LONGEST BRIDGE ON LAKE VICTORIA IN SIGHT

Tanzania on Monday sealed a contract for construction of the longest bridge on lake waters in East Africa to facilitate transport and trade with neighbouring countries.

The signing comes hardly four days after President John Magufuli launched a landmark Rufiji hydropower project.

The 3.2 kilometre bridge on Lake Victoria will connect Kigongo and Busisi areas in Mwanza region.

The signing of the 593 billion deal is another milestone in the country's efforts to revamp transport infrastructure, a few days after the launch of the mega hydropower project on Rufiji River, Stiegler's Gorge Power Project.

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SADC SUMMIT PREPARATIONS THRILL AMBASSADOR KIJAZI

Chief Secretary, Ambassador John Kijazi on Monday approved the preparations for the forthcoming Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit in Dar es Salaam, describing them as a great success.

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LOAN RECOVERY TECHNIQUES IN THE BANKING INDUSTRY - PART ONE

By Kelvin Mkwawa, Seasoned Banker.

Debt collection is a part of credit risk management which is defined as a practice of mitigating the probability of loan loss due to borrower’s failure to make loan payments at any given time. Bank customers expect their bankers to provide them with a loan to make up the shortfall in their budgets and the ability of the bank to survive depends on how well it manages its assets portfolio; anything shorter than that is a recipe for disaster for a bank. Hence loans make up the biggest risk for any bank and because of that, the banking industry has been focusing more attention than ever on credit management. Due to unfavourable economic conditions in emerging markets, the level of Non-performing loans has reached unprecedented levels in the last two years.

Even though the average Non-performing loans (NPLs) ratio of banks has been dropping to a manageable level for the last two years, it is still above the benchmark set by the regulator, Bank of Tanzania (BOT), of 5%. Because of this, banks are under pressure to improve their collection abilities to ensure that the NPLs are within the regulatory threshold. This has put the collection and recovery departments of banks to test and forced them to become more inventive. There is a classic motto for collectors which is still true as ever – “if you don’t call, you don’t collect” but calling itself doesn’t hold water anymore. 

Most of the customers nowadays often have debts/loans with more than one financial institution and they simply cannot keep up with payments with all of them all the time. Hence banks have no choice other than to rise to the challenge by either restructuring their internal collection and recovery team or forming strategic alliances with third-party collectors to ensure efficient collection process. So this week, I will share the steps and techniques banks can use to recover debt effectively.

SHELTER AFRIQUE AND HABITAT FOR HUMANITY IN $100M AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEAL

Pan-African real estate financier Shelter Afrique, has signed a partnership with Habitat for Humanity’s Terwilliger Centre for Innovation in Shelter, to jointly avail funding for affordable housing projects in African countries.

The partnership was formalized in Nairobi by Shelter Afrique’s CEO Andrew Chimphondah and Habitat for Humanity’s Associate Director for Capital Markets and Financial Inclusion Elena Milanovska.

Funds will be targeting firms focused on provision of housing loans to the low – middle income population in Kenya and 43 other countries where Shelter Afrique operates.

The two institutions will seek to establish an incremental building fund for Africa, capacity building in housing micro-finance, and technical assistance through the partnership. Chimphondah said the partnership will enable them to promote more inclusive housing market systems with while making the affordable housing dream a reality across Africa.

“Our research on housing finance options for Africa has shown that the penetration of housing mortgage throughout Africa is quite low- meaning that the mortgage might not be the right option for low-middle income population.”

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TANZANIA LAUNCHES RUFIJI POWER PLANT

President John Magufuli (right) meets Egyptian Minister for Energy Mohammed Shaker at the launch of the Stiegler’s Gorge hydropower plant on July 26, 2019.

Tanzania on Friday launched the construction of the 2,115MW hydropower plant over Rufiji River, defying protests by wildlife and nature conservationists about the “desecration” of the Selous Game Reserve, a Unesco Heritage Site.

President John Magufuli laid the foundation stone for the Rufiji Hydropower Project (RHPP) at Stiegler’s Gorge, and told off the lobbies opposing the project, whom he accused of seeking to benefit from hunting and accommodation businesses inside the reserve.

“There are 47 hunting blocks and several lodges charging up to $3,000 per night, from which the government gets nothing or just peanuts through taxes,” the president said.

“Today we save the people of Tanzania from shortage of power. Our envisaged industrial economy needs adequate, cheap and reliable power supply through hydrogeneration.”

VISA PARTNERS WITH ENGEN TANZANIA TO FURTHER USAGE OF ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS IN TANZANIA

Visa Country Manager for Tanzania, Olive Njoroge (left) speaks to the media during the launch of the Visa free fuel campaign. To her left is Managing Director of Vivo Energy (Engen Tanzania), Paul Muhato.

