Dar es Salaam. Good morning! The Chanzo is here with a rundown of major news stories reported in Tanzania on Tuesday, October 3, 2023.
Tanzania acquires new Boeing 737- MAX9
Tanzania on Tuesday celebrated the arrival of Air Tanzania’s first fuel-efficient 737 MAX single-aisle jet, with experts describing the development as “a significant milestone” for the airline as it became the first carrier in Africa to receive the larger 737-9 model.
Led by Vice President Philip Mpango, Tanzanians received the plane at the Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) in Dar es Salaam. The aircraft’s arrival, dubbed ‘Olduvai Gorge,’ makes Air Tanzania’s fleet reach 13 planes, including one cargo plane.
According to Boeing, the 737 MAX family offers enhanced efficiency, improved environmental performance, and increased passenger comfort in the single-aisle market.
With CFM International LEAP-1B engines and advanced technology winglets, the 737 MAX reduces fuel consumption and emissions by 20 per cent compared to its predecessors.
The new plane is capable of medium-haul flights and can handle any direct or non-stop flight with a flight duration of up to eight hours.
It has a capacity of 181 passengers, with 165 in economy class and 16 in business class. It can also carry six tonnes of cargo volume.
Ladislaus Matindi, the Managing Director of Air Tanzania, expressed his excitement about acquiring the Boeing 737-9, stating that it marks a momentous occasion reflecting the spirit of the Wings of Kilimanjaro.
He emphasised that this advanced aircraft fulfils the company’s promise to deliver an extraordinary experience to its customers. The addition of the 737-9 enhances Air Tanzania’s fleet capabilities and demonstrates its commitment. Matindi also expressed his appreciation to Boeing as an invaluable partner in enabling their vision.
Anbessie Yitbarek, Boeing’s vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa, highlighted the significance of the 737 MAX delivery for Air Tanzania.
The 737 MAX is suited to connect the airline to prominent markets in Africa, providing enhanced capability and flexibility across its network. Yitbarek emphasised that the 737-9, with its versatility and fuel efficiency, will support Air Tanzania’s goal of opening new opportunities and expanding its network.
Air Tanzania currently has a network of 14 domestic destinations, 8 regional destinations, and 2 intercontinental destinations. With the new plane, ATCL plans to add five new domestic destinations: Pemba, Tanga, Mafia, Nachingwea, and Musoma.
India’s Army Chief General addresses Tanzania’s National Defence College
India’s Chief of Army Staff, General Manoj Pande, Tuesday addressed Tanzania’s National Defence College, where he gave a lecture on the ‘Current Security Scenario and need for joint efforts through Bilateral Collaborations.’
General Manoj Pande is on an official visit to the East African nation from October 2 to 5, 2023, reinforcing the long-standing defence ties between the two countries.
Pande’s visit coincides with the second India-Tanzania Mini DEFEXPO, currently underway in Dar es Salaam, showcasing India’s growing prowess in the indigenous defence industry.
During his visit, Pande also called on Major General Wilbert Augustine Ibuge, Commandant at the NDC, and discussed bilateral ties between the two armies.
General Pande also laid a wreath at the Commonwealth War Memorial in Dar es Salaam and paid obeisance to the Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during the First World War. Both the Indian and Tanzanian Army offer vacancies for each other in professional military courses, according to a press release.
This has helped the personnel from both countries build strong bonds, exchange ideas and share best practices. The Tanzanian Army has consistently participated in the UN Peacekeeping training in India over the last five years.
Similarly, a Training Team of the Indian Army has been deployed at Command and Staff College, Duluti, since the year 2017, the release added.
Pande’s visit to Tanzania is expected to consolidate further the high-level bilateral defence engagements and close defence ties shared between India and Tanzania.
The bilateral defence relationship between India and Tanzania has been described as “robust and thriving.” The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation in October 2003 laid a strong foundation.
This cooperation was further underscored by the second meeting of the India-Tanzania Joint Defence Cooperation Committee held in Arusha, Tanzania, on June 28 and 29, 2023.
As part of his visit to Tanzania, Pande will also visit Zanzibar and call on Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi, a statement said. Furthermore, he will interact with the Commander of the 101st Infantry Brigade, General Saidi Hamisi Saidi.
Why ministers should not be Members of Parliament
If ministers are not required to be Members of Parliament, the government has a wider pool of candidates to choose from. This means ministers can be selected based on their skills, experience, and expertise rather than simply their political connections.
This can lead to a more competent and effective government. For example, a government may be able to appoint a minister of finance who is a renowned economist, even if that economist is not a Member of Parliament.
If ministers are appointed from outside parliament, they are more likely to be technocrats or experts in their respective fields. This can lead to a more competent and effective government.
Full analysis here.
New EU-funded initiative to promote trade, investment for East African small businesses
The European Union (EU) and the East African Community (EAC) on Tuesday formally launched the second phase of the EU-EAC Market Access Upgrade Programme (MARKUP II) at a ceremony held in Arusha.
MARKUP II, a €40 million regional initiative funded by the EU, is set to unlock the full potential of agribusinesses within the EAC, according to a statement released Tuesday by the EU Embassy in Dar es Salaam.
Implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC) in collaboration with the EAC Secretariat, MARKUP II will strengthen EAC’s small businesses through enhanced regional and international trade in close partnership with the East African Business Council, EAC Partner States, business support organisations, and local institutions.
Full story here.
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