Jafo vows to drive industrial development

Dr Selemani Jafo has affirmed the government’s plan to revive non-performing industries in the country
MINISTER for Industry and Trade, Dr Selemani Jafo during his visit to various industries in Mororogo Region

MOROGORO: MINISTER for Industry and Trade, Dr Selemani Jafo has affirmed the government’s plan to revive non-performing industries in the country to create job and trade opportunities for Tanzanians, especially youths and promote national economy.

Dr Jafo made the remarks over the weekend after visiting various industries in Mororogo Region including Alliance One Tobacco Company Limited, Mkwawa Tobacco Leaf Co Ltd, Mazava Fabrics and Production East Africa Ltd and Mw Rice Millers Limited.

“All regions in the country must ensure that non-performing industries are managed and coordinated to start production of goods that will compete in the international market,” Dr Jafo said.

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He also directed the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Permanent Secretary, Dr Hashil Abdallah to form a team of eight people to collaborate with the Morogoro Regional Commissioner, Adam Malima and Treasury Registrar (TR), Mr Nehemiah Mchechu to assess underperforming industries in the region.

The Minister said the team that will be formed will participate in planning how to revive non-performing industries to enable citizens, especially youth to get employment.

“I would like to direct the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry to form a team of approximately eight people that will involve Morogoro RC and the Treasury Registrar (TR) to go and check underperforming industries to make sure they imitate the Mkwawa Tobacco Leaf Co Ltd which is well performing,” he added.

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Dr Jafo also outlined the ministry’s plan to restore Morogoro as an industrial hub, echoing its status during the first phase of government under the leadership of the Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere.

He commended the management of Mkwawa Tobacco Leaf Co Ltd for their significant investments and encouraged them to serve as a model for other industries.

The Acting Executive Director of Mkwawa Tobacco Leaf Co Ltd, Richard Sinamtwa reported earlier that the industry provides direct employment to 600 individuals and seasonal employment to more than 3,000 workers.

The Chairman Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA) in Morogoro region, Mwadhini Mnyanza said that the region noted that out of a total of 12 industries in the region, seven are non-operational while five are operational.

Morogoro District Commissioner, Rebeca Nsemwa who was representing RC, Adam Malima thanked the minister for visiting the region which will solve the challenges facing the industry and business sector.

She also thanked President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan for her efforts to ensure that industries in the Morogoro region are revived and provide jobs to the citizens, especially youth.

Recently, President Dr Samia urged for the creation of domestic industrial linkages to bolster the nation’s economic base.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Saturn Corporation Limited’s truck and tipper assembly plant in Kigamboni area, Dar es Salaam, President Samia highlighted the need to leverage domestic raw materials rather than relying on imports.

“Linking industries is crucial as it facilitates the identification and utilisation of raw materials produced within the country,” President Samia stated.

She emphasised that such linkages create a symbiotic relationship among industries, thereby fostering dynamic economic development.

The assembly plant, which requires over 2,400 spare parts to produce a single vehicle, currently relies heavily on imported components.