Visa Country Manager for Tanzania, Olive Njoroge (centre) and Managing Director of Vivo Energy (Engen Tanzania), Paul Muhato (left) handing over a fuel voucher worth Tshs. 5,000/- to a customer after he purchased Tshs. 50,000/- worth of fuel.

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 26 July 2019: Visa, global payment technology company and Engen Tanzania have launched a 2-month consumer campaign aimed at encouraging the use of Visa-on-mobile and other electronic payment forms when purchasing fuel at Engen fuel stations nationwide.

Tanzanian consumers are eligible to participate in the campaign, which runs from Friday 26 July 2019 to 22 September 2019. Consumers who purchase fuel worth Tshs. 50,000 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays within the campaign period using Visa on mobile or Visa-branded cards will be eligible to receive a Tshs. 5,000 voucher.

Speaking on the launch of the campaign, Visa Country Manager for Tanzania, Olive Njoroge commented: “This promotion is a win for consumers who will enjoy the security and convenience of using Visa on mobile as well as be rewarded through our partnership with Engen Tanzania.”

BENKI YA NBC YADHAMINI KONGAMANO LA UWEKEZAJI MKOANI RUVUMA

Naibu Waziri wa Wizara ya Viwanda, Biashara na Uwekezaji, Mhandisi Stella Manyaya (kushoto), akisaini kwenze kitabu cha wageni alipotembelea banda la Benki ya NBC wakati wa Maonesho ya Viwanda na Kongamano la Uwekezaji Ruvuma ambayo NBC ilikuwa ni mmoja wa wadhamini. Maonesho hayo yalifanyika katika Viwanja vya Majimaji mjini Songea Mkoani Ruvuma mwishoni mwa wiki. Wengine kushoto kwa waziri ni Meneja wa Benki ya NBC Tawi la Songea, Simon Ntwale, Ofisa Mauzo, Jennifer Peter, pamoja na Ofisa Huduma kwa Wateja wa NBC, Hilaria Mhagama.

Naibu Waziri wa Viwanda, Biashara na Uwekezaji, Mhandisi Stella Manyanya amesema Maonesho ya Viwanda na kongamano la uwekezaji Ruvuma litaleta fursa nyingi za kibiashara na uchumi mkoani humo imeelezwa mjini Songea mwishoni mwa wiki.

Alisema Mkoa wa Ruvuma umejaliwa kuwa na fursa nyingi sana na kwa muda mrefu hawakuwa wakifanya tukio kama hilo lakini sasa kupitia kongamano hilo litawafungua kuwafahamisha watu mbalimbali kuwa nini kinapatikana mkoa huo wa Ruvuma.

BENKI YA NMB YAKABIDHI MSAADA WA VIFAA VYA UJENZI, KOMPYUTA NA MADAFTARI VYENYE THAMANI YA TSH. MILIONI 25 KWA AJILI YA KUKUZA SEKTA YA ELIMU NA AFYA KATIKA HALMASHAURI YA RUANGWA, MKOANI LINDI

Mkuu wa Idara ya Huduma za Serikali wa Benki ya NMB, Vicky Bishubo akikabidhi vifaa mbalimbali vikiwemo kompyuta, madaftari na madirisha ya aluminum kwa Waziri Mkuu wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania Mh. Kassim Majaliwa kwenye shughuli iliyofanyika zahanati ya Nandangala wilayani Rukwa hivi karibuni.

Meneja wa Tawi la NMB Ruangwa, Abrahamu Eliakimu akimueleza Waziri Mkuu Mh. Kassim Majaliwa kuhusu vifaa mbalimbali vilivyokabidhiwa na Benki ya NMB.

Benki ya NMB imekabidhi msaada wa vifaa vya ujenzi, kompyuta na madaftari vyenye thamani ya Tsh. Milioni 25 kwa ajili ya kukuza sekta ya elimu na afya katika Halmashauri ya Ruangwa, Mkoani Lindi.

Vifaa hivyo vimekabidhiwa kwa Waziri Mkuu Kassim Majaliwa ambae pia ni Mbunge wa jimbo hilo katika Zahanati ya Nandagala iliyopo katika Kijiji cha Nandagala Wilayani humo.

Kwa mujibu wa Mkuu wa Idara ya Huduma za Serikali Bi, Vicky Bishubo alisema Vifaa hivyo vilivyotolewa ni pamoja na Madilisha ya Aluminium kwa ajili ya Zahanati ya Nandagala yenye thamani ya Tsh. milioni 15, mabati 56 zikiwa na Mbao zake za kupaulia vyenye thamani ya Tsh. Milioni 3.3, Kompyuta 10 kwa ajili ya Shule ya Sekondari Kasimu Majaliwa pamoja na Madaftali yenye thamani ya Tsh. Milioni 5 kwa ajili ya Shule mbali mbali katika Wilaya hiyo ya Ruangwa.

