Union vexes ease as sugar issue settled

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Vice-President Ambassador Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi (far centre), Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba (right) and Zanzibar Second Vice-President Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, witness the signing of an agreement to resolve sugar import dispute from Zanzibar into the Mainland Tanzania. Signing the documents are Minister for Industry and Trade, Judith Kapinga; Minister for Labour and Investment of Zanzibar, Sharif Ali Sharif (left) and the Attorney General of Zanzibar, Mwinyi Talib Haji

ZANZIBAR: AS the Union marks 62 years, one of the remaining Union issues, the long-standing sugar import dispute, has been resolved and removed from the agenda, reducing pending matters from four to three.

The breakthrough was reached during a Joint Committee meeting between the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar on Union matters, held in Zanzibar.

Chaired by Vice-President Emmanuel Nchimbi, the meeting brought together leaders and technical experts from both sides to deliberate on outstanding issues and strengthen cooperation within the Union.

The sugar import dispute had been among the four unresolved Union matters, and its settlement marks a significant step in ongoing efforts to address long-standing challenges between Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.

The resolution is expected to improve trade relations between the two sides, particularly in enhancing market access and streamlining business operations involving sugar and related products.

Following the agreement, the number of outstanding Union matters has now dropped to three, reflecting steady progress in resolving key issues and deepening collaboration between the two governments.

The remaining matters include revenue-sharing from Zanzibar’s stake in the former East African Currency Board and profits from the Bank of Tanzania, implementation of the Joint Finance Commission recommendations and motor vehicle registration arrangements between Zanzibar and Mainland Tanzania.

Dr Nchimbi described the development as an important milestone in strengthening the Union, noting that continued dialogue and cooperation remain central to resolving the remaining issues.

The progress comes amid broader efforts by both sides to enhance the Union’s contribution to national development, in line with ongoing initiatives to promote economic growth, stability and shared prosperity.

Meanwhile, Vice-President Emmanuel Nchimbi has called on citizens to safeguard peace and security, stressing that national unity remains the foundation of stability and development.

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Speaking in South Unguja region yesterday, Dr Nchimbi urged wananchi to strengthen cooperation with security agencies and remain vigilant in protecting the country’s peace.

“Peace and unity are national treasures that every Tanzanian must protect,” he said.

He noted that the Union continues to play a central role in maintaining stability and strengthening cohesion, while delivering benefits in key sectors including health, education and economic development.

Dr Nchimbi paid tribute to founding leaders, Abeid Amani Karume and Julius Kambarage Nyerere, for their role in uniting Tanganyika and Zanzibar.

He made the remarks while inaugurating a new Immigration Office building in Central District, Dunga, as part of activities marking the Union anniversary.

The Vice-President emphasised the importance of public vigilance, calling on citizens to report illegal immigrants and individuals violating conditions of their stay.

Immigration Commissioner General Anna Makakala said that between 2021 and 2025, the government approved over 32.7bn/- to strengthen service delivery infrastructure and staff housing on the mainland, while Zanzibar received 19.1bn/- between 2020 and 2025 for similar improvements.