WANA-DIASPORA WAVUNJIKA MOYO KWA HOTUBA YA MAGUFULI YA KUFUNGA KONGAMANO!

Tanzanian Diaspora assured of government support

PRESIDENT John Magufuli said yesterday that his government remains committed to working with the country’s Diaspora in making the country's development agenda successful.

He said the government has been taking different measures, including improvement of the infrastructure aiming at creating an enabling environment that will allow members of the Diaspora to invest in national development.

"We recognise your role in social and economic development, but urge you to do more for the country.

We still have many opportunities for investment alongside supporting your individual families at home," Dr Magufuli said in a written speech read on his behalf by the Minister of State in the Vice-President's Office (Union Affairs and Environment), Mr January Makamba.

Mr Makamba read the speech at the closing of the two-day Third Tanzania Diaspora Conference held at the Zanzibar Beach Resort, saying 'Diaspora policy is in the offing.'
"You have been doing a lot sending remittances to your home to support in education, health, business and other social needs, but we need to have 'Diaspora policy', and these remittances be structured," the speech said.

Dr Magufuli said remittances contribute significantly to economical development, "but we have to move beyond by using the Diasporas' skills, knowledge and expertise to positively contribute to the growth of our economy."

He reiterated the government's call for close relations with the Diaspora, citing the example of the annual conferences, including this year’s meeting themed; "Bridging Tanzania Tourism and Investment: a New outlook", which he said were some of measures taken to encourage Diaspora engagement in the country's economic growth.

President Magufuli assured the conference that both the Union and Zanzibar governments would address challenges facing the Tanzania Diaspora, saying ‘‘Diaspora diplomacy is now one of the crucial areas to focus on should the country need to speed up its development’’.

Underscoring the importance of security and political stability in attracting investment from the Diaspora and other international investors, the President affirmed that the country is stable, urging them (Tanzania Diaspora) to avoid getting involved in criminals’ acts abroad.

Prior to Dr Magufuli's speech, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Dr Augustine Mahiga, urged the Tanzanian Diaspora to fully understand that terrorism, drug and human trafficking were real global threats.

"It is unfortunate that Tanzanians have been getting involved in these criminal acts. Avoid it. Also you can help our youth not to be recruited by investing in the country to create more jobs and hence minimising chances for the terror groups to woo our young people," Dr Mahiga appealed.

It is estimated that the Tanzanian Diaspora abroad has reached one million, who if properly organised can bring changes to their home country like it is done in such countries as Brazil, Ethiopia and India.

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