MKUTANO MKUU WA 13 WA KOROSHO KUFANYIKA NOVEMBA 7-9 MWAKA HUU JIJINI DAR ES SALAAM

Mkurugenzi Mkuu Shirikisho la wadau wa Korosho Afrika, Dk. Ernest Mintah, akizungumza na Waandishi wa Habari (hawapo pichani) wakati akitangaza kufanyika kwa Mkutano Mkuu wa 13 wa Mwaka wa Korosho unaotarajiwa kufanyika Novemba 7-9 mwaka huu jijini Dar es Salaam. Wengine kutoka kushoto ni Kaimu Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa Bodi ya Korosho Tanzania, Francis Alfred pamoja na Mkurugenzi wa Mamlaka ya Udhibiti wa Mbolea katika Wizara ya Kilimo, Dk. Steven Ngairo aliyemwakilisha Waziri wake.

Mkurugenzi wa Mamlaka ya Udhibiti wa Mbolea katika Wizara ya Kilimo, Dk. Steven Ngairo (katikati), akizungumza na Waandishi wa Habari (hawapo pichani) wakati akitangaza kufanyika kwa Mkutano Mkuu wa 13 wa Mwaka wa Korosho unaotarajiwa kufanyika Novemba 7-9 mwaka huu jijini Dar es Salaam. Kushoto ni Kaimu Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa Bodi ya Korosho Tanzania, Francis Alfred na kulia ni Mkurugenzi Mkuu Shirikisho la Wadau wa Korosho Afrika, Dk. Ernest Mintah. Hafla hiyo imefanyika hivi karibuni jijini Dar es Salaam.

Kaimu Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa Bodi ya Korosho Tanzania, Francis Alfred (kushoto), akizungumza na Waandishi wa Habari wakati akitangaza kufanyika kwa Mkutano Mkuu wa 13 wa Mwaka wa Korosho unaotarajiwa kufanyika kuanzia Novemba 7-9 mwaka huu jijini Dar es Salaam. Wengine pichani (katikati), ni Mkurugenzi wa Mamlaka ya Udhibiti wa Mbolea, Dk. Steven Ngairo, aliyemwakilisha Waziri wa Kilimo pamoja na Mkurugenzi Mkuu Shirikisho la Wadau wa Korosho Afrika, Dk. Ernest Mintah.

THE FUTURE OF BANKING - PART TWO

By Kelvin Mkwawa, Seasoned Banker.

Last week I shared that for banks to succeed, it is critical to understand the needs of the consumers as individuals, families, and communities. Also, I shared that since the cost of banking is still high in Tanzania, the majorityof people prefer to do their financial transactions through mobile financial services providers – telecommunication companies. Mobile network operators are the dominant players in Tanzania’s banking ecosystem. There are more active mobile money agents than there are bank branches and ATMs in Tanzania and mobile money services have taken off and filled the gap left by banks.

To be a sustainable industry, the traditional banking model of simply relying on providing bank accounts and access to funds will not work anymore. Competitors (telecommunications firms and financial technology companies) are eating away at significant parts of the banking value chain with the potential of limiting banks to becoming nothing more than utilities. We will continue to see companies creating similar services to tap into the unbanked pool so banks need to reinvent the current model and prepare for the future. I believe that the future of the banking industry is moving towards a system where consumers have transaction accounts that do not carry any charges and while banks are still able to maintain a successful business model by offering their customers value-added services or additional products such as mortgage loans, car finance, and savings products.

Though the idea of a free bank account might sound like a death toll for banks, it will actually drive volume growth as consumers increasingly look for safer ways to save and protect their money. The bank of the future will leverage the vast amount of insight it possesses to become central to a customer’s financial and non-financial digital ecosystem. This will enable banks to obtain a broader perspective of customer activity, transactions, mental state and emotions, allowing banks to become more relevant and contextual. Instead of “selling”, the future banking model will involve interaction with consumers similar to what Google, Amazon, and Apple are doing; offers and opportunities will be presented in real-time, based on what is happening at the moment on electronic platforms that are always on. To be able to do that, banks need to have some key components that I believe will prepare them for future banking ecosystem. Last week I shared one which is an ability to collect financial and non-financial data of consumers. This week I will share one more key component of the future banking ecosystem that banks need to have to prepare/build for the future.

VODACOM LAUNCHES SONGESHA, AN OVERDRAFT FACILITY FOR ITS M-PESA CUSTOMERS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TPB BANK

Dar es Salaam – Vodacom, the mobile financial leader in Tanzania, has recently unveiled a first in the market, a mobile money service that allows M-PESA customers to complete their M-PESA transactions when they have insufficient funds in their M-PESA accounts. This innovative solution dubbed Songesha was launched in partnership with TPB bank at an event at the company’s headquarter.

