TANZANIA: ANALYSTS have expressed strong optimism about President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership after her appointment as Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Troika on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
They believe that her tenure could serve as a positive example for other countries in the SADC and Great Lakes regions by promoting peace, security and stability, which are essential for boosting intra-regional trade.
President Samia’s appointment was announced last Saturday during the 44th Ordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government in Harare, Zimbabwe.
The summit also addressed the Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA), which relies on the peace, security and stability of its member states. President Samia has been entrusted with this significant responsibility.
In an interview with the ‘Daily News,’ Mr Innocent Shoo, a Lecturer at the Dr Salim Ahmed Salim Centre for Foreign Relations (CFR), praised President Samia’s ability to be a role model for other member states in fostering the necessary conditions for regional trade.
He emphasised that President Samia’s domestic achievements in democracy, good governance and security could serve as a valuable example for other nations.
“Regional blocs like SADC, COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa) and EAC (East African Community) recently signed a tripartite agreement to enhance trade among African countries. Without peace and stability, such trade initiatives cannot succeed,” Mr Shoo said.
He expressed confidence that President Samia’s leadership will inspire SADC member states, particularly in conflict-prone areas such as northern Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), to work towards greater peace and stability.
Mr Dennis Konga, an Assistant Lecturer at CFR, echoed Mr Shoo’s sentiments, highlighting President Samia’s commitment to democracy, good governance and her Reconciliation, Resilience, Reform and Rebuild (4Rs) philosophy. He believes these qualities will set high standards for other member states and promote trade.
Mr Konga also said that President Samia’s appointment will serve as an inspiration to women in the region and advance gender equity, emphasising the critical link between peace, security and economic growth within the SADC region.
Dr Honest Kimario, a Lecturer at the Tanzania Institute of Accountancy (TIA) – Mwanza Campus, emphasised the significance of President Samia’s role, noting that political stability and security are crucial factors in attracting investment and tourism.
He expressed optimism about President Samia’s performance in her new position, calling her appointment a point of pride for the country and a testament to her expertise in politics, defence and security cooperation.
Professor Deusdedit Rwehumbiza from the University of Dar es Salaam Business School urged for public awareness campaigns to help people leverage the TFTA for improved living standards.
He noted that the agreement presents significant opportunities for business expansion by enlarging the market size.
Prof Rwehumbiza also highlighted the potential for increased movement of labour, particularly experts seeking opportunities in other countries and the need to address trade barriers.
However, Prof Rwehumbiza cautioned that member countries should develop mechanisms to protect their populations from illegal businesses and goods.
