ADC candidate pledges to legalize dual citizenship

KATORO: THE presidential candidate for the Alliance for Democratic Change (ADC), Wilson Mulumbe, has pledged that if elected in the 2025 general election, his government will legalize dual citizenship for the diaspora.

Speaking during a campaign rally held in Katoro Township Authority in Geita Region, Mulumbe said that an ADC-led government would establish a friendly system that allows members of the Diaspora to fully participate in national development.

“As of now, Tanzania is among only four out of 56 African countries that have not allowed dual citizenship. This has become a major barrier preventing Tanzanians living abroad from fully engaging in building the nation,” said Mulumbe.

He stated that, if elected, he will ensure Tanzania joins the 52 other African nations that have already adopted dual citizenship, making Tanzania the 53rd country on the continent to do so.

Citing an example, Mulumbe noted that the lack of a dual citizenship framework has discouraged many Tanzanians abroad from contributing to national development and has instead led them to support the economies of other nations.

“Currently, Tanzanians in the Diaspora send about 800 million US dollars back home each year, compared to Kenyans who send over 5.7 billion US dollars. That’s a difference of more than 4.9 billion dollars, which we could potentially capture if we created a more enabling environment for our Diaspora,” he explained.

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Mulumbe further emphasized that his goal is to ensure Tanzanians abroad contribute over 3bn US dollars annually to the national economy if dual citizenship is permitted and supporting structures are put in place.

“This would help increase government revenue, reduce the tax burden on citizens, and ultimately improve the standard of living for Tanzanians,” he said.

He added that the current heavy tax burden has especially hurt small business owners, many of whom are running at a loss instead of making profits. He stressed the importance of establishing alternative sources of income to reduce dependency on taxation.

“We ask you to vote for us. ADC’s policies are directly focused on improving the lives of ordinary Tanzanians and easing the economic hardships they are facing,” he said.