With the introduction of the overdraft service, M-Pesa customers can now use M-Pesa with ease and confidence because they have instant access to credit to enable them to make money transfers, remit bills, purchase from merchants or when they have insufficient funds in their accounts.

Speaking during the launch, the Director of M-Commerce, Epimack Mbeteni said, “Our desire to spur innovative mobile finance led us to keenly take note of our customers’ repeated transactional hurdles due to shortage of funds in their wallets which inspired us to respond with an innovative solution - an overdraft facility that enables the customer to complete M-Pesa transactions that would have otherwise failed or postponed due to shortage of funds,”

TICTS DONATION AT ILELA SECONDARY SCHOOL IN KATAVI REGION

Mr. Donald Talawa, TICTS Corporate Affairs Director handing over 1,200 bags of cement and 1,200 pieces of iron sheet worth Tshs 56 million to Mrs Rachel Kasanda Mlele District Commissioner, to assist with the construction of a girl's hostel at Ilela secondary school. The hostel is planned to accommodate 200 girls as the school is located 11 kilometers from Inyonga town in Mlele district, Katavi region and has a total of 485 students.

Mr. Donald Talawa, TICTS Corporate Affairs Director, addressing the students Ilela secondary school after handing over a donation of 1,200 bags of cement and 1,200 pieces of iron sheets to assist with the construction of a girl's hostel which will accommodate 200 girls. On the right are Mrs. Rachel Kasanda Mlele district commissioner, and Mr. Alexius Kagunze, Mlele district executive director. On the left is Mr. Deus Bundala, Mlele district council chairman.

Ilela secondary school students, teachers, and parents looking on during the handover ceremony of 1,200 bags of cement and 1,200 pieces of iron sheet donated by TICTS to assist with the construction of a girls hostel. The donation which is worth Tshs 56 million was received on behalf of District government by Mrs. Rachel Kasanda, Mlele District Commissioner, Mr. Alexius Kagunze, Mlele District Executive Director and Mr. Deus Bundala, Mlele District Council Chairman.

PLASCO EXPANDS OPERATIONS - LAUNCHES THE FIRST STATE OF THE ART PIPE FACTORY IN EAST AND CENTRAL AFRICA USING ‘WEHOLITE’ TECHNOLOGY

Minister of Industry and Trade, Innocent Bashungwa launching Plasco Ltd extension factory that uses Weholite technology which is the first in Tanzania, East and Central Africa to produce plastic pipes in Dar es Salaam recently. Third left is Plasco Limited Chief Operating Officer, Alimiya Osman and Finland Ambassador for Tanzania, Ambassador Riitta Swan (right).

Minister of Industry and Trade, Innocent Bashungwa commending the technology and the quality of pipes produced by Plasco Limited during the launching ceremony of an extension factory that uses Weholite technology which is the first in Tanzania, East and Central Africa to produce plastic pipes in Dar es Salaam recently. Right is Plasco Ltd Chief Operating Officer, Alimiya Osman.

Minister of Industry and Trade, Innocent Bashungwa addresses invited guests during the event.

24 July, 2019 – Plasco Limited in Tanzania is the largest manufacturer of plastic pipes for water supply and sanitation in the country has launched a USD 4 million factory expansion using ‘Weholite’ technology, the first of its kind in East and Central Africa used to produce Structured Wall High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes for Sewerage and Drainage, Manholes and Tanks for storm water retention and drinking/potable water. The company aims to provide modern water storage and sanitation solutions to the region through the use of this new technology that is now available in Tanzania and East Africa as a whole. The factory was inaugurated in Temeke, Dar es Salaam by the Minister of Industry and Trade, Innocent Bashungwa; other government official in attendance included the Deputy Permanent Minister of Water, Emmanuel Kolobelo.

Speaking during the event, Hon. Bashungwa remarked on the company’s use of innovative technology to accelerate the progress of the pipe manufacturing industry in Tanzania. “The ministry applauds such innovations which directly contribute to catalysing industrial development and increases the competitiveness of our industries, locally and internationally. The factory expansion and its use of cutting-edge technology is a significant milestone in the revival of the industrial economy,” said Bashungwa.

CEED TANZANIA EMPOWERS ENTREPRENEURS TO SUSTAINABLY GROW AND MANAGE THEIR BUSINESSES

A representative from CEED, Mr. Fred Laiser addresses journalists during the event. 

Ms. Elizabeth Swai, a successful poultry entrepreneur speaks on behalf of participants from Tanzania. She said she is happy to receive training from international trainers and share experience with other entrepreneurs that will enable to grow her business.

