegation from ATC would engage and collaborate with Tanzania Livestock Training Agency (LITA) and other stakeholders across Dar es Salaam, Iringa, Morogoro and Coast Region to identify areas for improvements.

This project will be implemented by LITA, and ATC of the Netherlands will underline Tanzanian poultry sub-sector problems and team up through the curriculum set-up to address them effectively.

“We are here to help develop a suitable poultry curriculum which will assist the poultry farming sub-sector to address its challenges from vocational training centres to the grassroots, especially young farmers and women in rural areas,” he explained.

He said Aeres Tech was established in 2016, following a series of mergers between existing Dutch training centres.

Director of Production and Marketing Stephen Michael said the project would also equip farmers and the youth in terms of acquiring knowledge, skills and technical knowhow on the best way to improve poultry farming.

LITA Chief Executive Officer, Dr Pius Mwambene, said the poultry curriculum assessment project would help farmers and other poultry stakeholders get more skills and technical knowhow.

“We have curriculums in poultry farming and in the agricultural sector, but this will focus on skills development by grooming farmers for efficient production,” he noted. 

Dr Mwambene added that the project aims at transforming poultry practical skills and innovations for sustainable poultry sub-sector development in the country.

The poultry disease diagnosis project seeks to address animal health challenges, while ensuring food security in the country by improving laboratory diagnosis and using new technologies for sustainable animal health.

However, the sixth phase government under Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan allowed the launch of a national campaign for the sensitisation of livestock vaccination with an estimation budget of Sh28.1 billion aiming at boosting trade in livestock and its relevant products in and outside the country.

Besides Tanzania’s poultry sub-sector experiencing rapid growth stakeholders said the poultry sub-sector was crucial for economic opportunities as it addresses unemployment challenges to the majority of young men and women in the country.

The Embassy of the Netherlands and the government collaborate to ensure the sustainability of the poultry sub-sector in the country.

Ends