Huge opportunities await Nigerian investors in Tanzania – Envoy
The Tanzanian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Muhidini Ally Mboweto, in this interview, talks about the diplomatic ties between both countries, Nigerian investments in Tanzania and the appointment of former Nigerian international, Emmanuel Amuneke, as h
Daily Trust: Some people see Zanzibar as a separate island from Tanzania. Can you give us a brief background?
Tanzania is a United Republic where two independent and sovereign states of Tanganyika and Zanzibar willingly unite. Tanganyika became independent on December 9, 1961. The late Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere became the first prime minister after independence and later the first president when Tanganyika became a republic in 1962. During the partition of Africa, Zanzibar was placed under the Sultan of Oman as a British Protectorate. It continued to be under the protectorate until 1963 when it was granted independence. However, the British granted independence to Zanzibar by handing powers to the Arabs through Sultan Said Jemshid. The oppressed indigenous people were unhappy because they were still under the rule of the Arabs. On January 12, 1964, the people of Zanzibar staged a revolution under the leadership of the late Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume. They succeeded in overthrowing the sultanate rule and instituted an indigenous government. In the spirit of Pan-Africanism, the late Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume and the late Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere met and decided to merge their two countries into one country and under one Head of State. Therefore, on April 26, 1964, the Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar officially united and gave birth to the United Republic of Tanzania. Nyerere became the first president of the United Republic while Karume became the first vice president. The union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar is one of the oldest surviving unions on the continent.
DT: How do you see NigeriaTanzania bilateral relations at the moment?
Tanzania and Nigeria enjoy excellent historical relations which date back to the era of the struggle for independence, championed by the founding fathers of the two nations, Julius Nyerere of Tanzania and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe of Nigeria. The cooperation during the Frontline States (FLS) laid down a strong foundation of the current brotherly relations between our two countries. It is worth noting that the successive leaderships of both countries have sustained and continued to build on the legacy firmly laid down by the leaders. Politically, there have been state visits by the leaders of both countries. On training, there have been exchange programmes of experts and studies in various fields including defence and security to share experiences. Currently, there is one Tanzanian military officer at the Nigerian Defence College and two Nigerian military officers at the Tanzanian Defence College. The Nigerian government also provides technical support for Tanzania through the Directorate for Technical Cooperation in Africa (DTCA) under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Currently, DTCA has posted 41 science and mathematics volunteer teachers to teach in our secondary schools. The programme has been very successful. Socially, there are increased relations at the level of people-to-people as being witnessed by the youth of both countries, particularly in the film and music industries. Many Tanzanians, especially in the cities, like Nigerian music and movies. In this regard, there have been increased visits as well as marriages between peoples of the two countries.
DT: How do you view economic cooperation between both countries?
Since Tanzania embarked on the implementation of Foreign Direct Investments strategy, a number of Nigerian investors have opened businesses in Tanzania. The United Bank for Africa (UBA), Access Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) and the construction of Mtwara Cement Plant by the Dangote Group of Companies are example, to mention a few. Also, there has been increased volume of trade between Tanzania and Nigeria. To Nigeria, we export sisal fiber, textile fabrics, tea, coffee and electrical equipment, especially transformers from TANELEC. From Nigeria, we import wrappers known as Khanga, Kikoi, books, electrical and electronic gadgets, leather products, trunks, etc. There is a huge opportunity for Nigerian investors in Tanzania ranging from agriculture, tourism, commercial building to transportation and telecommunication. We have plenty of arable land for agriculture. We have rich mineral resources as well. We have gold and diamonds.
Tanzania has bilateral trade agreements and shares borders with eight countries including the Indian Ocean. These are potential markets for investors. Nigerian investors can also explore opportunities in Tanzania’s real estate industry, especially now that the government is developing the new capital city, Dodoma. The decision to move the capital from Dar-esSalaam to Dodoma was made in 1973 but implementation had been slow. Now, President John Pombe Joseph Magufuli is making efforts to ensure fast pace development. There are several incentives available to investors, among which is zero percent import duty on project capital goods, computers and computer accessories, raw materials and replacement parts for agriculture, animal husbandry, fishing and inputs for manufacturing pharmaceutical products. There are several ongoing discussions between Tanzania and Nigeria to expand relations to areas such as tourism, air service, culture and education. We hope that when concluded, they will pave way for more businesses between the two countries.
DT: Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and John Magufuli, among a few African leaders, are fighting corruption vigorously. What do you think can be done to rid the continent of corruption?
President Muhammadu Buhari has been appointed as anti-corruption champion of the African Union and President John Magufuli has promised to fight corruption with vigour. He established a special court, the Economic and Organised Crime Court, to prosecute corruption cases. The court has made big impact. Stolen funds running into millions of dollars have been recovered and there are several corruption cases pending in the court involving high government officials. Corruption ruins the society and deprives people of what belongs to them. There is need for public support. The government will get public support when they see that the anti-graft war is genuine. Whatever is recovered from the stolen monies should be used for public good. Also, international cooperation among countries including their anti-corruption bodies, is needed to win the war. It is not a one-man job. Cooperation is the key to successful anti-graft war.
DT: How do you react to the appointment of ex-Nigerian international, Emmanuel Amuneke, as head coach of the Tanzanian national soccer team?
It is a testimony of the smooth relations between Tanzania and Nigeria. The appointment will further cement the robust existing relations between my country and Nigeria. We used to get football teams from Nigeria such as Rangers International, Kano Pillars, Enyimba of Aba, et cetera, coming to Tanzania to play. We hope that the new appointment will improve the performance of the national team.
DT: Tanzania is home to some of Africa’s most famous national parks and the popular Mount Kilimanjaro, is international patronage still high?
Since Tanzania embarked on the implementation of Foreign Direct Investments strategy, a number of Nigerian investors have opened businesses in Tanzania
Tourism contributes over 17.2% to the GDP and over 25% of export earnings. Tanzania has 16 national parks and 34 game reserves, 50 game-controlled areas and two marine parks, which together occupy an area of 247,000 sq km. The Serengeti National Park is the largest among the parks, and is found in the northern part of the country with a vast number of animal species. The Mikumi National Park is the second largest with an area of 3,230 sq km, and is found in the South West of Dares-Salaam. The Ngorongoro Crater is globally recognized as the eighth wonder of the world and is found in the northern part of the country. Also, there are historical towns such as Kilwa, Bagamoyo and Zanzibar Stone town. On the average, about 300 Nigerians travel to Tanzania monthly, majority of them for tourism in Zanzibar.