Entrepreneurs listening attentively.

26 July 2019, Dar es Salaam - The Center for Entrepreneurship and Executive Development (CEED), delivered a networking event for agri-business and food processing entrepreneurs in Dar es Salaam aimed at training and providing growing entrepreneurs with management, business knowledge, investment readiness and networking opportunities.

Addressing journalists, a representative from CEED Mr. Fred Laiser said the purpose of the event is to raise awareness of managing their business and to bring together entrepreneurs from Tanzania and outside of Tanzania to learn more.

‘‘As I said CEED's mission is to empower entrepreneurs, especially from agribusiness and food processing. Today we meet here to provide them with the knowledge of managing their business, especially when the business is growing and the challenges are increasing’, Said Fred.

BENKI YA EXIM YASHIRIKI BONANZA LA TANZANIA ON TWITTER (TOT BONANZA) KWA KUHAMASISHA UCHANGIAJI WA DAMU

Meneja Masoko na Mahusiano ya jamii wa Benki ya Exim, Bw Abdulrahman Nkondo akichangia damu wakati wa Bonanza la kijamii linalofahamika kama Tanzania On Twitter (TOT Bonanza) lililofanyika mwishoni mwa wiki jijini Dar es Salaam. Anaemuhudumia ni Afisa Mwandamizi kutoka Mpango wa Taifa wa Damu Salama (NBTS) Bw Peter Chami.

Afisa Uhamasishaji kutoka Mpango wa Taifa wa damu Salama - Kanda ya Mashariki Bi Fatuma Mjungu (Kushoto) akimuhudumia mmoja wa washiriki wa Bonanza la kijamii linalofahamika kama Tanzania On Twitter (TOT Bonanza) Bi Irene Lyimo aliejitokeza kuchangia damu wakati wa Bonanza hilo lililofanyika mwishoni mwa wiki jijini Dar es Salaam.

CRDB BANK JUNIOR JUMBO ACCOUNT

If you wish to secure the future of your children and ensure they receive quality education and world-class health cover then think Jumbo Junior Account.

Junior Jumbo Account is specifically designed for parents or guardians to save for their children’s future. Junior Jumbo is an account tailored for children below 18 years of age.

Key Features

• Account can be opened and operated in TZS, USD, EURO, GBP
• Low opening balance 
• Withdrawals are restricted to 4 times per annum
• No monthly and withdrawals charges
• Premium Interest rate
• Eligible to non-linked TemboCard Visa/MasterCard
• One child, one account

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS >>>

WADAU WAIPONGEZA SERIKALI MAANDALIZI YA MKUTANO WA SADC

Waziri wa Viwanda na Biashara, Mhe. Innocent Lugha Bashungwa amekutana na kufanya mazungumzo na Wadau mbalimbali kutoka Sekta binafsi na Serikali ikiwa ni muendelezo wa maandalizi ya Mkutano wa 39 wa Wakuu wa Nchi na Serikali wa Jumuiya ya Maendeleo Kusini mwa Afrika (SADC). Kushoto ni Katibu Mkuu wa Wizara ya Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Afrika Mashariki, Dkt. Faraji Kasidi Mnyepe. 

Katika kikao hicho wadau waliahidi kutoa ushirikiano unaohitajika ili kufanikisha maandalizi ya mkutano huo.

Kikao hicho kilifanyika katika ukumbi wa kimataifa wa mikutano wa Julius Nyerere uliopo jijini Dar es Salaam tarehe 24 Julai, 2019.

Katibu Mkuu wa Wizara ya Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Afrika Mashariki, Dkt. Faraji Kasidi Mnyepe akieleza hatua zilizofikiwa katika maandalizi ya Mkutano wa 39 wa Wakuu wa nchi na Serikali wa Jumuiya ya Maendeleo Kusini mwa Afrika (SADC) unaotarajiwa kufanyika nchini mwezi Agosti 2019.

Wadau wa Sekta binafsi na Serikali wakimsikiliza kwa makini, Dkt. Mnyepe (hayupo pichani) alipokuwa akiongea.

Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa Bohari ya Dawa (MSD) Bwana Laurean Bwanakunu akichangia jambo katika kikao.

Mkurugenzi Mtendaji wa Taasisi ya sekta binafsi Tanzania (TPSF), Bw. Godfrey Simbeye akizungumza.

Waziri wa Viwanda na Biashara, Mhe. Innocent Lugha Bashungwa (kulia) pamoja na Katibu Mkuu wa Wizara ya Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Afrika Mashariki, Dkt. Faraji Kasidi Mnyepe wakiwasikiliza wadau walipokuwa wakizungumza kwenye kikao hicho.

