Tanzania Roundup: Internet disruptions, low leather purchase, WHO health services

Internet disruptions affect banks, telcos

Banks, telcos, and other service providers in Tanzania are working to enhance their internal systems to cope with a nationwide internet disruption. The outage, caused by damage to subsea cable systems, has led to increased reliance on internal systems and physical branches to serve customers. According to The Citizen, some companies, such as Tigo Tanzania, have maintained internet services through alternative links. The government is working to attract more investors in the sector to improve resiliency. The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority monitors the situation and works with service providers to restore connectivity. Service providers are focused on ensuring continued service despite the internet outage.

Low leather purchase

The value of raw leather traded in Tanzania decreased by 22.7 percent in 2023, totalling Sh1.63 billion ($628,131). This is attributed to low quality and an inefficient collection system. The Citizen reports that the Lake zone accounted for the largest share of the traded products, with hides and skins valued at Sh786.7 million (about $303,159). Leather products have great potential for regional and international markets due to high demand. Tanzania is uniquely positioned with eight bordering countries, giving a total regional market size of more than 150 million people, and there is also the potential to sell the products to tourists visiting the country.

Tanzanian Foreign Minister to visit China

Tanzania's Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation January Yusuf Makamba will pay an official visit to China from May 16 to 20, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin announced on Wednesday, May 15. According to Xinhua, Makamba's visit is at the invitation of Members of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi Wang said.

WHO to improve health services

WHO has partnered with 11 non-state actors in Tanzania to improve health services and achieve universal health coverage. WHO posits that the collaboration aims to leverage these organisations' expertise, resources, and networks to address the country's health challenges, focusing on promoting good governance, accountability, and transparency in the health sector. The signing of the MOUs reflects the critical role of partnerships in advancing healthcare in Tanzania. Selected organizations expressed gratitude for the initiative and affirmed their commitment to transforming lives and improving healthcare access in the country.

Clean cooking solutions for schools in Africa

SEforAll and WFP announce partnerships to bring clean cooking solutions to schools in Africa, starting with Tanzania. The move aims to improve health, economic, and environmental outcomes by transitioning schools to clean, affordable, and reliable cooking solutions, such as eCooking, reports IPP Media. The initial phase targets 50 schools in Tanzania, with plans to reach 10,000 schools and 5 million children globally in the next 3 years.