GABORONE: FORMER Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda has urged Tanzanians living abroad to utilise formal remittance channels to provide the government with accurate data on their economic contributions.
He noted that such data is essential for informed policy-making and recognising the diaspora’s role in national development.
Additionally, he encouraged Tanzanians in the diaspora to explore and invest in various business opportunities available in Tanzania. Mr Pinda made the remarks during the 30th anniversary celebration of the Association of Tanzanians in Botswana (ATB), held on November 2, 2024, in Gaborone.
During the event, he highlighted the government’s active efforts to engage the diaspora more fully in national development initiatives.
He noted that Tanzanians abroad have significant potential to contribute through investments, remittances and sharing the expertise they have gained overseas.
“The government is preparing the 2050 Vision for Development and I urge the diaspora to leverage their skills and experiences from abroad to contribute to this new vision. Your input is invaluable in helping Tanzania achieve its long-term objectives,” he stated.
Mr Pinda further encouraged members of the diaspora to register on the Diaspora Digital Hub (DDH), a platform designed to help the government gather accurate statistics on Tanzanians living abroad. Through the DDH, the government aims to better understand the needs, contributions and aspirations of the diaspora community, enabling it to create policies that reflect their impact on the Tanzanian economy.
Equally, he urged the diaspora community in Botswana to act as ambassadors for Tanzania, uphold the country’s customs and foster unity.
He encouraged them to face challenges together, cooperate closely with the Tanzanian Embassy based in Pretoria, South Africa and adhere to the laws of their host country while remembering that “Tanzania is always home.”
The event was attended by prominent Tanzanian officials, including the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Said Shaib Mussa and Tanzania’s Ambassador to South Africa, Botswana, and Lesotho, Mr James Bwana.
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Prior to the celebration, the ATB held its Annual General Meeting, during which new leaders were elected. Mr Naiman Kissasi was appointed Chairman, and Peace Byengozi was named Secretary General, alongside other Executive Committee members.
During the event, CRDB Bank and KC LAND promoted services tailored to support the Tanzanian diaspora in Botswana, underscoring their commitment to meeting the financial and investment needs of Tanzanians abroad.
Mr Pinda’s presence in Botswana coincided with his role as the head of the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) for Botswana’s recent general elections, held on October 30, 2024. In a historic outcome, the opposition party, UDC, won over 31 parliamentary seats, securing a majority that enables it to form a new government in Botswana.
Mr Pinda reiterated the importance of the diaspora in driving Tanzania’s economic and social growth, encouraging Tanzanians abroad to maintain strong ties with their homeland and contribute to a shared future that reflects the values and aspirations of Tanzania’s Vision 2050.