Kaimu Mkurugenzi Idara ya Ushirikiano wa Kikanda katika Wizara ya Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Afrika Mashariki, Bi. Agness Kayola (wa kwanza kushoto), Kaimu Mkurugenzi Kitengo cha Sheria wa Wizara ya Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Afrika Mashariki, Bi. Caroline Chipeta wakiwa kwenye mkutano uliowakutanisha Sekta Binafsi na Serikali.

Mkurugenzi wa Utawala na Utekelezaji wa Kampuni ya SportPesa, Bw. Abbas Tarimba naye akichangia mada katika kikao hicho.

Mkurugenzi Mtendaji wa Benki ya NMB, Bw. Albert Jonkergouw naye akichangia jambo kwenye kikao hicho.

Juu na chini sehemu ya wadau kutoka Sekta Binafsi wakichangia mada kwenye Mkutano huo.

Dkt. Mnyepe akiendelea kuzungumza kwenye Mkutano huo.

THE US MUST PAY ATTENTION TO NEW CHINESE CAPITAL FLOWS TO AFRICA

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa visits the headquarters of Alibaba Group with the company's co-founder and executive chairman Jack Ma, in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China September 5, 2018.

It is not just roads and railways; China's commercial interests in Africa are moving beyond infrastructure into areas of traditional US strength – FDI, private equity, and venture capital.

When National Security Advisor John Bolton unveiled the Trump administration’s new Africa strategy in December 2018, there were only two countries that he mentioned more than ten times. One was the United States, and the other was China. (The most-mentioned African nation, South Sudan, was referenced four times.)

The administration’s approach to Africa is inextricably linked to its perception of China as a strategic threat.

China’s challenge to US interests in African markets is primarily in the economic sphere: Chinese investment and trade are rapidly eclipsing those of American firms, as evidenced by a 40% annual growth rate in Chinese foreign direct investment (FDI) and tens of billions in government loans and grants over the past decade.

But there is a profound lack of understanding among US policy makers about how China actually operates in African markets. As a result, the administration could misdiagnose the true nature of the threat that China poses and misdirect the required response.

For years, US-Chinese competition in Africa has been conceptualized as a battle between Chinese and American companies over access to large infrastructure projects. This storyline focuses on the unfair competitive advantages conferred on Chinese firms by Beijing’s expansive global infrastructure financing programs.

• These lending programs are part of an ambitious foreign policy program to connect China with other regions through ports, railways, and fiber optic cables. President Xi Jinping re- branded these efforts, which started with the “Going Out” strategy in the late 1990s, as the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013.

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NATIONAL BANK OF COMMERCE PLEDGES TO SUPPORT LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES

NBC Head of Government Business Noelina Kivaria receives a certificate of appreciation from the Prime Minister Hon. Kassim Majaliwa during the 35th ALAT Annual General Meeting that was held in Mwanza recently. Looking on with a red tie is Gulamhafeez Mukadam ALAT Chairman. NBC was one of the sponsors of the ALAT AGM. 

Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa being briefed by NBC Government Relations and Corporate Affairs Manager William Kallaghe at the NBC pavilion during the 35th ALAT Annual General Meeting in Mwanza recently. Looking on the right is NBC Head of Government Business Noelina Kivaria. NBC was one of the sponsors.

Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa admiring an information leaflet at the NBC pavilion during the 35th ALAT Annual General Meeting that was held in Mwanza recently. On the left is William Kallaghe NBC Government Relations and Corporate Affairs Manager. Looking on is Joseph Boaz NBC Personal Banker. NBC was one of the sponsors of the ALAT Annual General Meeting.

The National Bank of Commerce (NBC), the oldest bank in the country with over 50 years of service to the financial sector, has pledged its continued support of Local Government Authorities.

William Kallaghe, NBC Corporate Affairs and Government Relations Manager said this during the just ended 35th Association of Local Authorities of Tanzania (ALAT) Annual General Meeting in Mwanza. NBC was one of the sponsors of the ALAT Annual General Meeting.

''NBC offers a wide range of innovative electronic solutions for District and Municipal Councils in revenue collections and efficient payment solutions that alleviate financial overheads and improves reconciliation of accounts.'' he mentioned while adding that the capabilities are further enhanced with a GePG compliant NBC footprint of Agency Banking (Wakala), POS collections, and Mobile Banking collections.

BOEING REPORTS BIGGEST EVER QUARTERLY LOSS AMID 737 MAX CRISIS

Boeing has made a $3.4bn (£2.7bn) second-quarter loss as a result of the Boeing 737 Max grounding.

In the corresponding three months in 2018, Boeing made a profit of $2.2bn (£1.8bn).

The latest variant of the twin-jet plane was grounded worldwide after two fatal crashes killed a total of 346 people.

