RUKWA: THE government has called on Tanzanians from Rukwa Region living abroad to return home and contribute to the area’s economic growth through investment and development initiatives.
The statement was made by the Deputy Minister in the President’s Office (Public Service, Management and Good Governance) and MP for Kwela Constituency in Rukwa Region, Mr Deus Sangu, during an event marking the 50th anniversary of Rukwa’s official establishment in 1974.
“By bringing back capital, skills, and expertise, the diaspora can support local businesses, create job opportunities, and contribute to sustainable development in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure,” he said.
He said their involvement not only strengthens the region’s economy but also fosters national pride and helps reduce emigration pressures by offering opportunities for growth within the country.
Equally the deputy minister has in invited serious foreign and domestic investors to explore the untapped potentials and underutilised investment opportunities in the area.
He said Rukwa is strategically positioned between Lakes Tanganyika and Lake Rukwa plus its rift valley basin which are also endowed with unexploited arable land.
Besides the local market, he said Rukwa shares borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the eastern part and Burundi across Lake Tanganyika which are potential export destinations.
Furthermore, he noted that Rukwa has huge untapped investment opportunities are in agriculture, tourism and hospitality, mining, livestock, forestry, education and factories. On top of that, plans are underway to turn the two regions into national bread baskets which can feed the entire nation and neighbouring countries, though no serious investor has come forward.
The regions sit on arable land suitable for food and industrial crop production which is paramount for the region to promote its potential investment prospects.
The event was organised by Jukwaa la Maendeleo Mkoa wa Rukwa ‘JUMARU’ aims at providing an opportunity for the government, citizens and stakeholders to share feedback on the progress and plans for the region’s economy.
“My appeal is that others should come and invest, making use of the investment opportunities offered by this region,” he said.
He commended the Board and Management JUMARU initiative for the excellent preparations of the event which also promotes investment opportunities and boosting the region’s economy.
“Rukwa region is strategically well-placed geographically and we have a sufficient labour force. We remind our fellow citizens, both locally and abroad, to remember home, despite their work commitments elsewhere,” he said.
Mr Sangu also encouraged Rukwa residents to support the regional government’s efforts and work together to effectively implement the region’s development goals.
Adding: “We thank President Samia Suluhu Hassan for the efforts in implementing people-centred projects. Private sector should tap on the conducive environment for business through construction of industries, hotels and other key sectors including agriculture, health, education and minerals,” he emphasized.
On his side the JUMARU’s, Secretary General, Mr Peter Kanyengele, said the event made possible for stakeholders and citizens to come together to reflect and identity the factors hindering economic growth in the region.
On top of that the Rukwa soils allow crops like cashew, palm and sunflower to grow easily and are raw materials for agro-industries.
“There is also potential to invest in the sectors that produce livestock products like milk, skin and hides as well as animal feed,” Mr Kanyengele said.
Equally, he urged people to double the production of cash and food crops, saying that the region had conducive weather pattern with plenty of rainfall and fertile valleys suitable for agricultural promotion.
Acting Rukwa Regional Administrative Secretary, Eng David Sebyiga, told this paper on the sideline of the meeting outlining ongoing projects in the region, including the construction of Ilemba irrigation project at the cost of 21bn/- Eng Sebyiga was representing Rukwa Regional Commissioner Mr Makogoro Nyerere at the meeting.
He explained that also the government is implementing mega projects, including improved tarmac roads and repair three marine vessels on Lake Tanganyika including iconic ‘MV Liemba, MV Mwongozo and MV Sangara steamers to ease transportation of people, service and goods.
He explained that President Samia was committed to ensure that major infrastructures including roads and bridges, especially those on border areas including Rukwa region are completed with aim to link Tanzania with neighbouring countries including Zambia, Burundi and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Equally, Eng Sebyiga assured Rukwa residents that the construction of the state – of – the art agro – processing will be implemented during 2024-25 financial year under the proposed Tanzania Cities Transforming Infrastructure and Competitiveness (TACTIC) project.