Payouts to airlines whose planes are standing idle, as well as carriers expecting deliveries of the aircraft, have cost the planemaker $4.9bn (£3.9bn).

In both the Lion Air accident in October 2018 and the Ethiopian Airlines crash in March 2019, an anti-stall system known as MCAS was blamed.

In each case, in response to a faulty instrument reading, the software tilted the aircraft nose down relentlessly as the pilots battled to save the plane.

The Boeing chairman, president and chief executive, Dennis Muilenburg, said: “This is a defining moment for Boeing and we remain focused on our enduring values of safety, quality, and integrity in all that we do, as we work to safely return the 737 Max to service.

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VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENTS AT MACROECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE OF EASTERN AND SOUTHERN AFRICA (MEFMI)

UBA GROUP SETS TO PROJECT AFRICAN ENTREPRENEURS TO THE GLOBAL MARKET VIA ITS SECURED E-COMMERCE PLATFORM - ‘UBA MARKETPLACE’

UBA Bank Tanzania Managing Director Usman Isiaka speaks in Dar es Salaam recently during an event to introduce an E-COMMERCE PLATFORM - ‘UBA MARKETPLACE’ which gives an opportunity to allow businesses (small and medium scale) to have an online store where they can advertise and sell their products or services across the continent and beyond.

‘UBA Marketplace’ is a secure online marketplace that allows businesses (small and medium scale) to have an online store where they can advertise and sell their products or services across the continent and beyond. The UBA Marketplace is owned and managed by United Bank for Africa, a leading Pan-African financial institution in Africa with over 12 million customers. The Marketplace offers businesses personalized e-commerce site with their own unique store name to showcase their goods online thereby reaching potential customers across the globe irrespective of their physical locations.

As part of the process of enhancing the business network of African entrepreneurs, UBA Group also organizes an annual gathering of the ‘UBA Marketplace’ registered merchants, vendors, customers and other stakeholders for a two day exhibition in Nigeria. This year’s event is scheduled to be held at the iconic Transcorp Hilton Hotel, in Nigeria’s capital city of Abuja on the 26th and 27th of July 2019 with the theme “Empowering African Entrepreneurs”. This is Africa’s largest gathering of business owners and entrepreneurs and promises to be the ideal forum for the enhancement of Tanzanian entrepreneurs business connections as over 5,000 visitors and over 100 registered exhibitors across 20 African countries, plus top private and public sector players will be gracing this annual historical event.

The UBA Market is available https://www.ubagroup.com/nigeria/market-place-africa/

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION UNION (ITU)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation has received Vacancy Notice No. 21D-2019/BDT-DDR/External/D2 from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) inviting qualified Tanzanians to apply for the post of Deputy to the Director and Chief of the Administration and Operations Coordination Department (DDR).

Application details can be found through the ITU website: http://www.itu.int/employment/Recruitment/index.html.

Closing date for application is Sunday 25th August 2019.

Issued by;
Government Communication Unit,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation,
Dodoma.
18th July 2019.

RICHARD BRANSON ON THE 8 RULES HE SWEARS BY TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL CAREER AND ENJOYABLE LIFE

Richard Branson.

• Multibillionaire Richard Branson launched his first business as a teenager, and has since founded a slew of companies and conglomerates, including Virgin Records, Virgin Airlines, Virgin Express, Virgin Mobile, Virgin Hotels, Virgin Cruises and Virgin Galactic.

• He also seems perpetually set to "happy" mode, and is known to truly enjoy the life he has created — which is far more important to him than his wealth. "I've never gone into business to make money," he once said.

• Among his rules for building a successful, happy life: Be fearless in trying new things, and find a hobby that gets you outside.

By nearly any measure, Richard Branson is at the top of the success-o-meter of life. The multibillionaire launched his first business as a teenager. By 20, he had started a mail-order record business and by 22 he was running a chain of record stores. He has since founded a slew of companies and conglomerates, including Virgin Records, Virgin Airlines, Virgin Express, Virgin Mobile, Virgin Hotels, Virgin Cruises and Virgin Galactic.

But it's not just his ability to create entrepreneurial success that sets him apart. Branson seems perpetually set to "happy" mode. When he's not engaging in some outdoor sport or extreme hobby, he's spending time with family and friends he truly seems to adore.

According to Branson, creating such a life is pretty simple: love others, be grateful for all you have, be kind and be mindful. Oh, and " Never say no, just keep going until you succeed."

So take some tips from the master of success and happiness. Use these eight keys and build your own amazing life.

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UZINDUZI WA RELI YA TANGA - MOSHI UTAONGEZA KIPATO KWA MIKOA YA KASKAZINI

Mkuu wa Mkoa wa Tanga, Martin Shigela (kulia), akimsikiliza Meneja Kiwanda cha Kampuni ya Tanga Cement (TCPLC), Mhandisi Ben Lema (wa pili kushoto) katika hafla ya ufunguzi wa safari za treni za mizigo katika reli ya Dar- Tanga-Kilimanjaro uliofanyika mjini Moshi, Kilimanjaro mwishoni mwa wiki. Wengine kutoka kushoto ni Meneja Mahusiano na Mawasiliano ya Nje wa Tanga Cement, Bi. Mtanga Noor na Mkuu wa Wilaya ya Rombo, Agnes Hokororo.

Meneja Rasilimali watu wa Kampuni ya Tanga Cement (TCPLC), Diana Malambugi akishikana mikono na Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa Shirika la Reli Tanzania (TRC), Massanja Kadogosa (kulia) wakati wa hafla ya ufunguzi wa safari za treni za mizigo katika reli ya Dar-Tanga-Kilimanjaro uliofanyika mjini Moshi, Kilimanjaro mwishoni mwa wiki. Wengine kutoka kushoto ni Meneja Mahusiano na Mawasiliano ya Nje wa Tanga Cement, Bi. Mtanga Noor, Meneja Kiwanda cha Tanga Cement, Mhandisi Ben Lema na Meneja Mauzo Taifa wa kampuni hiyo, Leslie Massawe.

Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa Shirika la Reli Tanzania (TRC), Massanja Kadogosa (kulia) akishikana mikono na Meneja Mauzo Taifa wa kampuni ya Tanga Cement (TCPLC), Leslie Massawe wakati wa hafla ya ufunguzi wa safari za treni za mizigo katika reli ya Dar-Tanga-Kilimanjaro uliofanyika mjini Moshi, Kilimanjaro mwishoni mwa wiki. Wengine kutoka kushoto ni Meneja Mahusiano na Mawasiliano ya Nje wa Tanga Cement, Bi. Mtanga Noor, Meneja Kiwanda cha Tanga Cement, Mhandisi Ben Lema, Meneja Rasilimali watu wa Kampuni ya Tanga Cement, Diana Malambugi na Meneja Biashara wa Kampuni hiyo, Peet Brits.

Meneja Kiwanda cha Tanga Cement (TCPLC), Mhandisi Ben Lema akizungumza wakati wa hafla ya ufunguzi wa safari za treni za mizigo katika reli ya Dar-Tanga-Kilimanjaro uliofanyika mjini Moshi, Kilimanjaro mwishoni mwa wiki. Kulia ni Waziri Mkuu, Kassim Majaliwa aliyekuwa mgeni rasmi katika hafla hiyo.

Waziri Mkuu, Kassim Majaliwa (katikati) akipunga mkono kwa baadhi ya wakazi na mashuhuda wengine waliofika katika uzinduzi wa safari za treni za mizigo katika reli ya Dar-Tanga-Kilimanjaro uliofanyika mjini Moshi, Kilimanjaro mwishoni mwa wiki.

Baadhi ya wakazi wa Moshi na wananchi wengine wakiangalia treni la kwanza la mizigo lililobeba saruji ya Tanga Cement baada ya kuwasili katika stesheni ya Moshi wakati wa uzinduzi wa safari za treni hiyo litakalofanya safari zake katika reli ya Dar-Tanga-Kilimanjaro. Uzinduzi huo ulifanyika mjini Moshi, Kilimanjaro mwishoni mwa wiki.

Baadhi ya wafanyakazi wa Kampuni ya Tanga (TCPLC) pamoja na washuhudiaji wengine wakihudhuria uzinduzi wa safari za treni za mizigo katika reli ya Dar-Tanga-Kilimanjaro uliofanyika mjini Moshi, Kilimanjaro mwishoni mwa wiki ambapo mgeni rasmi alikuwa Waziri Mkuu, Kassim Majaliwa.

Uzinduzi wa huduma za reli kati ya Tanga na Moshi utaongeza kipato kwa mikoa miwili hiyo, kuchagiza kukua kwa sekta ya ujenzi majumba na zaidi kuifanya Tanga ijitwalie hadhi yake ya zamani enzi za kilele cha zao la katani katika soko la dunia, ambapo Tanga ulikuwa ni mji maarufu, amesema Mkurugenzi Mtendaji wa Tanga Cement Reinhardt Swart akionhea kuhusu uzuduzi huo.

Kampuni ya Tanga Cement ilikuwa ni mteja wa kwanza wa huduma hizo mpya ambazo zilisita miaka 12 iliyopita, ambapo treni hiyo iliwasili katika stesheni ya treni ya moshi mjini ikikokota mabehewa yaliyosheheni jumla ya tani 800 kwa mpigo, mzigo ambao ni swan a ule ambao ungesafirishwa na malori 30.